Your confusion about the contradiction between Buddhist teachings and the behavior of Buddhist monks in Myanmar is understandable.

If, indeed, your dad has instilled Buddhist values as part of your life training, then you have a good ethical foundation to work from.

"Becoming a Buddhist" means studying the Buddha's basic teachings, thinking about them, and testing them with your own experience.

Every Tibetan Buddhist you ask will describe a different practice routine based on personal circumstances. Monks and nuns have more time for practice than lay practitioners.

In all of his teachings—given over 40 years—the Buddha never commanded his followers to do anything.

The seed of a nonvirtuous action causes an unfortunate rebirth, which can include birth as an animal of any type—mammal, bird, reptile, or insect.