I'm well aware that there are many different types of Buddhism, so I'm looking for the fortune-cookie sized description of the various kinds of induction/process/rituals/ceremony involved for the lay follower.

I am a Hindu, but I like Buddhism. How does that work? Does one need to convert to practice Buddhism? If so, how does one convert to Buddhism? Can anyone convert to Buddhism? Or can I just practice without converting?

Whenever an unbeliever starts inquiring regarding Buddhism or the Buddha's teaching, do Buddhists see this as providence leading the unbeliever to Buddha's faith or something else? Does Buddhism's notion of providence extend beyond karma?

I was reading a particular question about conversion. This particular answer discusses how one converts to become a buddhist: https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/questions/2031/how-does-conversion-work-in-buddhism > First of all, there isn't one agreed upon definition about when you > are truly a Buddhist. Some people say you are a Buddhist if you > consider yourself to be one, others say you need at least several > years training from an acknowledged Buddhist teacher. Is it possible to become a buddhist without a formal teacher or formal teaching? If so, does one just learn from online experiences and research?

Lately I've been wondering if I (or someone, any person) is religious, agnostic, etc., by nature.