What are the prerequisites or resources for practicing Buddhism?

According to Master Haiyun there are three prerequisites in learning Buddhism:
1. A wholesome character
2. A normal or healthy life style of living
3. The urge to find out the Truth of Life.

When one character is indecent or badly twisted, one is not ready to start practicing. One needs to try to correct the indecency or flaws in one’s character first. Without a wholesome character, one does not or cannot reflect or introspect. That is why having Right Views and Right Thought is important.

Then one needs to have a health life style of living. For example people who indulge themselves in gambling, drugs or alcohol, there are voids or emptiness in their spirits that require patch-ups. For a Buddhist who pamper himself in any kind of obsession is unhealthy, it is a sign for improvement. People who do not get along with their family, colleagues and friends are not ready for serious practicing. Here is where having Right Speech, Right Action and Right Living come in.

With a wholesome character and healthy life style, one naturally has the desire to higher fulfillment, to improve the existing status quo or to find out the Truth about life. Here is where having Right Effort, Right Mind and Right Concentration come in.

Only when we have the three prerequisites fully attained, we are ready to walk the Bodhi Path. Otherwise we need to spend our effort in acquiring these prerequisites first.

Notes:
The Eightfold Noble Paths are: Right Views, Right Thought, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Living, Right Effort, Right Mind and the Right Concentration.