Buddhism is not a belief system that one subscribes to or professes. It is a moral, mental and spiritual system of purification and integration. It does have a philosophical outlook (existence is craving and dissatisfaction; this craving and dissatisfaction are caused by attachment/grasping/desire; it is possible to exist without grasping and suffering; the path is the eightfold path of right views, intention,speech, action, effort, livlihood, concentration and mindfulness). But you don't have to "believe" all that. In Buddhism you train in morality (easily shared by all other faiths), concentration and insight, or wisdom. Each training builds on the other. Moral behavior and thought brings peace, which allows concentration. Concentration is the basis for a stable and continuous observation of internal sensory and mental impressions - and this last makes up the practice of insight/wisdom. One realizes that such impressions are not lasting, that they are not oneself or any such thing, and that they are fundamentally unsatisfactory - or not! Look for yourself! But training in morality and concentration are required first. This is deep truth about self and reality, frens. It will change you deeply, in a good way. That's why people have made it a religion. But the Buddha asked that no images be made of him!
Daniel Ingram's "Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha" (Second Edition) is probably the best place to start.
(continue flinging poo now)
