CONGRATS! Buddhist-to-be 
Truly difficult it is
to have entered the Buddhadoor in this lifetime.
Originally posted by la lapine blanche:
I would be grateful for some advice on the following issues.
I have been studying Buddhism on a fairly superficial level for
about 4 years - it started by using meditation/breath observation
for stress relief. I have become more and more interested in it,
and have been particularly helped by the books of Thich Naht
Hanh.
I feel now that I would like to commit to following the precepts of
Buddhism more officially. I'm a little confused about the
following:
1. Do you "become" a Buddhist by undertaking to follow the five
precepts officially in front of an ordained monk or something? (I
am planning to join a Thich Naht Hanh-inspired sangha soon, so
maybe they will be able to help me).
You become a Buddhist by taking refuge in the Three Treasures,
Buddha, Dharma, Sangha, preferably taking it with an ordained monk
and Sangha community. You should first find a good Sangha which you
are comfortable with and then take refuge.
2. I have read about so many different texts that seem to form
part of the Dhamma, and am confused by all the Sutras, etc. How
many teachings are there that make up the official literature of
Buddhism, is it possible to buy them all together in one book or is
that wishful thinking 
Hope this doesn't sound silly. would be grateful for advice.
Many thanks
Buddha taught for 45 years after his enlightenment.
You are right that there are simply so many sutras - that it is
impossible to finish reading them. What you should do is to follow
an enlightened teacher who can guide you and practise what he/she
taught. That will be a lot faster - otherwise you can read all the
sutras and yet not become enlightened.
