Buddhism. Religion or philosophy?

Answer 1

Buddhism is a path of practice and spiritual development leading to Insight into the true nature of life. Buddhist practices such as meditation are means of changing oneself in order to develop the qualities of awareness, kindness, and wisdom. The experience developed within the Buddhist tradition over thousands of years has created an incomparable resource for all those who wish to follow a path - a path which ultimately culminates in Enlightenment or Buddhahood.

Because Buddhism does not include the idea of worshipping a creator God, some people do not see it as a religion in the normal, Western sense. The basic tenets of Buddhist teaching are straightforward and practical: nothing is fixed or permanent; actions have consequences; change is possible. Thus Buddhism addresses itself to all people irrespective of race, nationality, or gender. It teaches practical methods (such as meditation) which enable people to realize and utilize its teachings in order to transform their experience, to be fully responsible for their lives and to develop the qualities of Wisdom and Compassion.
Buddhism explains the reality of life and the universe: that all beings are equal by nature and that all teachings are equal. The Buddha said many times that the wisdom to understand the true reality of life and the universe, and the virtuous abilities to cultivate are all already within our true nature. Buddhism teaches us to have a broad mind, one that overflows with sincerity, purity, equality, proper understanding, and compassion. Everyday, we must strive to awaken to this reality. Being contented with all conditions and settings is a good example for all, and striving for attainment of freedom of mind and spirit will help to awaken. From this, we can see that the Buddha is a compassionate multicultural educator who is worthy of emulation.
Buddhism is Not a Religion. According to the Webster's Dictionary, the definition of religion is as follows, "An organized system of beliefs, rites, and celebrations centered on a supernatural being power; belief pursued with devotion."
Buddhism is not a religion because:
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First, the Buddha is not a 'supernatural being power'. The Buddha is simply a person who has reached Complete Understanding of the reality of life and the universe. Life refers to ourselves, and universe refers to our living environment. The Buddha taught that all beings possess the same ability to reach Complete Understanding of themselves and their environment, and relieve themselves from all sufferings to attain utmost happiness. All beings can become Buddhas, and all beings and the Buddha are equal by nature. The Buddha is not a God, but a teacher, who teach us the way to restore Wisdom and Understanding by conquering the greed, hatred, and ignorance which blind us at the present moment. The word 'Buddha' is a Sanskrit word, when translated it means, "Wisdom, Awareness/Understanding". We call the founder of Buddhism Shakyamuni Buddha because He has attained Complete Understanding and Wisdom of life and the universe. Buddhism is His education to us, it is His teaching which shine the way to Buddhahood.
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Second, the 'belief' in the Buddha's teachings is not blind belief, or blind faith. Shakyamuni Buddha taught us not to blindly believe what he tells us, he wants us to try the teachings and prove them for ourselves. The Buddha wants us to know, not merely believe. The Buddha's teachings flow from his own experience and understanding of the truth, and shows us a path of our own to taste the truth for ourselves. The Buddha uses a perfectly scientific way of showing us reality in its true form.
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Third, Buddhism is not a religion because all the 'rites and celebrations' are not centered on a supernatural being, but rather the people attending the assemblies. The ceremonies and celebrations in Buddhism all serve an educational purpose, a reminder of the Buddha's teachings and encouragement to all students who practice it. The point of the ceremonies is to help others awaken from delusion and return to Wisdom and Understanding.
Finally, Buddhism is not a religion because the 'devotion' used in Buddhism is not one based on emotion, but one based on reason. Students of the Buddha are devoted to their practice of maintaining Purity of Mind because this practice brings true happiness. We are devoted to helping both ourselves and others attain Complete Understanding and Wisdom. Our devotion is to become Buddha.

Answer 2

I guess it's more philosophy than religion since by most accounts, Buddha was not a god, but a man who achieved enlightenment. Buddhism teaches a way of life. Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and most other religions teach you how to prepare for death.

I think the Buddhists are way ahead of the game on this one.

Answer 3

Both. In the sense that religion inspires philosophy in one way or the other. It may have been a philosophy that people ultimately turned into a religion. Much like Judaism or Christianity.

Answer 4

Buddhism is both - for some religion - for some philosophy. A lot of Catholic and Protestant people do some Buddhist things, like meditating and yoga.

Answer 5

in my opinion I see it as a faith because it is composed of the supernatural and that's my definition of religion. I particularly have copied and pasted a quote right here that disagrees with me however. i assume, finally, you will desire to make up your individual innovations. In my journey, people who say Buddhism is a philosophy and not a faith usually advise it as a compliment. they try to assert, i think of, that Buddhism is something different than the superstitious rubbish they have self belief faith to be. in this view, faith is a jumble of primitive folklore that humankind drags interior the path of the a protracted time like a cosmic protection blanket. faith is passionate and irrational and messy. yet philosophy is the flower of human mind. it particularly is genuine looking and civilized. faith conjures up conflict and atrocity; at worst, philosophy incites common arguments over coffee and dessert. Buddhism -- some Buddhism, besides -- is a prepare of contemplation and inquiry that would not count number on concept in God or a soul or something supernatural. consequently, the belief is going, it won't be able to be a faith.

Answer 6

My friend a philosophy when followed becomes religion, you can say that buddhism is a religions, jesus christ and prophet mohammed and many other what they preached was their philospohy which when people accepted became a religion. Even buddhist have rites and ritual, a pure philosophy does not have any rites and rituals.

Answer 7

Buddhism is a philosophy. NOT A RELIGION

You can fine more information using this link
http://online.sfsu.edu/~rone/Buddhism/footsteps.htm

Answer 8

Buddhism is both, physically and mentally. It is one of the most tolerant and peaceful religions in the world and highly respected for that fact.

Answer 9

buddhism is a teaching...it's not a religion like christianity, islam or even hinduism....Buddha was an Indian prince turn into philosopher of life and after life...his teachings were converted into some of "religion" by people.

Answer 10

Buddhisn is a religion