Buddhists - Do you consider Buddhism a religion or philosophy?

Answer 1

It is not a religion...it is more of a philosophy or a way of life. It has nothing to do with Gods or worshiping anything. It is just a way to be "aware" of you surroundings and how you cope with everyday stresses.

In fact, it discourages you from treating it as a religion. Religion relies on too many unknowns.

Answer 2

I am not Buddhist, but Buddhas original teachings were a philosophy to help people. Over the years, others turned it into a part religion.

Answer 3

A religion. But all religions are, to some extent, philosophies too...

And religion and philosophies can be interlinked. That's what happened in China for two thousand years: Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism!

Answer 4

I'm not Buddhist myself, but, I guess it depends on whether or not you believe in the deities.

If you believe them, then yes, Buddhism is a religion(polytheistic). If you are an atheist following Buddhism, then it is a philosphy.

Answer 5

buddhism has in reality an similar cosmology as hinduism there is an infinity of larger beings and better worlds. yet buddhism doesn't position self belief in a author god. those who pick to be atheistic and buddhist can do it in spite of the indisputable fact that it falls lower than incorrect view contained in the noble 8 fold route. agnostic buddhist makes better experience because someone doesn't ought to settle for as authentic what they have not in my view experienced yet go away the door open for the prospect of it being authentic. it truly is a faith because the international calls it a faith. it is the concept the overall public of the international has the same opinion upon.

Answer 6

Both..there is always philosophy in religion..I once read the The first part of the buddhist holy book, it says that those who thinks they r clever is stupid, but those who thinks they r not clever is intelligent.
The statement is philosophy..i have only read that and no more

Answer 7

To many, Buddhism goes beyond religion and is more of a philosophy or 'way of life'. It is a philosophy because philosophy 'means love of wisdom' and the Buddhist path can be summed up as:
(1) to lead a moral life,
(2) to be mindful and aware of thoughts and actions, and
(3) to develop wisdom and understanding.
Buddhism depends more on understanding than faith.

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:

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.

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.

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 8

Probably a religion since it concerns itself with future states of existence after death. Even though there is no god in Buddhism a type of afterlife is definitely present.

Answer 9

Philosophy - an incredibly useful and true philosophy, but does pre-suppose a belief in a higher power

Answer 10

Buddhist is an atheistic religion based on philosophical teachings of Lord Gautama Buddha. It teaches impermanent of life. Everything must change, and all things are in transient.

It does not have any dogma and would not promise you heaven if you believe it.But it warn you of hell if you do not practice good deeds. However, they are also temporary realms.

The emphasis in this faith is you are your own messiah and you seek your own salvation by practice good morality.

No blind belief...As Life is UNCERTAIN, DEATH IS...