People are always saying Buddhism is not a religion, the ones who say this aren't Buddhist. How do they know?

Question

Buddhism is a religion. It is also a philosophy. Why answer questions when you don't know what you are talking about?

Answer 1

Buddhism is both a religion and a philosophy, if you choose to believe in the religious aspect you can be religious, you can also choose to believe in the philosophy (like me) and seek enlightenment, or you can choose both. It's not like you go to hell or what not if you don't believe in it.

Answer 2

I am too a Buddhist. But how does one define as a religion? As having a divine being to look up to? Having an afterlife scenario?Or just having a fixed set of beliefs?

For the first condition, actually Buddhism does not fall into that category. Siddharta Gautama (Lord Buddha) never told his disciples to worship him as a divine being. He merely wanted to teach what he had personaly experienced so that others can also be enlightened and reach the state of nirvana.

Similar to Christianity, the followers of Buddha did what the followers of Jesus Christ did, confer divineship to the masters. Hence, concerning divinity, Buddhism is not a religion.

If religion context is taken as the latter conditions, then yes, Buddhism can be considered a religion.

Answer 3

I'm guilty of talking about Buddhism, but not being a Buddhist. I have friends who are Buddhists. They tell me that some people practice Buddhism as a religion, but others only practice it as a way of life, unlike the Western idea of religion.
So they don't like to call it a religion, because that makes Weserners think they know what it is when they don't.
What I know about it is from the people I talk to and books I've read. My own meditation practice is based on Buddhist meditation and it isn't religious at all. I think that to say it is a religion is to over-simplify.

Answer 4

Buddha didn't create a religion. But the people make **** out of every good thing."Now, don´t believe my words because a Buddha told you, but examine them well. Be a light onto yourselves."
Two thousand five hundred and fifty years ago, the historical Buddha enjoyed unique circumstances for passing on his teachings. Born into a highly developed culture, he was surrounded by exceedingly gifted people. After reaching enlightenment, he shared his methods for discovering the mind for a full forty-five years. It is for this reason that his teachings, called the Dharma, are so vast.
The Kanjur, Buddha´s own words, consists of 108 volumes containing 84,000 helpful teachings. Later commentaries on these, the Tenjur, amount to another 254 equally thick books. This makes Buddha´s final evaluation of his life understandable: "I can die happily. I did not hold one single teaching in a closed hand. Everything that may benefit you I have already given." His very last statement sets Buddhism apart from what is otherwise called religion: "Now, don´t believe my words because a Buddha told you, but examine them well. Be a light onto yourselves."

The Buddha, based on his own experience, realized that each one of us has the capacity to purify the mind, develop infinite love and compassion and perfect understanding, and through meditation find solutions to all our problems. Buddhism does not force preset ideas on you, and furthermore all other religions are tolerated. By showing respect for another person's religion, a Buddhist demonstrates the confidence he has in the strength of his own religion.
As a Buddhist you are not dominated by an all-knowing, almighty, judging power. And you are definitely not expected to blindly believe in the things you read or study about Buddhism. Lord Buddha often asked people to go out themselves and find out if what he taught was correct.
For a Buddhist there is no god he can ask for forgiveness and thereafter carry on with his life as usual. He must learn to stand on his own two feet, and will pay for his mistake in either this life or the next. That fact might make it easier for you to understand, why seemingly innocent people are hit by tragedies in their lives apparently without reason.
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Buddha
Journal Entry: Fri Aug 4, 2006, 10:58 PM
The Buddha was not a God, but a historical person, an enlightened teacher. Over 2,500 years ago He explained the origin of the universe, without the help of a supernatural force, an explanation which corresponds very closely to today's scientific theory (The Big Bang). He believed that the God-idea has its origin in fear, when he said: “Gripped by fear men go to sacred mountains, sacred groves, sacred trees and shrines”. Even today people tend to become more religious during crises.

“Put an end to evil, fulfill all good, and purify the mind” is Lord Buddha's advice, and it is still so universal and timeless, that anyone can benefit from it, whether you are Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Taoist, or Buddhist. It is worth to note that through times Buddhism has never had a religious war.

Answer 5

World Religions 101

Answer 6

Actually I prefer that buddhism be considered a philosophy and a way of life. It is such a humble belief and practice that it would be a shame to see it go the way of most other religions.

Answer 7

I respect your opinion but I must disagree, Buddhism is a way of life that can lead to many differ ant paths the one you choose is
a religion if you want to call it that, but as a Buddhist you must know that it must be argued to the conclusion of the truth.

Answer 8

i was raised Buddhist. It is a religion. Religious scholars consider it a religion. don't worry about popular opinion

peace and blessings to all

Answer 9

Buddha says not to worship anyone or anything but he told to know the self and he did it. When you follow him you are a Buddhist. If you worship him you are not.

Answer 10

Many claim Buddha said not to make a religion of this ...in deference to the originator......how would any one know anything?