is buddhism a religion-?(buddhist only please answer)?

Question

Debate going on- (My point of view is yes, as it offers a code to life- (instructions on living) The rest of my family, suggest that it's not a religion as buddah never created anything and isn't a god? But a state of mind, phylosophy?? What do you think?

My question is genuine, not meant to insult anyone, and it's one I've been trying to research with no clear answers!

Answer 1

As a practicing Buddhist of the Tibetan tradition, this is a frequently asked question. Buddhism is a religion--but it's not. Buddhism is a philosophy--but it's not. Buddhism is a way of life.

May all be at peace.

John

Answer 2

I'm a Zen Buddhist.

It could go either way and it depends entirely on how you define religion. Most definitions of religion out there have a deity involved. By that definition, then no. Additionally, the way some Buddhists practice Buddhism kind of leaves off a lot of what would be considered the religious trappings, so they aren't really practicing a "religion."

However, the definition I use (a sociological/anthropological one defined by persons engaged in the study of religions) has Buddhism as a religion. My definition of religion says that something is a religion if it has some degree of the following:

1) Belief System: aka worldview. It's a systematic interpretation of the world/universe and humanity's place therein.
2) Community: The belief system is shared by a group.
3) Central myths: Stories that express the beliefs that are retold and often reenacted.
4) Ritual: Beliefs enacted and made real through ceremony.
5) Ethics: Rules about human behavior, usually viewed as originating from the supernatural, but can be socially generated.
6) Characteristic emotional experiences: emotions or feelings that a person feels is connected to the belief system and that are common to the group, rather than just the individual.
7) Material expression: physical elements from inanimate objects, animals, and plants to vocal or artistic expressions that are associated with the religion and often elevated.
8) Sacredness: A distinction between the sacred or holy and the ordinary or mundane.

Because Buddhism does contain all of these (in some place moreso than others), I would classify it a religion, even the way I practice it which is relatively barebones. Buddha certainly never intended to start a religion and considered it a philosophy. For a long time, that's all it really was, but as the word of the philosophy spread, local religious rituals were added to it and it became a religion.

I, personally, prefer to think of it as a religion. It feels more comfortable to me that way for now because it does a lot of things for me that my former religion was supposed to do. In the end, though, I don't consider it too much. The label is not really in keeping with samma-ditthi (right view) because it's attempting to put things into the box we call expectation (the thing that makes more dukkha).

So, I suppose you could tell your family that Buddhism as a religion depends on which dictionary you prefer to use.

Answer 3

Buddhism is a teaching of the universe that can withstand time and space,the Buddha encourage all to ask and investigate and it is a good question,it should not be taken as an insult [those who take it as an insult,are those Buddhist who take Buddhism as a religion] Buddha Dharma is also Universal Law,they do not owned by the Buddha,they are there in the universe,they were there [in the universe],they will be there,the laws belong to everyone of us,you are a child of the univeres,are you not? Humans are filled with defilements and not able to see the truth and Buddha come to teach us the truth,if all are too good or too bad,he did not need to come at all.The state of man has been so evil that they want to gain control of others that even when you go to Heaven you will still be the son or slave,that is religion,you will not be at par with the one above that'save' you,this teaching is not religion because even if you are a Buddhist,if you mind is evil you will still descend to the lower realms of hell,hunger ghost or animal,Buddha cannot save you,he only show you the way,YOU have to save yourself,with deligent practice,when you become a Buddha,the teacher become your friend not your father or master.Do you call the type of teachings a religion? There is a question for you,in this universe who is not a Buddhist? Lots of Buddhist have mistaken the finger for the moon, BTW there is some interesting article in http://www.moonpointer.com [do not mistaken the road sign as the destination] May Buddha be with you,

Answer 4

I tend to agree with almost every answer here, because there really is no yes or no answer. It is generally more common in the east, particularly in Tibetan Buddhism that it is considered a religion. In the west, not so common. If you ask ten Buddhist, you probably get ten different answers, all of which will be reasonable.

Personally, I consider my practice to be religious in nature, but as is mentioned above, I also find it of little use to be concerned with the question.

I would like to say about the term 'atheism' when used in conjunction with Buddhism. Not all Buddhists feel the same way. Although I suspect we would all agree that there is no support for the belief in a independent, creator G-d, what we consider as god-nature will vary considerably.

Atheism is a nihilistic belief, and Buddhism for the most part subscribes a belief in neither nihilism or eternalism - therefore the use of the description of 'atheist' I think can be confusing. Again, this is not to say that a Buddhist who claims to be an atheist is wrong, but it would be incorrect to say Buddhism is atheistic.

So, I think my answer is perhaps not of so much help in settling your family discussion, but perhaps it is useful in gaining a better understanding of the breadth of belief amongst the various Buddhist tradition.

May all beings be well and happy.

Answer 5

If Buddhism isn't considered a religion according to the Western or Christian standard of the word I 'd rather suggest you consider it a science of the mind(again the better translation of this word is citta which means heart and differs to mind).
The Buddha never claims to be God. Buddha means Lights of wisdom ,close to the word Discovery. There had been many Buddhas before the One,but it's only Him who turned towards the mankind and spent every hour of his life sharing and teaching what he discovered for
45 years....how to beat the way of this world.
If we agree that a human being is composed of body and citta/mind,the modern school of medicine is taking care of the former while Buddhism is taking care of the mind. There has been no greater psychoanalyst to this day.
I grew up as a Christian and learned that God as well as Vishnu was created politically at a critical time in the past. A Creator? not so sure.
Did I answer your question? Have my metta and mudita, pantini

Answer 6

Does it really matter if buddhism is a religion or not? The most important thing is what is it all about and not if it is a religion.

However, somehow, people love to create the distinction between religion and none religion.

For example, atheism is not a religion by definition, but christians loves to call it a religion and appoint a figurehead to it. Buddhism, if you follow christians' definition of calling atheism a religion, is a religion. However, christians will dismiss it as a religion because there a fixed value and doctrine within buddhism that they cannot find fault with, therefore they call it a philosophy of life and not a religion.

Answer 7

Buddhism is a different religion as Prince Siddartha Gautama of Lumbini after awakening under a Bodhi tree, gave Buddha Dharma to the mankind. Buddha Dharma means "Teachings of the Awakened One."

Yes, it is a state of mind, it is a philosophy or set of ideas(which may or may not apply for your life). But the basis of Buddhism has left India long time ago,and is now getting importance in revival in the country of origin. As geographic reason, it is a different religion.

It is a religion because it involves the elements of belief, faith and self- transformation, which do belong to some philosophies as such but which I believe are more characteristic features of religions.

In a sense philosophy and religion are related. It is a very grey area sort of. Hope this helps.

Answer 8

i'm a scholar of Buddhism, although i won't be in a position to call myself a real Buddhist. i've got confidence while you're gonna communicate the communicate you gotta stroll the stroll. The christians taught me that. As for having a seperate class, i'm not so specific. the international is schizmatic enuf as that's. perhaps we could learn from one yet another. Be it sturdy or undesirable, expertise is what i've got confidence we are here for. although, can Buddhism additionally be talked approximately as a "faith" consistent with say? it style of feels the extra I learn the extra i seem at it as a thank you to realize enlightenment by way of existence residing experiencing evrything.

Answer 9

All depends on your definition of "religion". Without specifying of this notion the answers always would be arbitrary according to personal conceptions. For example I myself understand the word "religion" etymologically as "re-union" (from Latin "re-ligio") and so I would answer "no", because the ultimate goal of Buddhism, generally speaking, is not unifying with something or someone, but liberation from all conditioned existence. But of course there could be different answers and they could be true too. That is why such talks have value only on conventional level. They are mere words and do not touch the essence. The language we use is rather misleading. I think we should better see things for ourselves, not only talking about them.

Answer 10

Hello. I'm a Buddhist too. ( Nichiren Buddhism) The core philosophy is expressed in the concept of human revolution, a process of inner transformation. The purpose of this practice is cultivate our Buddha nature that highest life condition
everybody possesses in our life. As a result of that,our words, thoughts, and actions we take will make positive change for ourselves and people around us.
" thinking positively " itself does not change the fundamental element in our lives which make us unhappy and unfulfilled as person.
Nichiren Buddhism is a religion that can actually apply philosophy to everyday reality and live meaningful and valuable life.