Is Buddhism a religion?

Buddhism is often described as a religion[1] and a collection of various philosophies, based initially on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, known as Gautama Buddha.To many, however, Buddhism is a set of spiritual teachings and practices rather than a religion. Buddhism is also known as Buddha Dharma or Dhamma, which means roughly the "teachings of the Awakened One" in Sanskrit and Pali, languages of ancient Buddhist texts. Buddhism began around 5th century BCE India with the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, hereafter referred to as "the Buddha."

2007-10-13 03:29:51 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋

Buddhism is often described as a religion[1] and a collection of various philosophies, based initially on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, known as Gautama Buddha.[2] To many, however, Buddhism is a set of spiritual teachings and practices rather than a religion.[3] [4] Buddhism is also known as Buddha Dharma or Dhamma, which means roughly the "teachings of the Awakened One" in Sanskrit and Pali, languages of ancient Buddhist texts. Buddhism began around 5th century BCE India with the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, hereafter referred to as "the Buddha." [5]

2007-10-13 03:29:06 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋

As I understand the word "religion", I believe that Buddhism is definitely one.

2007-10-13 03:29:31 · answer #3 · answered by Mr. Vincent Van Jessup 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋

One person wrote that Buddhism is not a religion because they do not believe in God. Evangelical Christians perpetuate this myth to keep their followers in line with their doctrine. Buddhists seek a direct relationship with "God" by getting beneath the layers the mind to experience shunyata. Which is very close to how old christian mystics described their experience of realizing God. Sufi's try to see God in every blade of grass, etc. I don't understand the limitation of God's presence on earth to Jesus Christ who lived 2000 years ago.
Another religious aspect of Buddhism is living a preceptual life. Not necessarily to get to heaven but so that we can live in harmony with others on this planet.

2007-10-13 04:20:18 · answer #4 · answered by chuck 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋

Depends on the practitioner, I suspect. There are some who actively worship the Buddha as a god. There are others who listened to what he said about that and don't.

2007-10-13 03:36:31 · answer #5 · answered by Doc Occam 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋

It is not a religion because they do not believe to a specific God.
They are just up to wellness of mind, by living a simple and light life.

2007-10-13 03:31:35 · answer #6 · answered by charlie 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋

religion by definition is "a system of beliefs", therefore Budhism is a religion as is atheism as well as evolutionism

2007-10-13 03:36:45 · answer #7 · answered by songndance1999 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋

more a philosophy, but (to some), closer to a religion.

2007-10-13 03:29:54 · answer #8 · answered by robert43041 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋

Is Christianity?

2007-10-13 03:29:41 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋

yes my mum is a one

2007-10-13 03:56:41 · answer #10 · answered by <Darcy> 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋

Is Buddhism a religion?

18 answers