Is Buddhism a religion or a way of living?

Answer 1

Buddhism is certainly a "way of living," although it's not a lifestyle. Buddhist practice helps us live lives of clarity, wisdom, and compassion. And that's a fine way of living, don't you think?

Is Buddhism a religion? Well, Buddhism doesn't require faith in doctrine or a creed. You don't have to believe in any gods or deities. There are texts you can study, some of which are said to be the words of Buddha. But these texts aren't viewed as holy.

Of course, most Buddhist centers/temples have altars, forms for behavior, chanting, and other aspects of religion. Not to mention monastics and priests. And those who go to temples frequently are often expected to make donations or pay dues.

So perhaps it's best to think of Buddhism as a spiritual tradition. In my mind, this concept incorporates both the religious and practice aspects of Buddhism.

Answer 2

Check out the book called "The Monk and the Philosopher: A Father and Son Discuss the Meaning of Life". It is a record of the unique dialog between Ricard (French-born monk, PhD holder) and Revel (French writer and philosopher).

The father questioned about if Buddhism is a philosophy or a religion.

1) the monk think it is closer to metaphysics.
2) it is not a religion of blind faith
3) it encourages/requires one to scrutinize the teachings, and only accept it after doing so
4) it bridges the gap between philosophy and religion

May all sentient beings benefit from Buddha's teaching :)

Answer 3

Both. However, here's something you should consider about that religion:

"Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?" Gal. 4:16

Buddha's Sacred Tooth Makes State Visit to Taiwan

Issue Date: July/August 1998

Americans enamored with eastern religions would do well to study carefully their bondage of superstition. Two recent news reports illustrate Satan's hold on the Oriental people.

One comes from Taiwan where the premier recently presided over the arrival of one of Buddha's teeth. The 2,400 year-old relic is said to be one of three teeth found in the ashes after Buddha's cremation.

It was flown in on a chartered plane from India and was met by cheering throngs led by Taiwan's Premier Vincent Siew. Siew offered a public prayer to the tooth, "Let us have peace and harmony in our society."

Buddhist believers expressed confidence that the tooth's presence would end a string of bad luck in Taiwan from plane crashes to corruption scandals. One food company executive waiting for a glimpse of the tooth at the airport said, "Once the tooth has arrived, our troubles will be over."

The second event was in India near the headwaters of the Ganges river. In the holy city of Haridwar, an estimated 10 million Hindus gathered in mid-April for a dip in the sacred river to wash away their sins and try to break the cycle of death and rebirth called reincarnation. Many entered the river clad only in holy ashes or thin clothing. Some traveled many hours by train or even overseas. One pilgrim from Toronto, Canada said, "This is the last chance to free ourselves from sins before the end of the millennium."

The festival, called Kumh Mela, is held every three years in one of four sacred cities along the river. Twenty-five thousand police attempted crowd control by yanking people out of the water if they lingered too long. The Kumbh Mela bathing ritual is considered earth's largest religious gathering. The Ganges is believed to be ritually pure by Hindus but nearly 700 towns and cities dump 312 million gallons of waste into the river daily.

Jesus said that when we know the truth it will make us free. A look at such superstitious bondage shows us just what we have escaped. We must first rejoice in that truth and freedom. But to whom much is given, much is also required. We are commissioned to show this truth to as many as we can.

Answer 4

It is both for some people. It is neither for some people. Consider the following for lay people:

I observe the precept of abstaining from killing any living beings.
I observe the Precept of abstaining from taking what is not given by the owner.
I observe the precept of abstaining from committing sexual misconduct.
I observe the precept of abstaining from telling lies.
I observe the precept of abstaining from taking any intoxicant or drug that causes forgetfulness.

What do you think now?

For the monks, there are 227 different laws including above.

The aim of doing these things is to reach high moral level and to strengthen mentality. This is to avoid bad happening and also to achieve higher wisdom in meditation.

Metta or compassion or universal friendliness is also what all Buddhist are supposed to keep. This is simply for peace. Without peace, one cannot do one's job. For Buddhist, job is meditation.

Buddhism meditations are complex and also simple. The most common one is to be breathing in and out and concentrating on it or keep entire awareness in this - just not to let one's attention go away.

All of these are to achieve nibbanna - freedom from everything or absolute freedom.

Therefore, for lay people, Buddhism is the way for living and also religion. For some people, it's the way to escape from sufferings, aging and death, and eventually from samsara or life-cycle. Sufferings, aging and death are known as sankhara. Existence is not controllable - anatta - or naturally as it is so you cannot change it.

So the aim of a Buddhist is to get out of lifecycle - sufferings, aging and death.

Please read the following.

Answer 5

it is both. all religions are both religion and way of life...religion and way of life are the same thing (sorry for being so confusing)

Answer 6

It is both.