Buddhism: Religion or Philosophy? To properly answer this question we first need to define the difference between religion and philosophy because while religion and philosophy deal with many of the same ideas they are different. Religion revolves around commitment, faith, worship, and the supernatural, whereas philosophy revolves around criticism, doubt, and the nature of reality, the mind and conduct. Some definitions of “religion” are a belief in and the worship of Gods; any system of belief and worship based on revelation and faith; a belief in supernatural beings or elements. Religious practices also involve ceremonies such as christenings and funerals. Religion is passionate, irrational, and messy. Some definitions of “philosophy” are
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First of all, Buddhism did not have any supernatural elements such as Gods, demons, or miracles in the beginning. In fact, Buddhists are atheists. Now as time has gone on the Buddhist followers have begun to practice worship ceremonies, prayers, monks similar to nuns in religions, and build temples and statues of the idol Buddha but these are not requirements of the beliefs. Second, the goal of Buddhism is enlightenment or wisdom, not salvation. Religion is about how you live and behave and about earning your pass into some form of afterlife. Buddhism is about the way you think, understand and interpret the world around you. The main obstacle in religion is committing sin or evil deeds, while in Buddhism the main obstacle is confusion and ignorance. Religions have an unquestionable authority but Buddhism does not encourage obedience to authority or faith.
Finally, Buddhism teaches the idea or “no self” or “immortal soul” whereas religions are based on the belief in an immortal soul and heaven. Buddhists believe that the sense of being a permanent autonomous self is an illusion. Buddhists main concern has always been the freedom that comes through ethical action, meditation, and in direct insight into the nature of “things as they truly are”. Buddhists sought this understanding through philosophical analysis and rational
First of all, Buddhism did not have any supernatural elements such as Gods, demons, or miracles in the beginning. In fact, Buddhists are atheists. Now as time has gone on the Buddhist followers have begun to practice worship ceremonies, prayers, monks similar to nuns in religions, and build temples and statues of the idol Buddha but these are not requirements of the beliefs. Second, the goal of Buddhism is enlightenment or wisdom, not salvation. Religion is about how you live and behave and about earning your pass into some form of afterlife. Buddhism is about the way you think, understand and interpret the world around you. The main obstacle in religion is committing sin or evil deeds, while in Buddhism the main obstacle is confusion and ignorance. Religions have an unquestionable authority but Buddhism does not encourage obedience to authority or faith.
Finally, Buddhism teaches the idea or “no self” or “immortal soul” whereas religions are based on the belief in an immortal soul and heaven. Buddhists believe that the sense of being a permanent autonomous self is an illusion. Buddhists main concern has always been the freedom that comes through ethical action, meditation, and in direct insight into the nature of “things as they truly are”. Buddhists sought this understanding through philosophical analysis and rational