Characteristics Of Buddhism

There are a variety of definitions describing what religion is and what its components are, however, each definition can bring one to a closer understanding of what a religion truly is. John R. Hinnels, a professor of theology at University of London, defines religion as “a general term used to designate all concepts concerning the belief in gods and goddesses as well as other spiritual beings or transcendental ultimate concerns." The relevance of this definition is the way it approaches most of the characteristics of the majority of religions around the world. Buddhism is a way of life in which many people regard as a religious belief or faith. Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism are some of the major world religions, which all have …show more content…
Buddhism is solely intended to address the critical issue of human existence, the presence of suffering (Dharma), and it does so without reliance upon the supernatural mysteries or myths of a typical religion, including a God (Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi). This shows that Buddhist beliefs have nothing to do with the worship of a God, and are aimed and the improvement of each individual’s human life, throughout their own intention and endeavors. The Buddha is not a deity and only intended to help others reach enlightenment. From the words of Buddhist Monk Ven Bhikkhu, it is evident that Buddhism takes a straightforward look at our human condition, and everything that the Buddha taught has been based on his own observation of the way things are. Furthermore, Buddhists are encouraged to test everything they hear, and to see if it stands up to their own standards/common sense. Other religions teaches people to have faith in your God, which is entirely the opposite of Buddhist teachings of only believing what is your own common sense. It is not within the power of the Buddha to wash away the impurities of others (Worldwide Buddhist Information and Education Network). This differs from the other world religions, which teach the belief that your faith in your God will guide you through your life and turn you away from sin. In light of these …show more content…
Prayer is defined as “a spiritual communion with God or an object of worship, as in supplication, thanksgiving, adoration, or confession” (Dictionary.com). Seeing that Buddhism does not have a God, it also does not have prayer. Some people may consider meditation as a form of prayer for Buddhists, however, meditation is about the guided transformation to enlightenment, and is used for self-change (Why Do Buddhists Meditate?). This is a distinct practice for Buddhists, greatly differing from prayer, which is a form of communication with God. Additionally, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, and Islam all contain a Bible or teachings from their major deities. Generally, the Bible, the Qur’an, the Torah, and others are a collection of teachings all contained in one book for people to live by. The Buddha did in fact provide people with teachings, but did not create one book of guidelines for people to lead their lives along. The basic concepts in Buddhism are summed up by the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path (Worldwide Buddhist Information and Education Network). The distinction between these and the other religions’ scriptures or texts is the fact that they revolve around stories and history from the word of God that are intended to be believed, while the Buddhist teachings are more philosophical and for your own interpretation. The core of Buddhism is these teachings, which depend upon seeing and