hilosophy is defined as the rational investigation of the truths and principles of being, knowledge, or conduct; religion is defined as a particular system of faith and worship. Buddhism teaches one to develop their mental capacity to the fullest in order to fully understand life. Buddhism also teaches one to end the worlds suffering through compassion and doing good onto others. Buddhism expresses the importance of finding oneself and the true meaning of life; therefore, it is a philosophy rather than a religion.
The philosophy of Buddhism is centered around self-discovery, and therefore can be classified as a philosophy. The Kalama Sutta, a discourse of Buddha states, “Do not go upon what has been acquired by repeated hearing; nor upon tradition… when you yourself knows… (it will) lead to benefit and happiness” (Thera 9). This quote directly relates to self-discovery in Buddhism. From Sutta’s teachings it is taught one should not believe in things simply because they are told or it’s a tradition, but to discover it for themselves and in return benefit in a deeper meaning of life. This reassures the statement of Buddhism being a philosophy rather than religion because it expresses the importance …show more content…
Many Americans pursued the Buddhism teachings for its pillars on how to live. The PEW Research Center predicts a rise in Buddhist practitioners, “In North America, for example, the Buddhist population is projected to grow by more than 2 million, from 3.9 million in 2010 to nearly 6.1 million in 2050” (Wormlord 7). This shows a growing number of Buddhist followers in modern day North America. As more people practice the Buddhist teachings in their lives, the more of a rise one will see in the number of Buddhist practitioners. This being said, more and more people will use the Buddhist teachings as a building block to living a full and compassionate
The philosophy of Buddhism is centered around self-discovery, and therefore can be classified as a philosophy. The Kalama Sutta, a discourse of Buddha states, “Do not go upon what has been acquired by repeated hearing; nor upon tradition… when you yourself knows… (it will) lead to benefit and happiness” (Thera 9). This quote directly relates to self-discovery in Buddhism. From Sutta’s teachings it is taught one should not believe in things simply because they are told or it’s a tradition, but to discover it for themselves and in return benefit in a deeper meaning of life. This reassures the statement of Buddhism being a philosophy rather than religion because it expresses the importance …show more content…
Many Americans pursued the Buddhism teachings for its pillars on how to live. The PEW Research Center predicts a rise in Buddhist practitioners, “In North America, for example, the Buddhist population is projected to grow by more than 2 million, from 3.9 million in 2010 to nearly 6.1 million in 2050” (Wormlord 7). This shows a growing number of Buddhist followers in modern day North America. As more people practice the Buddhist teachings in their lives, the more of a rise one will see in the number of Buddhist practitioners. This being said, more and more people will use the Buddhist teachings as a building block to living a full and compassionate