Starting out with a basic question: Do you believe that Buddhism is actually a religion or is it a philosophy? When you think of Buddhism do you think of it as a religion or as a philosophy of life? There is a great deal of difference of opinion on this, even among Buddhists.
Dictionary. com defines religion this way:
"7 results for: religion
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This
re·li·gion Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun
1. a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.
2. a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects: the Christian religion; the Buddhist religion.
3. the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices: a world council of religions.
4. the life or state of a monk, nun, etc.: to enter religion.
5. the practice of religious beliefs; ritual observance of faith.
6. something one believes in and follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics or conscience: to make a religion of fighting prejudice.
7. religions, Archaic. religious rites.
8. Archaic. strict faithfulness; devotion: a religion to one's vow.
—Idiom
9. get religion, Informal.
a. to acquire a deep conviction of the validity of religious beliefs and practices.
b. to resolve to mend one's errant ways: The company got religion and stopped making dangerous products.
[Origin: 1150–1200; ME religioun (< OF religion) < L religiōn- (s. of religiō) conscientiousness, piety, equiv. to relig(āre) to tie, fasten (re- re- + ligāre to bind, tie; cf. ligament) + -Iōn- -ion; cf. rely] "
While the same source defines philosophy as this:
"Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This
phi·los·o·phy Audio Help /fɪˈlɒsəfi/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[fi-los-uh-fee] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun, plural -phies.
1. the rational investigation of the truths and principles of being, knowledge, or conduct.
2. any of the three branches, namely natural philosophy, moral philosophy, and metaphysical philosophy, that are accepted as composing this study.
3. a system of philosophical doctrine: the philosophy of Spinoza.
4. the critical study of the basic principles and concepts of a particular branch of knowledge, esp. with a view to improving or reconstituting them: the philosophy of science.
5. a system of principles for guidance in practical affairs.
6. a philosophical attitude, as one of composure and calm in the presence of troubles or annoyances.
[Origin: 1250–1300; ME philosophie < L philosophia < Gk philosophía. See philo-, -sophy]
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.:http://www.buddhanet.net/nutshell03.htm"
If you ask Buddhists you will probably get different answers. There is also a great deal of difference according to what sect the person subscribes to. Zen is much different than Tibetan Buddhism for instance.
I found one site that may help explain the view of it being a philosophy rather than a religion. It's an excellent article but quite long, so I am giving the link to it rather than trying to post all of it. They explain why they think it is a philosophy rather than a religion.
http://www.buddhanet.net/nutshell03.htmI will post more about Buddhism, but I wanted to start with this question. My next post will examine the history and an explanation of the Buddhist philosophy/religion.
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