I’m a Buddhist. Do you regard Buddhism as a religion? Or philosophy?
I regard it as a religion...because it has temples, priests and offerings....that is a religion as far as I’m concerned,
Not the Buddhism I practice. No temples. No priests. No offerings.
@DavidFalshaw I’ve travelled extensively in Asia and from my observations and conversations with Buddhists, it appears to all intents and purposes to resemble religion. Do you believe in the re-incarnation idea?
In the academic world Buddhism is considered one of the six world religions because it fits most of the criteria.
Buddhism is a system based on practice and individual experience rather than on theology or dogma. It is a collection of religious and philosophical ideas, and practiced as a religion globally. Inside each of those main "schools" (denominations) are many sub sects and tribal variations.
Is there any spiritual, magical, supernatural etc? So yes it is a religion.
There might be no god, but the "rules and truths" make the reality, universe (whatever it is called) in Buddhism behave like a "de facto" god.
Plus postulating existence of spirits, incarnations and all sorts of post life phenomena only adds to religion-ish stuff.
Philosophy or spiritual... Regarding the development of the mind
Perfectly put. It’s a state of mind. Opening of the mind
Buddha is not actually worshipped, (as in asking for favors as xians do), his temples are places of meditation and reflection. So, a philosophy but not a religion as we understand religion
It was not meant to be a religion, it was a way of life with good principles to reduce confusion, stress, agony and increase peace of mind. Buddha said that he was against deitism, worshiping, idolizing people, But that is exactly what is going on in Buddhism as it is practiced. Even the Dalai Llama's photos are worshiped with garlands, incense sticks shit. Every country has customized Buddhism according their tastes.
The only thing that is that is common to all religions and has remained constant across al time, lands and people is.... "Asking God for things in life"... all the time
People do not try to understand that the original idea of God was to side with the good and fight the bad to live a better, healthier, peaceful, compassionate life and reduce things that are not good for you. But what happened next is history. That would take several books to explain.
Depends. If you worship the Buddha as a God then religion, if you follow the Buddha trachings where he says he is not a God, then it's philosophy. Simple, aint it?
Buddhist temples in U.S. are federally tax exempt, so here, the answer legally is yes, they are considered to be a religion.
As long as you don't knock on my door to convert me, or lobby the government to force me to practice your religion, then I don't care what religion you practice.
It's both.
As philosophy is the study of explaining reality, and religions attempt to explain reality, religion is a subset of philosophy.
As Buddhism encompasses a variety of traditions, beliefs and spiritual practices largely based on original teachings attributed to the Buddha, its a religion.
I practice a Japanese Buddhism called Nichiren Buddhism.
It’s based around chanting which is found odd in the west.
Na Myu Ho Ren Gye Kyo
Since Buddhism doesn't include any magic, (as far as I know), I consider it a philosophy.
Tantric Buddhism does.
The lotus symbolizes both life and regeneration....if one believes in reincarnation by thoughts of this unique species then it's bullshit religion but if viewing body&mind functions like the lotus one can be philosophical like Thomas Paine using a pocket watch as metaphor how human minds work
Religion.
Not always true of the practitioners calming their minds and not believing the magic monks&nuns leading the sheep ... it is a sort of philosophy to seek nirvana and forgive your enemies and heal pains that way
@GreenAtheist Yes I guess so - but it fits the psychology of religious people.
Personally I believe it is a philosophy. Buddha was not a Buddhist, Jesus was not a Christian, Mohammed was not a Muslim. People hijacked these great peoples ideas into creating religion
There was no geebush jeehobah ghostholes and Mohammed IS THE INVENTOR of Muslims BY THE SWORD.....but it is true Buddha was a non-theist discouraging his followers from worshipping ANYTHING including HIM
This the exact reason I joined this group. And posed this question. So we can all debate in a grown up and adult manner without being rude or one sided. Love it
I think its both and truthfully I don't care what others believe as long as they don't try to convince me or pray over me