The Interactive, Online Monkey Mind Manual

Main Entry:

re·li·gion

Pronunciation:

\ri-?li-j?n\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English religioun, from Anglo-French religiun, Latin religion-, religio supernatural constraint, sanction, religious practice, perhaps from religare to restrain, tie back — more at rely

Date:

13th century

— re·li·gion·less adjective

1 a: the state of a religious religion> b (1): the service and worship of God or the supernatural (2): commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance2: a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices3archaic : scrupulous conformity : conscientiousness4: a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith

Although in books, Buddhism is usually ranked as one of the major world religions ², if we use definition 1, Buddhism would not be a religion, because it does not include worship of God or the supernatural. It’s a misconception I’ve encountered enough that Buddhists worship the Buddha. The Buddha himself said that he was not a God ³. Buddhism is non-theistic. However, if you take definition #4, Buddhism might qualify, as it does have certain key beliefs.

I would say that Buddhism certainly is a philosophy of living and also a system of ethics. I am not one who believes that people need a religion or religious beliefs in order to live a moral or ethical life. We do not need a system of divine punishment in order to keep us in line ⁴, morals, in my opinion, should be based on what causes happiness and what contributes to suffering, and this is exactly what the Buddhist ethical system is based on.

Finally, I’ve seen books about “Buddhist Psychology,” and “Zen Therapy.” Although if differs from what our Western Psychology says, particularly in regards to the self, Buddhism does present a way to change the way you view yourself ⁵ and the world, a way to become a warmer and more compassionate person.

Here are some brief quotes from others in answer to this question:

“Buddhism is a path of practice and spiritual development leading to Insight into the true nature of life.”⁶

“The name Buddhism comes from the word ‘budhi’ which means ‘to wake up’ and thus Buddhism is the philosophy of awakening. This philosophy has its origins in the experience of the man Siddhartha Gotama, known as the Buddha, who was himself awakened at the age of 35. Buddhism is now 2,500 years old and has about 300 million followers worldwide. Until a hundred years ago Buddhism was mainly an Asian philosophy but increasingly it is gaining adherents in Europe, Australia and America.”[7. Ven. S. Dhammika]]\

“To many, Buddhism goes beyond religion and is more of a philosophy or ‘way of life’. It is a philosophy because philosophy means love of wisdom’ and the Buddhist path can be summed up as:

(1) to lead a moral life,
(2) to be mindful and aware of thoughts and actions, and
(3) to develop wisdom and understanding.”⁷

Some other resources on the web on this question:

• Another good online discussion of this topic appears here.
• The Interdepencence Project podcast: \”Is Buddhism a Religion?\
• Here’s a video of a member of the Western Buddhist order describing how they see “worship” in terms on showing respect:

  http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-785153165692006607