Is Buddhism a Religion or a Philosophy?

There are those who categorize Buddhism as one of the five leading religions. Other people regard it merely as a philosophy, a way of life, or a science that deals with the mind. To determine which group is right depends on how one defines religion. Buddhism exhibits many elements that make up a religion. Buddhists have temples, monastics, rituals, and sacred texts that are read by congregations (Lewis and Dan 2). Thus, if a comparison were to be made between Buddhism and the major religions on the basis of these elements, then it would qualify as one. There is however another perspective to religion that appears to exclude Buddhism. Most religionists that ascribe to the dominant faiths maintain that religion must be centered on the belief in a Creator or a God. By this consideration, the Buddhist ideals are nontheistic, which would be contradictory. Hence, depending on when both perspectives are admitted, Buddhism becomes both a religion and philosophy.

There are many elements that make up a religion, which is reflected in Buddhism. First, religion may be understood as a system of worship and belief that entails a philosophy or a code of ethics. It is noteworthy that Buddhism has been in existence for a long time, preceding the birth of Jesus. Buddhism is characterized by philosophy, and understanding it requires that one become conversant with its literature, the art, its mythology, and the relevant rituals and practices (Lewis and Dan 14). If religion were to be considered a system of social soundness derived from a set of attitudes or beliefs regarding an unseen being, a person, an object, or a thought system, then Buddhism qualifies to be a religion. In this regard, the beliefs and attitudes on which Buddhism is founded should be considered as divine, sacred, supernatural, and representative of the highest truth, just like in any of the other religions. Further, its practices, traditions, institutions, moral codes, rituals, and values would reflect those of the dominant religions with this definition.

One may also define religion as a systematic approach to human spirituality that entails a set of beliefs, symbols, narratives, and practices that center on a transcendent or supernatural quality from which meaning reflects in the way of life of the practitioner. There is also the existence of either gods or God as the ultimate truth. It is noteworthy that Buddhism is focused on the search for the ultimate truth and enlightenment, which qualifies it as a religion (Edwards 7). On their own admission, Buddhist monks consider Buddhism a religion. They provide that, the core business of religion is to explicitly illuminate on the subject of the origin and reason for existence, position morality as central to human interactions, and ascribe a set of behaviors and rituals to enable the realization of these objectives. The practice of Buddhism takes an individual through a transformational journey that is aimed at improving the practitioner's spiritual situation. To do so, there is a distinct moral code that is prescribed, which one must follow.

Buddha's message is essentially a directive to live a religious way of life. The Buddhist texts and rituals aim to keep one away from all evil deeds. In observing them, one is expected to purify their minds, cultivate their spirituality, and do good deeds at all times, while avoiding mental impurities. Further, religion is a body of philosophical and moral teachings that are strengthened and sustained with confidence in such teachings in a sense that elevates them to the search for the ultimate truth. In this regard, Buddhism qualifies as a religion. These ideas are buttressed by Buddhism's focus on the realms of existence and the afterlife. Buddhism provides for rebirth after death, and in The Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, Buddha refers to the supernatural being (Lewis and Dan 3). Certainly, these aspects of Buddhism confirm that it should be considered a religion.

There are equally perspectives that qualify Buddhism as a philosophy and a way of life. Philosophy is defined as the logical inquiry into philosophies of being, truth, conduct, and knowledge. Buddhism fits this definition as the teachings of Buddha are essentially packaged as the truth about reality or the ultimate truth. Buddha, in his teachings, directs his followers to immerse themselves in the search for a clear understanding of the idea of being and morality (Siderits 4). Buddha held in his teachings, that no one should make the decision to believe based on what they hear, be it from their masters, or in fulfillment of tradition without a deeper investigation of what is said. The essence of philosophy is to investigate the principles and truths regarding knowledge, conduct and being. Buddhism qualifies as a science of mind and explores how humans act, feel, and think, the factors that influence who humans are.

Buddha was a prince who believed that no one could find lasting happiness from conditioned experiences. He thus left the trappings of his royal setting in search of answers to the most perplexing questions that life posed. His path was a deep meditation that raised him to a state of unconditional and permanent happiness. He referred to this state as enlightenment and considered it the state in which one experiences no disturbing emotions (Siderits 12). His teachings, therefore, direct followers on how to lead a compassionate, joyful, and meaningful life. Buddhists learn from his teachings how to look at the mind, free it from misapprehensions, and explore the immenseness of its potential. In the sense of modernity, it is easy to consider Buddhist teachings as spiritual guides and not religious instructions. It is perhaps this reason that Buddhism continues to be embraced.

Unlike the other religions that regard their teachings as direct messages from gods or a God, Buddhists consider their teachings as originating from a great teacher who endeavors to teach his followers on the best approach to engage the mind and realize its ultimate strength for lasting happiness, consciousness, and the realization of truth. A journey into full Buddhism begins with the setting of an open, inquisitorial, and questioning mind to whatever is heard, read or seen, which is presented as representing the truth (Lewis and Dan 5). Hence, Buddhist teachings are mental investigation and philosophy. Unlike religion, Buddhism does not conclude that life's big questions are already answered by a supernatural being in his textual instructions and miracles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, from the foregoing arguments, each side has its strong merits. It is evident that Buddhism, unlike the major religions, is nontheistic. Unlike religions that provide that truth already exists and only belief is important, Buddhism frees up the mind to seek the ultimate truth in a way that works for the practitioners. However, if Buddhism were to be considered a religion, it would be that it is designed by humans to express certain spiritual concepts (Edwards 10). Thus, the rituals, texts, and code of conduct act as a guide to this end. It is noteworthy that every religion begins as a philosophy. So, it is difficult to only consider Buddhism a philosophy, while failing to recognize its elements that mirror those of the major religions.

Works Cited

Edwards, Rem B. Reason, and religion: an introduction to the philosophy of religion. Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2016.

Flanagan, Owen. A Mirror is for Reflection: Understanding Buddhist Ethics. Oxford University Press, 2017.

Lewis, Christopher, and Dan Cohn-Sherbok. Sensible Religion. Routledge, 2016.

Siderits, Mark. Buddhism as a philosophy: an introduction. Routledge, 2017.