Buddhism philosophy or religion
Buddhism – Philosophy or Religion? ... 13) Religion can be found in all ages and cultures. ... However, what makes a religion a religion? Moreover, what makes a religion a religion and not a philosophy? Religion, although not easily understood, can be universally defined as: The belief in, and worship of a superhuman, especially a personal god. ... Conversely, a philosophy can be described as: The study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality and existence. ... In their religion, they showed respect for vast unseen forces, and adopted strategies in an endeavour to come to terms with these forces. ... Whilst Hinduism may have been the predominant religion, it became apparent that not all persons were committed to practising and abiding by the rules associated with this religion. As a consequence and in conjunction with wider changes in behaviour, arose a new philosophy called Buddhism. Buddhism differed from Hinduism in that it offered an alternative to the highly ritualised and speculative practices associated with Hinduism. Hence it could be said that, “Buddhism was more of a philosophy than a religion, and as a consequence, offered a diverse alternative to Hinduism, which in turn, shaped and influenced the political and social lives of people in Ancient India”. ... Thus in effect, the first instance of religion playing a part an integral role in politics was witnessed, having a negative effect on the social lives of the common people. ... Early literature gives an impression of a life beset by strife and filled with hazard, due to the intermingling of religion and politics. ... This was the beginning of Buddhism. It could be said that at the time of its development in Ancient India, Buddhism was deemed a religion. However an analysis of the manner in which Buddhism developed and the underlying principles associated with the manner in which it was practised make it more of a philosophy than a religion. The tradition of Buddhism developed from the Enlightenment of Siddharta Gautama, who was born about 563BCE, at a place just inside the border of Nepal. ... As a consequence the Buddha decided to teach, and all of the teachings of Buddhism may be seen as attempts to fulfil this vision - to help people grow towards Enlightenment. ... Buddha summed up the central philosophy of his religion thus: ‘I teach only two things, O disciples, the fact of suffering and the possibility of escape from suffering. ... The whole religion of Buddhism was and still is based on the truths and the Path of the Buddha. ... However, that position is not originally associated with Buddhism for it is well grounded in the earlier Hindu tradition of Upanishadic philosophers. ... Buddhism greatly influenced the social and political lives of the people in Ancient India. ... In conclusion, it can be seen that Buddhism offered a substantial alternative to the highly ritualised and rigid Hinduism, which in turn shaped and influenced the political and social lives of people in Ancient India. ... Moreover, after the Buddha’s death, many great kings prospered after adopting the doctrines of Buddhism. Whether Buddhism is more of a philosophy than a religion is debatable. What is certain however is that Buddhism supports all three of the definitions of philosophy. ... Whilst Buddhism could be viewed as a particular system of faith and worship and a pursuit or interest followed with devotion, and hence be termed a religion, it sits more comfortably as a philosophical paradigm. Nevertheless, whether Buddhism is defined as a religion or a philosophy, it still had a profound effect on the lives of the people of Ancient India.