DEBATE: Is Buddhism a Religion or a Philosophy?

There is an ongoing debate as to whether Buddhism is a religion or a philosphy. If one considers religion a belief in a God or gods, then Buddhism would not be considered a religion,as it is nontheistic. However, the word religion is of Latin root literally meaning "rebound" from re- and ligare- (bound). Because Buddhism is a common set of goals and beliefs that binds a group of people toghether, those who practice Buddhism view what they believe as a religion. Although in Buddhism there is no higher power, it is similar to other major religions in that there is an explanation of origin, a moral code and goals, and a set of rituals to be performed. For more information go to:

http://www.sanuja.com/sb060716235208.php

The Eightfold Path

The Eightfold Path intertwines with the Four Noble Truths, and the Eightfold Path is the manner in which to pursue the fourth noble truth: the truth of the way. The Eightfold Path provides instructions on how to go about ones life to end all suffering. This path is not something achieved by means of learning; it is achieved by a certain way of life and conducted after one has been suffering. The eight elements of the Eightfold Path are right view, right effort, right speech, right intention, right livelihood, right mindfulness, right action, and right concentration. Following these eight pieces will lead to the acquisition of wisdom, which is more important than acquisition of intelligence on the quest to end suffering.

To learn more, go to:
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/bodhi/waytoend.html

Buddhism Beliefs

Because Buddhism has so many different doctrinal branches and cultural manifestations it’s difficult to name a single universal belief. For example the Buddhist belief system of lay practitioners in Thailand and Myanmar focus on accumulating merit for prosperous rebirth (karma). Pure Land practitioners in Taiwan or Japan put their trust in Amitabha Buddha, believing that chanting Amitabha’s name will result in the rebirth in the Pure Land. The fundamental doctrine that forms the basis for most scholarly and meditative forms of Buddhism is grounded in a “faith” or “conviction” not in external power but rather one’s own capacity to become a Buddha.
Source: Patterns of Religion

4 Noble Truths

4 Noble Truths – the 4 necessary realizations that must be made in order to enter an experience equivalent to Buddha’s.
1. Noble Truth of Unsatisfactoriness – teaching that life as it is perceived and handled by most people cannot but lead to dissatisfaction.
2. Noble Truth of Arising – suffering has a cause.
3. Noble Truth of Cessation of Suffering – after suffering arises it must also disappear.
4. Noble Truth of the Way – the eight steps to achieve nirvana.
a. Right View
b. Right Intention
c. Right Speech
d. Right Action
e. Right Livelihood
f. Right Effort
g. Right Mindfulness
h. Right Concentration
Source: Patterns of Religion