These include religious practices. But, Buddhism is not the only road or path to Enlightenment. All of these are communal growth practices. This would closely resemble the similarities between Catholicism and Protestantism (or Catholics and Protestants). Basically, religion is at its base a system of faiths, beliefs, and morals. Especially, people affected by their various backgrounds. And, often contains a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs. Generally, people think Buddhism is not a religion because it has a lot of philosophy. Hence, it is not a theist religion. Some Buddhist ceremonies involve rituals. Even while Buddhism may appear unique in its path in that you work your way toward your liberation, the end goal is similar. That is, be free from suffering and stay happy afterward. So, clearly, there have to be reasons for this consideration also. 2. eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'buddhismzone_org-medrectangle-4','ezslot_1',103,'0','0']));Religion is a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe. Hence, they are embedded within the pages of their various sacred books. Then, mix it with their traditional practices. eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'buddhismzone_org-medrectangle-3','ezslot_6',102,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'buddhismzone_org-medrectangle-3','ezslot_7',102,'0','1']));Well, it all really depends on various procedures in which one defines religion. Many countries, which equates to many cultures, practice Buddhism. In the Buddhist system of belief, there is no imposition of beliefs. As a result, one could neither purify nor defile another. But, then, all religion fundamentally teaches we should never criticize other religions. We know there is strife among various religious groups. As such, an explanation of some Buddhist practices is found in Hindu texts. And, of course, a god of some shape or form. Nor “the outward act or form by which men indicate their recognition of the existence of a God or gods. Buddhism is an universalizing religion. In the end, each side has their points, and it is a legitimate debate with solid arguments both ways depending on how one defines religion. And this is an activity that all can do, regardless of their culture, regardless of their belief system. Hence, beings are infinite. It … Hence, if Buddhism supports the view of personal principles, it satisfies the definition of religion. As a result, whether it is technically a religion or not, it is just easier for everyone if it is under the umbrella of religion. On the other hand, other religious bodies teach the way to salvation. Which is not the definition used by everybody. It does not make Buddhism less of a religion. As a result, if Buddhism accepts rituals, then they may as well add up as religion. Buddha never intended for his teachings to become an actual religion. Thus, Christians pray to God in the church to save them from hell. He does not make any self-surrender. Get your answers by asking now. However, it is not like most religions which have a creator or God. Even, the Buddha himself acknowledged this fact. Like going along with our usual tricks can sometimes make things worse. It is not within the power of a Buddha to wash away the impurities of others. The goal of Buddhism is to make the mind free. Indeed, the teachings of the Buddha are for those who do not know where to begin. Why do some people say historically Romanians aren’t actually really that white ? Or how things are run at some Buddhist organizations for the sole purpose of criticizing Buddhism among themselves. Despite our general perspective of a place of worship. It’s much easier for keepers of religion statistics to classify Buddhism as a religion than to ask people what their “religion or philosophy is”. However, for scholars who really wish to understand Buddhism for what it truly entails also study Hinduism. But, it is much easier for keepers of religion statistics to classify Buddhism as a religion. Most likely, the understanding could mean the difference in accepting and practicing and staying with it. In general, rituals are practices common with various religious bodies. Some are casual about it. For instance, Christianity became a universal religion early on when the early Christians decided that the gentiles did not have to become Jews first before being Christian. Why don’t native Americans admit they originate from Africa ? However, the majority of the public still tend to consider Buddhism as one of the religions of the world. Of course, if Hinduism is one of the recognized religions of the world, how then can Buddhism that came from it not be? Hence, the concept of Buddhism as a philosophy comes from modern-day atheists. In general, it is a belief system. This can be found in the Five Buddhist Precepts which serves as the Buddhist commandments. And, most of all, regular worship services just like Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and Hinduism. That, however, is not the reason that you were drawn to Buddhism. Perhaps it is a "universal religion" because it deals with human nature, rather than some God. You accept because you want to. Although, this may not appear so scriptural. And technicalities in how people talk about Buddhism. A Buddhist does not seek refuge in the Buddha with the hope that he will be saved by his (i.e., the Buddha’s own) personal purification. Perhaps it is a "universal religion" because it deals with human nature, rather than some God. We guess you would seem to target this religion because of its peaceful thinking and mental training through meditation practice. Why is Eastern Europe so poor and backward? Join Yahoo Answers and get 100 points today. Therefore, other religious practices could still be a means to attain liberation. But no, we are ambassadors of peace and not war makers. Religion should be able to cater to the needs of various types of people. Buddhism is a religion as it is faith-based. This means that it is a religion practiced worldwide. However, we can simply see it as the Buddhist unique means to liberation. Only Buddhism and Daoism the universal religion. Hinayana (Sanskrit)/Theravada Buddhism (Lesser Vehicle). eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'buddhismzone_org-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_5',106,'0','0']));Beliefs make a religion. We are Buddhist, and there are certain religious aspects to it. Thus, that is what defines religion for philosophy. Or, because Buddhists do not solicit for followers. HOW TO WEAR A MALA BEAD – The Benefits of Wearing a Mala Bead, Mahayana Buddhism (Sanskrit) Great Vehicle), and. Buddhism has many gods and set standards and ways of life. This gives Buddhism the identity of religion. As such, they do not actually want to commit spiritually to a religion. He can exercise his own free will and develop his knowledge even to the extent of becoming a Buddha himself. In Buddhism, everything is based on your own action and work.