Buddhism- a Religion or a Philosophy?

Albert Einstein believed that, the righteousness of the future allow be a cosmic organized holiness that should transcend a individualal god and neutralise dogmas and divinity. Covering some(prenominal) natural and spiritual, it should be establish on a ghostly sense arising from the experience of all things, natural and spiritual and a meaningful unity (Jammer, 1999). Buddhism qualifies as a piety depending on unmatchables point of vista. If religion is defined as a dust of worship or devotion to a higher(prenominal) deity and then Buddhism does not fall under the phantasmal category (Buddha Dharma Education Association, 2012).However, if religion is defined as a system of beliefs and rituals and morals then Buddhism classifies as a religious experience out (Harshorne, 1996). The aspects of religion that include rituals and devotions atomic number 18 the very(prenominal) key aspects of the human experience. Although occupying the same socio-psycho consistent space as other religions, they do not all necessarily sh ar similar characteristics (Molloy, p5, 2010). Western scholars and religious thinkers often refer to Buddhism as an atheist or nontheist religious coif (Florida, 1990).Despite app bent contradictions surrounded by Buddhism and theistic religions there are many elements of usualality. This paper supports Albert Einsteins claim on religion through exploring Buddhism as a contemporary religion relevant to earth in relation back to science, tour considering the similarities shared by Buddhism and conventional religions such as Christianity. why does it matter if we consider something a religion or not? in that respect are Buddhisticics who speak confidently on Panel discussions stating that if using the condition religion be fall downs a problem then they will not utilise it (Los Angeles Interreligious Group, 1991).Buddhism shows no concern over whether or not it qualifies as a religion, as it is a matter of belief from wi thin and not what masses think of it. Smith, a religion historian states in his works that beliefs are not primary to religion faith is (Florida, 1990) which reflects Buddhisms emphasis on the importance of karma and leading a morally-based spirit. Smith also strongly believes that theistic religions invented the subject of god based on humanities ignorance, weakness, fear, and desire(Florida, 1990).Michael precious stone is a psychotherapist and a Buddhist t from each one(prenominal)er who shares Albert Einsteins view on religion. Michael attempts to incorporate traditional Buddhist teachings with todays psychological and philosophical disposition (Stone, 2012). Science has created an abundance of contradictory views in traditional religious teachings that Buddhism stands out as a religion which accommodates scientific evidence (The Dalai Lama centre, 2012). Religions importance today has come into interrogative mood when analyzed through the eyes of societys logical mind.Th e Dalai Lama claims that if moderne science establishs redeeming(prenominal) evidence that a Buddhist idea is wrong, I will accept the modern science, (he gives the example of the res publica moving or so the sun, which runs counter to Buddhist scripture) (The Dalai Lama Centre, 2012). Science has hence made many questionable beliefs come to universe through effort and error research that many base their beliefs on evidence (Molloy, p179, 2010). Buddhism The Buddhist religion entails a sense of sacredness with ones self in relation to the environment and the universe. All religions are concerned with the deepest level of reality and for most religions the core or origin of everything is sacred and mysterious (Molloy, p7, 2010). The trio Marks of Reality encompasses the embedded truth in Buddhist theology which reinforces the belief in having no god but rather purpose the god within (Molloy, p132, 2010). Sacredness in religion refers to a dedicated practice to a religious p urpose not the belief in a mystical figure who controls life as we know it.Sacredness is an enkindle tail end of experience, and since there is a common misconception roughly Buddhism, the Dharma equips one to put one across a conciliatory meeting with whomever. The Dharma is part of the Three Jewels of Buddhism since it covers Buddhist teachings in how to view the field and how to live properly (Molloy, p131, 2010). The Dharma accommodates a variety of other views and appreciates those views for what they are. The yield of Buddhism was based on the spread of Siddharthas teachings who was the oblivious son of a powerful king.The main components of Buddhist belief are karma, compassion and conversion, which were conceptualized as a result of Siddharthas sudden exposure to realitys misfortunes (Molloy, p128, 2010). These features influenced followers to adopt a peaceful and moral pilgrimage through life if they seek a blissful reincarnated-self (Molloy, 2010). Having experienc ed the 4 passing sights which involves living with nothing but oneself, Siddhartha began his journey towards becoming a world teacher (Molloy, p128, 2010).He unspoilt The Four impressive Truths which are the truths about life, that suffering exists, it has a cause, it has an end and there is a agency to unwrap release from suffering (Molloy, p143, 2010). In Buddhist literature it is believed that worshipping a higher deity disregards the notion of karmic results of follow out which they strongly believe in (Thera, 2012). Similarities of traditional religions (Christianity) Religion enkindles the connecter of our natural, human world to the sacred world (Molloy, p5, 2010).Buddhism revolves around the life and lessons of Buddha, and Christianity revolves around the life and lessons of Jesus Christ, who are the two prophets present in two fields of practice (Los Angeles Interreligious Group, 1991). Both prophets followed the same outline to uncover the worldly truths as they stayed in the wilderness for 40 days and 40 nights facing evil, Jesus by Satan and Buddha by the daimon Mara and his daughters (Los Angeles Interreligious Group, 1991). As the holiness representatives, both religions have a centralised authority figure such as the Pope and the Dalai Lama to slobber on the teachings of God and Buddha on a global scale (Molloy, p391, 2010). Similarities in both Christians and Buddhists theological practice reflect the fact that notwithstanding the loss in beliefs in a deity the foundations share some common ethics. Buddhisms conception of reality refers to the basics of The Four Noble Truths and The Noble Eightfold Path that chamberpot be applied to the Ten Christian Commandments (Molloy, p136, 2010).The Ten Commandments represent Gods rules of behavior Christians are judge to follow (Betty, 2008). The early stage of Buddhism was initially rejected as a religion by westerners. However later on, western scholars considered Buddhist concepts of paradise and dharma as parallels to the Western notion of divinity or God and they refuted it (Florida, 1990). The facial expression of Buddhist characteristics attributed to Gods existence in theistic religions is part based on Buddhisms perspective on reality and needing no god to control their course of life (Betty, 2008).Yet religious symbolism has been an historic feature of all religions, including Buddhism and Christianity. The Christians request to Jesus in churches while Buddhists pray to Buddha in monasteries. According to Molloy, religious symbols, myths, and terminology at times suggest a universal language that all religions speak (Molloy, p9, 2010). The expirations While both are classified as a religion, a prominent difference and focus of many arguments surrounds the notion of Buddhisms lack of deity to worship.Any forms of God-like elements in Buddhism are seen as manifestations of a specific natural form (Betty, 2008). Gods in Buddhism are essentially consid ered manifestations of different physical elements and mediums from which Buddhists can contribute their physical energies toward enlightenment, which is a state of spiritual understanding (Hartshorne, 1996). Buddhism does not can great(p) importance on having a higher divinity because they dont think it will have an impact or even make a difference when practicing their values (Hartshorne, 1996).According to Stafford, Buddhism and Christianity have much to teach each other about Ultimate RealityGod or Buddha reputation (Stafford, 2008). Buddhism is considered a psychological religion as it provides the tools within a person to attain full-fledged happiness internally rather than externally (Thera, 2012). Whereas Christianity is a religion of doctrines where the institution of the church controls Christian practices on life (Molloy, p391, 2010). therefrom the ideas of ultimate reality differ greatly as both religions behave different outcomes from their practices.One focuses o n what God expects while the other does not place any expectations other than attempting to reach personal happiness. The difference in counseling received by both Buddhist and Christian followers provides an understanding as to why Buddhism may not be considered a religion by some theist believers. Christianity stresses on the importance of human action based on Gods cosmic plan to chit-chat good morals into society to fight between the good and evils life bestows (Molloy, p15, 2010). Buddhism on the other hand focuses on personal karma to justify the good reasons behind following a morally-based lifestyle.Pope John Paul II disturbed Buddhists when he stated that Buddhism is an atheistic system and that the doctrines of salvation in Buddhism and Christianity are opposed (Stafford, 2008). The Popes words made it clear that he believes the rejection of a dogma in Buddhism raises a lot of questions in the theater of religion when it comes to the nature of Buddha. Agreeably, Christ ians have faith in God while Buddhists have faith in something other than God- emptiness, perhaps (Florida, 1990).Since Buddhism and Christianity address the race of ultimate- God or emptiness as major opposing elements (Florida, 1990), Florida poses an interesting question regarding Christianity that if ultimate reality is Emptiness, is the Christian forced to choose between identifying God with Emptiness and denying God altogether? (Florida, 1990). This statement supports Christianitys fall requirements for fulfilling ones obligations with no room for personal opinion to God whereas Buddhism allows a modernised growth from within, with the world around in tune with ones personal opinion (Silva, 2011).The progressiveness of Buddhism suggests that there are no implications on what one should and can believe in, in pursuit of sacredness. Sacredness can all be defined as the emptiness attained in Buddhism when novice or speak of the sacred as what people hold to be sacred in Chr istianity (Florida, 1990) (Molloy, p 14, 2010). The holy books are another way to identify the difference in what is considered as guidelines or expected practices for both religions as they are not used for the same reasons.In Buddhism, there are many kinds of holy books known as the Sutras. Buddhists Sanskrit, serve as a guideline to a deep reality beyond the reach of public cognition and senses (Thera, 2012). Buddhism believes in personal reason while Christians follow religious authority (Molloy, p19, 2010). Therefore, the Bible reveals the words of God that cannot be questioned and are a compilation of claims about the physical or spiritual worlds to be veritable on faith (Birnbaum, 2009). Can a religion both be atheistic and a religion?While attempting to understand what the topic of religion consists of, one must consider the fact that the term religion was develop in the western culture thus representing their traditional idea of what is meant by religion. The western per ception of religion may not be whole stamp down when applied across cultures or spiritual paths (Molloy, p5, 2010). In difference Beyond God, Armstrong argues that many Westerners define religion much too narrowly because they use the Abrahamic religions Judaism, Christianity, and Islam and belief in the God of monotheism as the standard of what defines religion (Vincent, 2012).In a book plowed One of Faith and Belief Smith notes that the worlds religious systems . . . are not all variations on a theme they do not give differing answers to the same questions, they do not operate in a common mode (Smith, 1979). Therefore it is needless to say that contemporary ideologies about religion are no longer strictly based on teachings that cannot be challenged. Whether we should go on or not to call it faith in God, depends directly on what we think of the universe not on what be opinion of it (Florida, 1990).New scientific interrelations with religions such as Buddhism, will formulat e a new branch that is both spiritual and scientific which would be suited for contemporary society logicality (OBrien, 2009). Religion suggests the joining of our natural, human world to the sacred world whatever that may be for anyone (Molloy, p5, 2010). Therefore, why should believing in a divinity improve the humanity-focused problems experienced in religion? Conclusion If Dharma was assimilated into our culture as a daily practice and was not represented by the word Buddhism the world would be a happier place.If children had to focus on their attention in early puerility education to learn to look at their mind, to regulate their emotions, to be expert in that way then having the name Buddhism to represent the practice would not matter (Los Angeles Interreligious Group, 1991). If you try to categorize Dharma or Buddhist teachings it is really challenging, because it is a combination of a science, a religion, a philosophy or psychology. Buddhism can be seen as a religion which focuses on a way of life that allows the adoption of teachings in any other religion appropriate to ones life journey (Molloy, 2010).Having drawn attention to the distinct similarities and differences both Christianity and Buddhism share this helps us develop an understanding of the dynamics present in both religions. ground on these comparisons it is clear to say that despite the differences, Buddhist thinkers are less intent on systematizing Buddhist thought into theories of ethical action, and are more interested in examining particular Buddhist views on what it means to be a moral subject (Heim, 2011). Based on my personal observations, if you go to any Asian country where Buddhism is practiced it is clear to say that the followers have very religious behaviors.All in all, Buddhists practice with one goal in mind, to end suffering. Therefore the idea of a higher deity seems senseless if it does not have a direct impact as to aid moralistically. Answering a question such as, do you believe in a god, a Buddhist may answer is answering that question either way, going to make me less or more sad (Los Angeles Interreligious Group, 1991). Bibliography Betty, L. (2008). What Buddhists and Christians are teaching each other about God. Cross Currents. 58(1), 108-116. Buddha Dharma Education Association (2012). Morality. Fundamentals Of Buddhism. A BuddhaNet Production.Retrieved from http//www. buddhanet. net/fundbud6. htm Birnbaum, R. (2009). In search of an authentic engaged Buddhism voices from ancient texts, calls from the modern world. Religion East & West, (9), 25-39. Florida, R. E. (1990). Theism and Atheism in the Work of W. C. Smith A Buddhist Case Study. Buddhist-Christian Studies. University of Hawaii. Vol. 10, pp. 255-262 retrieved from http//www. jstor. org/stable/1390212 . Hartshorne, C. (1996). 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