Kearney Parnell
Dr. M Smillov, K-255
PHI 2010, Sec. 002
February 1, 2016
Essay 1
Buddhism: Philosophy vs Religion After researching buddhism and its teachings, I've come to the conclusion that buddhism is a philosophy rather than a religion. Buddha said he teaches "the way things are." He stated no one should accredit his teachings out of faith, but instead should examine for themselves to form an opinion. Religion is worshiping of a God or higher controlling power whereas Buddhism is personal and spiritual growth leading to insight of peace and true reality. Buddha did not dictate one's way of life. Buddha was a philosophical teacher that taught certain guidelines to achieve a more peaceful life. Anyone can follow a philosophy, shape their
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When one devotes hisself/herself to religion, they live by the guidelines of that religion. Buddhism can be practiced along with other religions and beliefs while not contradicting them. Buddhist learn to examine changes happening in all personal involvement, ranging from emotions, mental clarity, inner peace and state of mind. Buddhism teaches one to study his/her own mental activeness and the variations in the nature of consciousness itself. All of these changes occur endlessly and are present in every occasion of one's existence. Buddhist ideas can be applied to anyone of any religion as a means of meditation, clearing thoughts, or to help with praying or finding that connection with the universe or higher power. Nothing in Buddhism bargains to give you deliverance, or even a set of rules to live by. It's just suggestions, ideas to help you find your own purpose, your own happiness. Buddhists do not worship a God, symbol, being, or universe, expecting eternal or spiritual favors, but pay their attention to what the philosophy serves. In religion there an an Almighty God to answer to, be obeyed, and feared, in Buddhism there is not. When a compassionate Buddhist offers flowers and incense to an image, it is to make him/her feel that he is in existence with living Buddha and will gain inspiration from his imperial personality with the intentions to follow the Buddha's grand example. Therefore, Buddhism cannot strictly be called a religion because it is not a system of faith nor