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What do you think of this debate about Buddhism?

From the lens Is Buddhism a Religion or a Philosophy?.

  • Vallygems1 Dec 24, 2011 @ 5:08 am | delete
    Great debate but have to agree that it is both a religion and a philosophy
  • Michey Dec 25, 2010 @ 9:48 pm | delete
    Very good debate, I think it is both. We cannot separate one to another.
  • MarkUpshaw Dec 19, 2010 @ 6:37 pm | delete
    It is clearly a religion. Great lens.
  • Apr 1, 2010 @ 1:06 pm | delete
    This lens is awesome. I love it. I am going to tell my editors on my Thai News website to write something about this lens and probably feature it.

    I will comment here again once we do.

    Great Work
  • _Joan_ Nov 21, 2009 @ 8:52 am | delete
    Great question to discuss!
  • annetteghallowell Jun 2, 2009 @ 6:49 pm | delete
    I have always been drawn in many ways to Bhuddism, but have not delved into the teachings of Bhuddism. Now I am ready for some more in depth learning!
  • kizerkid Mar 2, 2009 @ 12:52 pm | delete
    It's not the matter about the category that Buddhist would be, The only one important thing is that the way of Buddha can relief us from the cycle of suffering.
  • spirituality Dec 10, 2008 @ 8:59 am | delete
    Any serious class on Buddhism should discuss at least this part: that in the 19th century it was considered a philosophy - which is why Nirvana was translated as 'enlightenment' instead of 'awakening'. It was hailed as the pinnacle of 'rational philosophy'.

    21st century religion studies does not make that mistake, but many western Buddhists still do.
  • cryptid Dec 10, 2008 @ 8:15 am | delete
    This is a interesting idea. In my philosophy class I learned about Buddhism to an extent, and the question was never really asked: is it a philosophy or religion?
  • DaveAllen Nov 12, 2008 @ 3:17 pm | in reply to spirituality | delete
    Good advise. Seems much needed as it has been mentioned before. Thank you.

    For some it will be helpful to name their practice, for others a label brings heavy baggage(those attachments). I recognize Buddhism has both. It may be helpful to think of Buddhism as neither, so long as we don't miss the point. In Destructive Emotions the Dalai Lama suggested that terms like religion or Buddhism - aversions for them- keep many from benefiting from what Buddhism has to offer.

    My wife is following the Buddha dharma. I see it works for her. My practice is such that I cannot say I have one. It is probably because of that baggage, that I am coming to Buddhism so late.

    So far my favorite teachers(by book): Thich Nhat Hanh, Pema Chodren, Mattheau Riccard, H.H. The Dalai Lama and Gautama.

    Still trying to lighten up. Thanks again for the reminder.

    DaveAllen
  • spirituality Nov 6, 2008 @ 12:47 pm | in reply to DaveAllen | delete
    I think he might say that to Margo. But what I think he'd say to you would be 'Lighten up'. It's not a bad idea to get informed about Buddhism enough to realize that there are religious as well as philosophical aspects to it.
  • DaveAllen Nov 6, 2008 @ 11:50 am | in reply to Margo_Arrowsmith | delete
    A debate may be good, but is this the question we should spend our time on? Of what benefit can the question be to us? Will the answer really be helpful? I think it is also silly. What would Buddha say if we asked him? I think he would warn us not to be caught with labels and focus on something which may actually improve our lives. Use your own direct experience and ask, "Does Buddhism work for me?"
  • Margo_Arrowsmith Oct 6, 2008 @ 4:08 pm | delete
    Hey, I think it is a great idea for a debate! At the same time it is a silly question, if there are Buddhists who say they have a religion then it is a religion, If there are atheists who say they have the Buddhist philosophy then it is a philosophy. It isn't either or.
  • Eric Oct 6, 2008 @ 1:48 pm | delete
    Buddhism is both philosophy and religion.

    Eric Bryant
    Philosophical Practitioner
    http://gnosisarts.com/nj-philosophical-practitioner

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