The question whether Buddhism is a religion or a philosophy has become more common in the last few centuries due to multiple reasons including its global spread in to unfamiliar places. But for those from established Buddhist societies it was not much of an important question. For them it was clearly the foundations of their civilization. Buddhism provided the knowledge base for governance, health practices, agriculture, irrigation, architecture, engineering, astrology, literature and arts. Most importantly, it was the foundations of their lifestyle that supported a healthy, happy, fair and safe society for more than two millenniums.
Some may argue that Buddhism is a religion, especially due to its adaptation to rituals over the years.
But does it really meets the definition of a religion?
Oxford dictionary defines “religion as a belief in and/ or worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal god and gods”.
Buddha never described himself as a superhuman with controlling power, nor did he describe other divine beings with such powers. Instead, he described himself as a being with supreme knowledge of the universe that exist under the cause and effect phenomena, which are governed by five interdependence laws. It is said, the knowledge about the universe disclosed by Lord Buddha is only a drop of water in the ocean compared with what he uncovered at the supreme state of Samma-Sambodhi [the supreme state of mind that is liberated from greed and ignorance, which has the ability not only to uncover the knowledge of whole universe but also guide others towards Nirvana through that knowledge].
Ancient scripts describes Lord Buddha having knowledge of three parameters of the entire universe [Vishwa or Vishwaya], which include the following:
- Jaathi Kshethraya: knowledge of universe that includes ten thousand solar systems.
- Aangna Kshethraya: knowledge of universe that includes crore of hundred thousand solar systems.
- Vishaya Kshethraya: the knowledge of the universe beyond above that is only acquired by a Buddha.
If we were to elaborate the description of Samma-Sammbuddha in modern concept through English language, Lord Buddha can be considered as a scientist: a person who is studying or has expert knowledge of the natural or physical sciences.
Of course there are great differences between the Lord Buddha and the scientist of modern era: unlike the latter, the Lord Buddha’s greatest tool of knowledge was his supreme state of mind that was pure and boundless. A tool which not only allowed him to grasp the knowledge of boundless universe but also analyze it with spirituality. A reason appears to be the greatest challenge of modern researchers in their effort to prove or disprove Saddharma, which remains constant and applicable to each moment of past, present and future despite of momentarily changing scientific knowledge.
In between, Buddhism may fit in to the original Greek word of philosophia meaning love of wisdom rather than the English definition of a philosophy: a theory or attitude that acts as a guiding principle for behavior. Because, the Saddharma that composed of dharma and vinaya are open for anyone who wish to learn and practice it for the purpose of seeking wisdom.
Though Buddhism may have adapted other religious rituals as a way of survival, it still remains as a one of the oldest teachings that has captured the minds of academics from different disciplines. Most importantly, it has captured the hearts and minds of people around the globe under the current unpredictable, uncontrollable and disheartening circumstances as a lifestyle that
Embrace
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- Wisdom [“pangnaa”] over ignorance
- Compassion or loving kindness [“maithree”] over hatred
- Benevolence [“karuna”]
- Pure joy unadulterated by self-interest [muditha]over jealousy
- Equanimity over impatience
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Practice
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- generosity [daana]
- discipline [seela]
- Meditation [bhavana]
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Supports
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- Individual & social wellbeing
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As a born Buddhist influenced by modern science, I consider Buddhism as a teaching that connects modern science with spirituality; a source of knowledge that has captured the minds of modern scientists to be proven on daily basis; a lifestyle that supports individual and social well being.
As the CEO of AROGYA PTY LTD, I kindly invite you to join us in the journey of learning and sharing Buddhism, because it is there for anyone who wish to dissect, apply, practice and experience regardless of their previous experiences or background.