Is Buddhism a religion or a philosophy/way of life?

religion.

but all religions can be called a philosophy/way of life.

i would say itds more way of life........... not all religions can be taken as a way of life............ i know many people who are right idiotd throughout the whole year and onli fix up during month of ramadan and then go back but that s acceptable from what ive been told............ with buddhism you are the same through out teh whole year and your whole style of life is changed from th enormal world

Well Ive heard both. Mainly from Christians, I hear that its a religion, while from others I hear its a philosophy. So before I go out and start criticizing their ignorance Id at least like to know if Im right or not in thinking its a philosophy.

The word 'religion' connotates adherence to dogma and the belief in supernatural. As neither of the aforementioned qualities are found throughout all the schools of Buddhism, it would be better understood by people if they were to call it a way of life.

the most important element of a religion is a god(s), but buddhhism is athiestic so not a religion by definition

quote:Originally posted by homosuperior:

the most important element of a religion is a god(s), but buddhhism is athiestic so not a religion by definition

Buddhist are agnostic. It dosen't matter whether there is a God or the afterlife that isn't the point.