Would Like To Be Educated About Buddhism

[TheWorldandI]

Please I would like to be educated on buddhism. If it is more of a religion or a philosophy.

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/religion

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/philosophy

[Acutus]

This book is great, "http://homepage.ntlworld.com/pesala/Pandita/".

[Brucenkhamen]

I find this question ironic as it's the philosophical aspects of religion that are missing from Buddhism. These aspects are concerned with answering "Why", wheras Buddhism is mostly concerned with answering "How".

I's call it a Psychology, but for millions of people in Asia it is very much a religion.

See http://www.beyondthenet.net/dhamma/buddhism_as_a_religion.htm

[phetaroi]

The OP asked: "If it is more of a religion or a philosophy."

My answer: Yes.

[TheWorldandI]

I have read little on buddhism before posting and what I found out was it is all about how to end suffering and there is no mentioning of ultimate supreme being to worship, hereafter etc. On the other hand I see people with scripts, symbols, scents, chants that are analogous to religious aspects. For example I have asked a person why these things are used and she told me she is praying to God. In the books that I have read I didn't encounter any such thing, she stands for about 2-3 minutes with lit incense in her palms standing in front of a symbol, chanting. This is practically a religious practice to me.

[Xangsamhua]

I have read little on buddhism before posting and what I found out was it is all about how to end suffering and there is no mentioning of ultimate supreme being to worship, hereafter etc. On the other hand I see people with scripts, symbols, scents, chants that are analogous to religious aspects. For example I have asked a person why these things are used and she told me she is praying to God. In the books that I have read I didn't encounter any such thing, she stands for about 2-3 minutes with lit incense in her palms standing in front of a symbol, chanting. This is practically a religious practice to me.

This is popular religion. It suits many people and provides them with hope, consolation, a sense of dignified humility and, perhaps, sensitivity to the needs of others. Perhaps you could call it a derivation of Buddhism and some other more indigenous beliefs. I believe it should be respected, though it is not enough for people seeking full awareness.

[sabaijai]

TheWorldandI, there have been a few long dicussion threads in this forum already debating the religion vs philosopy question. I think the general consensus is that it has characteristics of both, although much depends on how you define the two terms.

Have a look at these threads. I think you'll find some thought-provoking ideas from many members here.