Is Buddhism A Religion Or Not?

[bankei]

Buddhism is a religion because there are priests and temples.

[IMA_FARANG]

Is Buddhisim a "religion" or not?

Rather depends on your personal definition of "religion".

But as another poster asked:

Am I wrong in saying that one doesn't need to believe the metaphysical aspect (religious) in order to travel on a revealing path?

My personal answer to that is Yes, it's possible.

That;s because for me, personally, I practice my Buddhisim as a path to understanding about myself, my experiences, and my existance and understanding of the everday world...filtered through a "buddhist" viewpoint.

(Of course, others may disagree....mileage will vary as they say,

Edited September 10, 2012 by IMA_FARANG

[BoonToong]

Buddhism is a religion because there are priests and temples.

Er, there are no priests in Buddhist temples, only monks.

[Xangsamhua]

Buddhism is a religion because there are priests and temples.

Er, there are no priests in Buddhist temples, only monks.

Zen Buddhism in Japan has priests

[BoonToong]

Buddhism is a religion because there are priests and temples.

Er, there are no priests in Buddhist temples, only monks.

Zen Buddhism in Japan has priests

Thanks Xangsamhua. I should have been more specific;

In my experience, there are no priests in Theravada (as we are in Thailand) Buddhism (light blue touchpaper.......).