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Philip Tran Thanh Minh

The first year of philosophy

Writing Assignment, Fourth

Is Buddhism a religion?(Comparison Essay, using Concepts from the Course)

It is difficult to assert that whether Buddhism is a religion unless we rely on

certain concepts or definitions concerning to the religion. From the Course, a religion is a

way of life or a set of practices. In this way, there are seven elements: creed, code, cultus

(or worship), community, commitment, challenge, and ultimate concern or ultimate care.

By comparison, we will consider about Buddhism under these seven elements in order

that we can say something about Buddhism.

When we mention about creed, we know that creed is a set of beliefs, which is

considered as what a believer has to believe, as defined in the Course. Although there is

not any absolute truth in Buddhism, even Buddha's teachings, Buddhists of early

Buddhism recognize that "four noble truths" and the "eightfold path" as the basic

doctrines. If it is possible to make a comparison between practices and beliefs, we will

see that Buddhism emphasizes practices over beliefs. That it is the most important thing

in the faith of Buddhists is understanding correctly of human nature and ultimate reality.

Next, in religion, the element of code is understood as behaviors towards others

and towards oneself. Buddhism also mentions moral laws or precepts. These precepts can

be considered as Buddhist ethical practice. There are ten precepts divided into several

levels. The first five precepts are usually observed in lay people. In common, Buddhists

monk will undertake all precepts. On occasion of Buddhist festival days, lay people also

observe other precepts that are undertaken by monks and considered as more ascetical

guidance. It is also noted that there is no obligation in observing these precepts. They arejust guiding means to help Buddhists reach their goal of life.

In any religion, cultus or worship is always an essential element. Doing worship

includes doing ceremonies, rituals, devotion, celebration and prayer as listed in the

Course. Concerning worship of Buddhists, there are many arguments made out. It is

recognized that Buddhists do not worship Buddha as Christians worship their Lord, Jesus

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Christ. Buddhist worship is understood as the form of devotion to Buddha. In addition,

Buddhist prayer is not a petitionary prayer rather than a meditation that leads to self-

control, purification and enlightenment. About rituals, Buddhists make connection

between rituals and practices as supportive means in the way to enlightenment and bring

blessings on themselves and on others. Buddhism has many holidays and festivals; most

of them are events in the life of the Buddha or various Bodhisattvas.

The next element that helps us define a religion is the element of community. This

communal factor in this Course is understood as an organization and an institution of

varying types and degrees in which people live and associate together. In Buddhism, we

also see two religiously important social groups: the monks and the non-monks or the lay

people. At a Buddhist monastery, Buddhist monks choose to live together as a

community.

We can add the element of commitment to define of Buddhism. In the Course, a

faith commitment indicates to a certain resolve or a certain response. One can wonder

that whether there is a commitment in Buddhism. The answer is "Yes". However, we

should understand that it is little important in showing a commitment in Buddhists. We

may give here an example about meditation. This meditation is a personal commitment to

Buddhist practices, not to Buddha. To an outside observer, meditation, which takes time

to do, is a result of commitment to Buddhist practices.

Another element that belongs to set of practices of religion is challenge.

Challenge usually occurs when a believer lives out her/his religion. In Buddhism,

challenge appears when a Buddhists observes determinedly precepts. A pious Buddhist

surely avoids doing abortion. As a result, this one must stand before a challenge.

The last element concerns ultimate concern or care that is understood as what is

the greatest importance. In Buddhism, especially in Theravada schools, the ultimate

concern is Nirvana in which Buddhists get self-transformation successfully.

In conclusion, as we mentioned above, unless we base on certain concepts

concerning to the religion, we cannot determine that whether Buddhism is a religion. If

we recognize that a religion is a way of life or a set of practices, we can define that

Buddhism is a religion, a religion "without God".

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