Is Buddhism a religion? A Few Things You Must Know About Buddhism

　
    In ordinary people's cognition, Buddhism is called "教 (belief)" because Buddhism is generally classified as a kind of religion. However, in fact, there are many differences between Buddhism and religion. Buddhism breaks the stereotype of that religion is just preaching people to do good or spiritual sustenance; it is worth letting people who have not come into contact with it to do a thorough research.
　
    First of all, the founder of Buddhism "Shakyamuni Buddha" is a "person" with detailed records in history, and he is not a god; Buddha taught the Dharma and his footprints are all over India, and he is a real person in history. In Buddhism, there is no god, savior, or creator that is superior to the world or the only. The Buddha advocated in the teachings of Buddhism that everyone can reach the state of the Buddha, and that all sentient beings are equal.
　
    Buddhism has precise theories and practical methods for practicing. The Buddha was an enlightened person who realizes the truth of the universe and life. He publicly taught his experience of becoming a Buddha to all sentient beings, and encouraged people in the world to pursue and enlighten the truth by themselves, rather than blindly believe. Buddhism does not save people through the power of prayer or faith, but makes people relieved through observing, contemplating and understanding the meaning of life and the truth of the universe and life.
　
    Because Buddhism has the above-mentioned characteristics, we can say: Buddhism can be applied to all aspects of the universe and life; because the laws mentioned in Buddhism have already existed originally, and everyone can discover them; and the understanding of these laws can be really practiced in daily life, reduce people's problems of pain, uncomfort, fear, anxiety, stress……etc., and improve the quality of life.
　
    Buddhism does not have enforcement about the question of "whether a follower must become a Buddhist". To believe or not to believe is a personal issue, and those who do not believe will not be punished. In history, there has never been a war between Buddhists and the people in other religions. Buddhism will not exclude or hate other religions. Anyone can contact and practice. Even if someone becomes a Buddhist and then converts to another religion, it is a personal choice; no one will suffer revenge or the punishment of god. Buddhism focuses on the understanding and practice of Buddhist teachings. There are no mysterious rituals or theories. The Buddhist scriptures are open to everyone to test. There is no need to force themselves to accept unacceptable teachings. Buddhists are also allowed to debate the theories stated in the scriptures. Buddhism gives Buddhists a lot of space for research by themselves.
　
    As for the folk beliefs in China and neighboring countries, I believe that although some are considered to be Buddhist behaviors or ideas, they are not the core of Buddhism. For example, Buddhism does not need to worship with incense, burn money paper, or fortune-telling; but Sometimes, in order to adapt to people’s fears of the future, life, and disasters, Buddhism can tolerate such behaviors. When people gradually understand the teachings of Buddhism, they will naturally give up these blind faith behaviors.
　
    Buddhism does not encourage people to be overly enthusiastic about supernatural phenomena. Buddhism believes that supernatural power is only a phenomenon that increases in ability after practice, and does not help in understanding the Buddhist teachings. That is to say: if some practitioners have supernatural power, it does not mean they have achieved some states that transcended the world in their practice of Buddhism. The Buddha even asked his disciples not to show their supernatural powers casually.
　
    Many teachings of Buddhism and the conclusions of modern scientific research often coincide, but Buddhism was taught and spread by the Buddha more than 2,000 years ago, and Buddhist scriptures often record many phenomena that cannot be explained by modern science. Perhaps In the future, when science continues to develop, more theories that are consistent with Buddhist teachings will be found . On the other hand, Buddhism also has aspects that are in line with human nature, charity, and other aspects that cannot be satisfactorily resolved by modern science, so it can even be said that, about the integrity of the observation and theory of the truth in the universe and life, Buddhism surpasses modern science.
　
    Buddhism, which is called a religion, actually contains the essence of religion, science, philosophy, society and other fields, but in the final analysis, the focus of Buddhism is to explore the truth of the universe and life —— the most fundamental problem of living in the universe as a "human", and this is the most fascinating thing about Buddhism. If you've ever pondered these kinds of questions, "Buddhism" is well worth exploring.
　



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