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Is Buddhism a way of life or a religion?

Well they do not believe in God. That could make it not a religion.

Yet they do have a founder and a leader so it could be a religion.

Yes It is a religion!

1. Monks and Nuns!!

2. Temples The Vihara!!

3. Meditation and chanting!!

4. Rules!

5. A founding leader!! The Buddha

6. Rituals and offerings!!

It is not like a Religion!

1. There is no God!

2. Anyone without lots of knowledge can live like a Buddhist.

3. There is much evidence that it is a way of life. You have to simply be and not worry about lots of things.YOU CAN

ANSWER IT EITHER WAY!

You are reminded of a few facts about his life & teachings

He lived in a Palace.

Why was The Prince protected from suffering by his Father?

What were The four sights?

An old man

A sick man

A dead man

and a Holy Man

Why did the prince leave his wife and child and life in the Palace?

Why did he go away to live the life of an ascetic?

Why did He deny himself pleasure and worldly goods?

Why did He meditate and pray?

He tried to achieve enlightenment and Nirvana

He went to extremes

Fasting so much that you could see his ribs

Then one day he abandoned this For a more moderate middle way. Why did he do this?

As he meditated he saw temptations but why was he not distracted ?

He was in control with self discipline

What are The Teachings of the Buddha?

1. The Four Noble truths

FIRST NOBLE TUUTH

suffering

( Dukkah ) is everywhere

1st Noble Truth ( suffering is everywhere Dukkhain human experience

Suffering can take many forms.

Unexpected sudden, violent, or long suffering.

The Second Noble Truth is that all suffering is caused by greed and desire