Buddhism is not a religion and it should never be taken to be as such. It is a way of thinking and it is also a method of release from this earthly existence.

Following strictly according to its principles, one would find one's karma lessen, one's thoughts clearer, one's actions firmer, one's speech more truthful. All the disciplines laid out by Buddha only have one goal for the practitioner to achieve, that is total purification which leads to the cessation of thoughts(irregardless of good or bad), which leads to the cessation of actions and speech, which leads ultimately to the total eradication of karma. When karma ceases totally, one's earthly existence as well as one's existence in the six realms(the realms of the asuras, devas, ghosts, animals, etc) ceases, only when all these ceases, one will gradually be released. At the point when karma ceases, it will be important to note that any thought that self-generated will cause the karma to rise again.

In conclusion, I would take Buddhism as a method of release rather than it being a way of thinking, or even a religion. When we pray to Buddha, do remember that his job is not to bring you riches and gains but to wake you up to the true reality and guide you in the right direction of releasing yourself from this earthly existence and existence in the six realms. Do understand that the many disciplines laid out by Buddha stems out only from one principle and that is to concentrate the mind in order to end the karma.

Learn more about this author, Kenosis Tan.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Is Buddhism a religion or a way of life?
We want to hear your view. Write now!