When is an ideology a religion and not just philosophy, or a way of living?
Upvote:0
An "ideology" is a system of ideas (on any topic, but often used in the context of "political ideology"). Buddhism is an ideology, but it's more than just an ideology: e.g. Dhammadhatu said it's also a "methodology".
I think an essential characteristic of "religion" is obligation (e.g. "you are obliged to pray because God commands you to"). Buddhism can seem like or be interpreted as a religion (e.g. "you are obliged to believe and to accept, to have faith in, everything that's written in the suttas"). But some people don't interpret it like that, and might instead say something like, "I accept (only) what makes sense to me", or "I choose to practice this or that for my benefit", instead of seeing it as obligation i.e. as a religion.
I don't know how to define philosophy or way of living ... with my background I might also be inclined to call it a science, which is a form of knowledge.
This comment said, "I wish it was made clearer to people that Buddhism is NOT a religion or philosophy, but actually the antidote to being enthralled by those".
Upvote:0
I was thinking about this. I don't know if all ideologies are bad, but for me I'm starting to think of Buddhism as an alternative. Alternative to an endless need to dominate others (or even just nature), and to exploiting others for wealth and sex. I'm sure I'm not alone in linking "enlightenment" to autonomy (John Cage was a zen Buddhist, I believe). If it's an ideology, then I think it's one that is negative, is against things rather than for something like nationalism is, for example.
I mean obviously it is also a religion, but maybe that works even in today's atheistic world.
Upvote:4
Buddhism is not ideology, not religion, not philosophy and not even a way of life.
Instead, Buddhism is a methodology that ends suffering & problems.
In MN 29, while Buddhism is described as the 'holy way of life', it is made clear this way of life has one goal & purpose, namely, 'the unshakeable freedom of mind'.
Such a methodology becomes ideology, religion &/or philosophy when it is not practised and therefore the results of its practise are not understood.
In addition, it becomes ideology, religion &/or philosophy when it starts to emphasise ideas such as reincarnation, which serve certain mutual worldly interests of monks & laypeople.
More post
- π Does dukkha apply to name-and-form?
- π Buddha's tooth, ashes, footprints and other marks
- π How can anyone who hasn't realised the truth, claim that Mahatma Buddha or any other person in history realised God or the Truth?
- π Lay meditation in Korean Zen
- π Conciousness in Buddhism and Advaita Vedanta
- π Can you meditate too much as part of a daily routine?
- π How does the 'Great Doubt' compare to doubt?
- π Identification with Negative States
- π What is Right Action for a Buddhist regarding talking about personal success?
- π Is the human realm the only one where conscious moral choice is possible?
- π So what's the sense of it all?
- π Did I get into a Jhana state?
- π Buddhajayanti sinhala tripitaka for kindle
- π What object should one focus on when meditating to reduce anxiousness?
- π When was *sila* first interpreted/translated as ethics?
- π What are the different meditation types & how to do them?
- π How do zen practitioners balance the mix between Buddhism detachment and Taoism attachment?
- π Do predatory animals gain bad karma?
- π Permission of your parents in your renunciation
- π Are there different types of craving?
- π Unintended but mindless action resulted in death of a living thing
- π Woman touch Buddha
- π How can killing of Muslims by Buddhists in Myanmar be justified?
- π Publication of written texts involving the dhamma
- π Is there an online copy of English translation of Pramanavarttika of Shri Dharmakirthi?
- π Who were the wise in the Buddha's discourses?
- π In Dependent Co-Arising, is Dukkha a Sankhara, a Vedana, both, or none?
- π What is the perception of the body?
- π Is (and why is) physical health important, as well as mind?
- π What does "sandhΔvitvΔ saαΉsaritvΔ" mean in AN 9.12?
Source: stackoverflow.com
Search Posts
Related post
- π When is an ideology a religion and not just philosophy, or a way of living?
- π Attachment is a poison. Why is attachment to the Buddha and to Buddhist philosophy not a problem?
- π To debate or not to debate? and When to debate? and How to debate?
- π When to help and when not to?
- π How and when does one not invest in others in Buddhism?
- π When the Pali suttas say that it is not the "same" thing that is born and dies what do they mean?
- π When to delight and when not to delight?
- π When practicing Mahasi-style meditation, should we label rising and falling, or just distractions? The instructions seem contradictory
- π Is ChΓΆgyal Namkhai Norbu correct when he says our life is unreal and that Buddha taught that life is just like a dream?
- π What's the effect of living on alms (social services) and not doing duties, being unrestrained?
- π If a buddhist should not kill a mouse living in their home, what justification do they have to rid themselves of a parasite such tapeworms
- π How are 'conceit' and 'identity-view' not the same?
- π How do I slow down and start living according to my values? How do I change the direction of my life?
- π Can a person live by the Dhamma and have another religion as well?
- π Please explain when and where to use the terms Theravada and Hinayana
- π How and when should a child be introduced to Buddhism?
- π Did Buddha practice group meditation with bhikkhus, bhikkhunis and laymen, just like in today's meditation center?
- π Mindfulness when on the train, underground and bus
- π How and when did the name "Buddhism" appear?
- π Do monks not have responsibility towards parents and family?
- π When and why did monks stop meditating?
- π When it comes to commercial products, is there harm to choosing a more beautiful and well-designed option?
- π When and how should someone practice Patikulamanasikara meditation (reflections of replusiveness)
- π When is it time to meditate and when is it time to act?
- π What is the difference between learning the Buddhist way and simply learning from life?
- π Meditating and including buddhist philosophy in your life without abandoning previous religious beliefs?
- π Is there any explanation on why only humans and animals do not remember previous life?
- π Is it helpful to avoid first person pronouns when speaking and writing?
- π How do you decide when to stick up for yourself and when to let things go?
- π Why does 'thoughts' and 'memories' not part of aggregates?