Author Topic: Is Buddhism a psychology, a philosophy or a world religion  (Read 3543 times)

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SWM

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Is Buddhism a psychology, a philosophy or a world religion
« on: July 15, 2008, 02:49:23 PM »
Is Buddhism a psychology, a philosophy or a world religion?
though it is usually referred to as a world religion, it is not a religion in the same sense as christianity, islam or judaism.

Buddhism offers a system of personal development, self responsibilty and the attainment of deep realisations. is this a not more a of psychology or a philosophy than a religion?

 
And the  LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as  one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:

cognitive

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Re: Is Buddhism a psychology, a philosophy or a world religion
« Reply #1 on: August 05, 2008, 12:19:19 AM »
I must recognize that I don't know much about budhism's philosophy .must read about .


Quote
Buddhism offers a system of personal development, self responsibilty and the attainment of deep realisations

lol, I thought that Christianity offers all those and much more. for instant,in the following verses

" "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye."

i found one of defence mechanisms  , guess which one  ::)?
"Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous."
Albert Einstein

SWM

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Re: Is Buddhism a psychology, a philosophy or a world religion
« Reply #2 on: August 05, 2008, 08:12:51 AM »
would that be projection?

the pychology of buddhism is definitely worth looking into. if you are interested in psychology and religion, then buddhist psychology is an area to explore.

i dont have many resources that i can link you to but if any body finds any while browsing you could post them back in this thread.

this one looks a good place to start http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/bb/Pilou.html
And the  LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as  one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:

seekinghga

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Re: Is Buddhism a psychology, a philosophy or a world religion
« Reply #3 on: March 12, 2009, 09:11:22 PM »
[I know it's been a while for this post, but I only just got here!]

As to the question:
It is my opinion that Buddhism can be one or all of these things.  I would think that religion would be the least likely, due to Buddhism's non-dogmatic character.  Also its tangibility put it up there with with all the other empirical sciences.  The best site I have found:
http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/intro_bud.htm

liza123

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Re: Is Buddhism a psychology, a philosophy or a world religion
« Reply #4 on: May 07, 2009, 04:03:03 PM »
Is Buddhism a psychology, a philosophy or a world religion?
though it is usually referred to as a world religion, it is not a religion in the same sense as christianity, islam or judaism.

Buddhism offers a system of personal development, self responsibilty and the attainment of deep realisations. is this a not more a of psychology or a philosophy than a religion?

 

Yes, i agree with you. Buddhism is more of a philosophy. After all, Buddha was a Hindu Prince who practised the meditation principles as per Hinduism. He was enlightened during meditation and preached his philosophies which were later called Buddhism

Enigma

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Re: Is Buddhism a psychology, a philosophy or a world religion
« Reply #5 on: May 08, 2009, 12:09:29 AM »
I'd classify Buddhism as a psychological philosophy that is practiced like a religion.
All posts made by user constitute an educated opinion on the particular topic in question.  This user is not a licensed professional and shall not be held liable for any consequences resulting from obeying aforementioned opinion.  Your results may vary.  Keep out of reach of children.

voodoo scientist

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Re: Is Buddhism a psychology, a philosophy or a world religion
« Reply #6 on: June 15, 2009, 07:48:35 PM »
It's a religion.
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voodoo scientist

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Re: Is Buddhism a psychology, a philosophy or a world religion
« Reply #8 on: June 15, 2009, 08:06:35 PM »
Buddhism is primarily classified as such in multiple dictionaries (including OED and Merriam-Webster).

Thus, "religion" is the most efficient description to use in terms of achieving maximum communication efficiency, and will in the most cases provide a satisfying description for people who rely on dictionaries to define their use of English.
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seekinghga

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Re: Is Buddhism a psychology, a philosophy or a world religion
« Reply #9 on: June 15, 2009, 08:10:47 PM »
Buddhism is primarily classified as such in multiple dictionaries (including OED and Merriam-Webster).

Thus, "religion" is the most efficient description to use in terms of achieving maximum communication efficiency, and will in the most cases provide a satisfying description for people who rely on dictionaries to define their use of English.
I quoted you before I asked my question, not the dictionary definition.  Why do YOU think Buddhism is a religion?

voodoo scientist

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Re: Is Buddhism a psychology, a philosophy or a world religion
« Reply #10 on: June 16, 2009, 02:08:07 AM »
Because the dictionary defines "Buddhism" as a religion and "Religion" as a category of which "Buddhism" is part.
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liza123

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Re: Is Buddhism a psychology, a philosophy or a world religion
« Reply #11 on: June 17, 2009, 08:15:58 AM »
Buddhism is primarily classified as such in multiple dictionaries (including OED and Merriam-Webster).

Thus, "religion" is the most efficient description to use in terms of achieving maximum communication efficiency, and will in the most cases provide a satisfying description for people who rely on dictionaries to define their use of English.

Buddhism
/booddiz’m/

  • noun a religion or philosophy, founded by Siddartha Gautama (Buddha; c.563-c.460 BC), which teaches that elimination of the self is the route to enlightenment.

  — DERIVATIVES Buddhist noun & adjective Buddhistic adjective.

http://www.askoxford.com/concise_oed/buddhism


What was the name of the dictionary again, voodoo scientist? Not OED or Oxford English Dictionary surely?
« Last Edit: June 17, 2009, 08:19:09 AM by liza123 »

anaklio

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Re: Is Buddhism a psychology, a philosophy or a world religion
« Reply #12 on: June 17, 2009, 12:15:59 PM »
Seems like if you FEEL it, it's "spirituality" but if you try to EXPLAIN it then it becomes "religion".

voodoo scientist

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Re: Is Buddhism a psychology, a philosophy or a world religion
« Reply #13 on: June 17, 2009, 02:24:56 PM »
Buddhism
/booddiz’m/

  • noun a religion or philosophy, founded by Siddartha Gautama (Buddha; c.563-c.460 BC), which teaches that elimination of the self is the route to enlightenment.

  — DERIVATIVES Buddhist noun & adjective Buddhistic adjective.

http://www.askoxford.com/concise_oed/buddhism


What was the name of the dictionary again, voodoo scientist? Not OED or Oxford English Dictionary surely?

You miss the broader point, which is that debating terminology is pointless - regardless of who would win this debate, the dictionary would be the easiest deciding factor, as an unbiased third party.

However, in the spirit of this: Incomplete analysis, dawg. And how do you like them apples?
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liza123

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Re: Is Buddhism a psychology, a philosophy or a world religion
« Reply #14 on: June 18, 2009, 02:05:42 AM »
You miss the broader point, which is that debating terminology is pointless - regardless of who would win this debate, the dictionary would be the easiest deciding factor, as an unbiased third party.

However, in the spirit of this: Incomplete analysis, dawg. And how do you like them apples?


What are you talking about? You quoted the OED. I checked it online, copied and pasted the definition as in the above post. Apparently, the OED  states "religion or philosophy" and you misquoted the dictionary! There is no debate in terminology at all. Only misquoting of the OED from you!
« Last Edit: June 18, 2009, 02:07:27 AM by liza123 »

voodoo scientist

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Re: Is Buddhism a psychology, a philosophy or a world religion
« Reply #15 on: June 18, 2009, 04:20:20 PM »
What are you talking about?

The ambiguous definition in that single entry should drive you to look at associated definitions and other dictionaries. A word can't mean several things in the same context - "x or y" is a useless definition, because it fails to define anything.
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anaklio

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Re: Is Buddhism a psychology, a philosophy or a world religion
« Reply #16 on: June 19, 2009, 11:36:33 AM »
One of my favorite things is to dream about bringing these pioneers back. Imagine what Mozart would think about P!nk. I suspect he'd roll with pop music and make some of it himself. I bring this up because I'm wondering what Mr./Dr./The Buddha would think about this philosophy-religion debate. I'm thinking he'd think we're wasting our time with it and missing the point.

voodoo scientist

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Re: Is Buddhism a psychology, a philosophy or a world religion
« Reply #17 on: June 19, 2009, 11:58:43 AM »
The subject is an absolute waste of time, but we concluded that terminology discussion in general was a waste of time several posts ago.

The debate itself is interesting, however, because our continued engagement in an admittedly intellectually wasteful discussion and our way of doing so is more directly revealing of our personality than a discussion about a genuinely interesting subject would be. Why do we do it, what do we hope to gain? People don't do things for no reason.
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anaklio

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Re: Is Buddhism a psychology, a philosophy or a world religion
« Reply #18 on: June 19, 2009, 10:58:36 PM »
People often neglect the role of social interaction. Everyone wants to feel like they are being heard.

And perhaps The Buddha would be excited to have so many posts about him ;-)

liza123

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Re: Is Buddhism a psychology, a philosophy or a world religion
« Reply #19 on: June 25, 2009, 11:59:53 AM »
The ambiguous definition in that single entry should drive you to look at associated definitions and other dictionaries. A word can't mean several things in the same context - "x or y" is a useless definition, because it fails to define anything.

Perhaps, you should propose to Oxford to change the English language as per your definition(including the meaning of "or"). I am sure that the English people(English language did originate from England!) would do it just for you! ;)

voodoo scientist

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Re: Is Buddhism a psychology, a philosophy or a world religion
« Reply #20 on: June 25, 2009, 12:08:20 PM »
Perhaps, you should propose to Oxford to change the English language as per your definition(including the meaning of "or"). I am sure that the English people(English language did originate from England!) would do it just for you! ;)

Oxford does not unilaterally dictate the English language. It's an imperfect tool, especially in cases like this, used to achieve greater clarity of communication.
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liza123

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Re: Is Buddhism a psychology, a philosophy or a world religion
« Reply #21 on: June 30, 2009, 06:36:23 AM »
Oxford does not unilaterally dictate the English language. It's an imperfect tool, especially in cases like this, used to achieve greater clarity of communication.

 ;DIndeed. There is a saying, 'None so blind as those who will not see, none so deaf as those who will not hear!'. The above is your opinion and you are entitled to one. But, it does not mean that people have to agree with you. I have made my opinion very clear on the above matter. And the case is closed for me. ::)

La

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Re: Is Buddhism a psychology, a philosophy or a world religion
« Reply #22 on: June 30, 2009, 07:02:55 AM »
Historically, philosophy, religion, way of life, etc. all have similar roots.  When it comes to collective sharing and exchange of ideas and goods, wisdom theories show that one major area where this happened was Mesopotamia.  Before scribes people had limited writing capabilities and exchanged thoughts/knowledge/wisdom by word of mouth. So, differing languages made it possible for variations in translations which may account for the similarities of philosophical and moral sayings across different religions.  

So, in answering your question I would have to say that it is...Oh heck my ADHD made it go away cause I rambled...Oh yeah. I say both however, it seems that TRUE believers think that everybody else should think like them.  Sort of egocentric and cult-like in my opinion.
« Last Edit: June 30, 2009, 07:06:25 AM by La »

Bill Hemphill

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Re: Is Buddhism a psychology, a philosophy or a world religion
« Reply #23 on: January 09, 2010, 04:18:33 AM »
Philosophy refers to the way an individual or society processes information. Attitude of deduction?

Religion is a sort of system. Typically with the aim of energy directed to God.

Diet is a system, right?

Religion = diet = philosophy? Attitude is involved, faith, energy.

TheSandman

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Re: Is Buddhism a psychology, a philosophy or a world religion
« Reply #24 on: June 03, 2010, 01:06:10 AM »
seems like it's both!

 

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