Religions of the world

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Buddhism, based on the
teachings of Siddhartha Gautama

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Quotations:

Is Buddhism a religion?

Whether Buddhism is or is not a religion depends upon how you define "religion." 

Government census offices and public opinion pollsters generally recognize Buddhism as a religion. Books that describe the religions of the world generally cover Buddhism along with Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, etc. Even the Boy Scouts of America, who expel Atheists, Agnostics and homosexuals, accept Buddhists as members.

The Drepung Loseling Institute states:

"Like all major religions, Buddhism contains an explanation of the origin of existence, a morality, and a specific set of rituals and behaviors. ... Buddhism presents a transformational goal, a desire to improve one's situation, and a distinct moral code. ₅

However, some definitions of "religion" require a belief in the existence of one or more deities. That would disqualify most branches of Buddhism from being considered as religious groups.

Overview:

With about 365 milliion followers -- 6% of the world's population -- Buddhism is the fourth largest religion in the world. It is exceeded in numbers only by Christianity, Islam and Hinduism. Buddhism was founded in Northern India by the first known Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama. In the sixth century BCE, he attained enlightenment and assumed the title Lord Buddha (one who has awakened)

Buddhism later died out in India, but had become established in Sri Lanka. From there, it expanded across Asia, evolving into two or three main forms:

To these might be added:

Since the late 19th century:

Topics covered in this section:

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References used:

1. This quotation is often cited as appearing in Helen Dukas & Banesh Hoffman, Eds., "Albert Einstein: The Human Side," Princeton University Press, (1954). It looks like something he could have written or said. It resembles the type of language found in other religious and spiritual material that Einstein wrote. But there appears to be no evidence that it is actually his. A search on Google for a phrase from this quotation found that it is found at about 316 locations on the Internet. However, as explained in http://en.wikiquote.org/, item 14, he probably never wrote it. Still, someone wrote it. So, we included it.

2. "Gandhara, Pakistan," Biblical Archaeology Review, 2004-MAY/JUN, Page 64.

3. André Vellino "About Buddhism," at: http://www.ncf.carleton.ca/

4. Venerable Gyatrul Rinpoche, "Introduction to Buddhism," at: http://www.mirrorofwisdomvideo.org/

5. "Is Buddhism a religion?" Drepung Loseling Institute, at: http://www.drepung.org/