is it? cause i was at this buddahism youth group thing and the guy said something like how buddhaism isnt really a religion, its a way of life. but then we have to bow to the buddha idols. are we bowing to them as gods/saints or as masters? im very confused

do you pray and worship?

i dont know, does bowing fall in that category?

Is it defining right and wrong for you? Are there things a Buddhist does not do, or tries to do? If it subjects you to rules without tangible, physical threats of power, it is a religion.

Asian religions aren't really religions they are like philosophies: Buddhism, Confucianism, Qi Gong, and Toaism. Most Asians will go from one "church" to another and not give it a second thought.

I'm not really sure about Buddha, but as I understand it, his signifigance is that he was the one to break the cycle of death. In other words, reincarnation. I don't think buddhists see him the sameway Christians see Jesus, though.

>>but then we have to bow to the buddha idols. <<

I think the bowing is more them all getting together, doing collective meditation, spouting mantras. Trying to acheive enlightenment.

I'm not trying to give you shit here, but, why the hell are you bowing if you don't know the signifigance? If you were going to partake in the sacrifice of a goat in some African village, you should atleast ask what you are appeasing before slicing its throat. Keep that in mind on further educational field trips.

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Felix qui potuit rerum cognoscere causas.

plus bowing in a japanese culture is a show of respect.

Shit, now i don't remember if Budda is japanese or chinese.

Oh well.

yes and no

yes, if you devout yourself enough, and beleive completely in nirvana, the 8fold path, all its teachings, and in your mind consider it a religion

but no, if you follow it more as a way to improve your life, buddhists dont look down on those who wish to be buddhist, but arent very devout, they also dont go and try to convert people like the christians...that can be annoying, heh

so, dont worry about it being a religion, you make it what it is

Budda was from India.

I believe buddism is a way of life, but that does not disqualify it from being a religion. Just like christianity there are many different variations of buddism and from my understanding some of them lean more towards worship, mass like ceremonies and reading from budda's texts.

When it comes down to it though aren't all religions just a way of life?