Rethinking Buddhism: is it Truly a Religion?

Buddhism is a globally recognized religion with hundreds of millions of followers, particularly in the East. Also, its influence is not limited to the East; over the past few decades, it has steadily gained popularity in the West.

It's a common belief that if many people consider something a religion, then it must be so. However, history is replete with instances where widely held beliefs were later proven incorrect. For instance, not too long ago, the prevailing belief was that the Earth was flat and the center of the universe. Those who dared to challenge these beliefs were often persecuted. This historical context is crucial in understanding the classification of Buddhism as a religion.

Unlike most Western religions, Buddhism does not center around a deity for worship. The Buddha is not a god but a teacher. He is often described as 'a teacher of humans and devas (celestial beings or gods).' His teachings serve as a guide to liberate us from our innate human traits of lust, hatred, and delusion, commonly known as the three poisons.