“The question has often been asked; Is Buddhism a religion or a philosophy? It does not matter what you call it. Buddhism remains what it is whatever label you may put on it. The label is immaterial. Even the label 'Buddhism' which we give to the teachings of the Buddha is of little importance. The name one gives is inessential.... In the same way Truth needs no label: it is neither Buddhist, Christian, Hindu nor Moslem. It is not the monopoly of anybody. Sectarian labels are a hindrance to the independent understanding of Truth, and they produce harmful prejudices in men's minds.” MenWayNeedsGivingMindMayLittlesDoeMatterPhilosophyChristianNamesUnderstandingTeachingProduceBuddhismImportancePrejudiceIndependentRemainsBuddhistLabelsMonopolyHindrance Book:What the Buddha Taught Source: What the Buddha Taught
“First of all, Buddhism is neither pessimistic nor optimistic. If anything at all, it is realistic, for it takes a realistic view of life and the world. It looks at things objectively (yath?bh?tam). It does not falsely lull you into living in a fool's paradise, nor does it frighten and agonize you with all kinds of imaginary fears and sins. It tells you exactly and objectively what you are and what the world around you is, and shows you the way to perfect freedom, peace, tranquility and happiness.” IfsWorldWayFirstsLooksKindDoeShowsSinPerfectViewsBuddhismFoolBalanceAll KindsOptimisticParadiseRealisticImaginaryTranquilityPessimisticLullsPeace Tranquility Author:Walpola Rahula
