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Understanding About Buddhism

Tuesday, March 17th, 2009

Buddhism is a teaching which has spread worldwide absorbing the culture of each country it arrived in, which has resulted in many expressions of Buddhism. The worldwide spread of Buddhism means that it is now practiced by over three hundred million people worldwide, and thus, is generally considered to be a world religion. However, its authenticity as a religion has often come under scrutiny by intellectuals in the Western world. To explore whether Buddhism can in fact be counted as a religion we must acknowledge that the main problems arise when looking for a definition of what a religion is. When applying varying definitions of religion to Buddhism we come up with some very contradictory answers; some which say that Buddhism is simply a philosophy or teaching, whilst others will prove that it is in fact, a religion in practice.

To determine whether Buddhism is a religion or not, we must also note that we, as Westerners will have different views and concepts of religion to those practicing in the East. We must ask the question, is it even possible for Westerners to understand the religious life of Asia? What we view as Asian religion and religious activity is for most of the people practicing it a natural part of daily life; our ideas and concepts vary so greatly that perhaps someone observing Buddhism from a Western perspective may never truly grasp the religiosity of the group.

For one attempting to provide a definition of religion these practices would need to be described in a manner which did not exclude one religion from the definition. There needs to be one thing that is attributed to all religions, a common factor. For many, the common factor is God. However, if we conclude that God is the focus of all religion then much of the material found in Asia must be excluded because there is no God here, and occasionally not even Gods. From the perspective that religion entails belief in a God, Buddhism is excluded from having the title of religion. Many outsiders to the Buddhist tradition may claim that the Buddha held some divinity and is elevated to a Godly position, but the Buddha himself refused to be regarded as divine. For the Buddha, humanity is here to improve ourselves and achieve liberation rather than worrying about ultimate questions. Buddhists would argue that knowledge of a God or the afterlife does not matter as neither help in the quest for nirvana.
If Buddhism is not counted as a religion then what is it? Buddhism can be thought of as a way of life, a philosophy, a psychology, a way of thinking through which we can take responsibility for our present life and lives.

Like all major religions Buddhism contains a morality, rituals and behaviours, certain ethical values and an origin of existence, yet because Buddhists do not believe in an all knowing creator God some claim that Buddhism fails to be a religion. The large variety of definitions of religion shows that we can never give a solid, one answer description of what it is that religion is and does.

One thing must remember that previously Buddhism has many names such as the Buddha’s teaching or message, or the Buddha’s way or the path of attainment. Although the religious status of Buddhism has come under constant attack, we could argue that the questioning is in fact, not necessary. To the Buddhist, their beliefs are essentially a philosophy by which individuals can attain release from the world of karma and rebirth. Knowing whether or not Buddhism is a religion or not cannot lead to salvation, only through practice and understanding can one be led to a happiness which is not transient.

Taj Mahal With Buddha Tour

Monday, March 16th, 2009

India is a secular country and has been embracing all the religion of the world. It’s the pioneer of teaching the possibility of coexistence of diverse races and religions under the same umbrella. Buddhism is a unique religion for spreading peace in the cosmos. If you want you can visit the temples of India and one another example of Indian heritage and culture- the Taj Mahal at the same time during Buddha travel package or simply Indian temple tour.

Every year innumerable pilgrims of Buddhism come to India to experience Buddha tour or Buddha temple tour or simply Indian temple travel package to mollify their prancing mind. On influx you will be received by our envoy and this day you will be taken for an excursion to this very heart of India- Delhi. The journey will cover Qutab Minar / Humayun Tomb / India Gate / Red Fort / Jama Masjid / Gandhi Memorial etc.

Drive to Agra en-route visiting the old desolate town of Mughal empire i.e. Fatehpur Sikri. On influx, check in into hotel. Afternoon you go out for city trip covering Taj Mahal, Red Fortand the Tomb of Itmad-ud-daula’s Tomb. Afternoon city trip of Sarnath: renowned for its Dhamekh Stupa and for it being the place where Buddha preached his first sermon enshrining the belief of his teachings into laws. You learn and assimilate so many things to usher peace in your life during Buddah travels package in India that it remains in your memory for ever.

At sunrise take pleasure in boat ride at River Ganges, followed by a city trip covering – Vishwanath Temple, Bharat Mata Temple etc. Stay there for two nights with outings to Rajgir/ Nalanda / Sapta pari cave and Venevamas. Above two days you will come across with many locales of Buddhist significance, i.e., Rajgir: A significant Buddhist pilgrimage since the Buddha spent 12 years here, and the first Buddhist council after the Buddha achieved Nirvana was held here, Nalanda: founded in the 5th century known as center of intellectualism. You learn the truth of existence and the objective of life during Buddhist pilgrimage tour in India.

A.M. ensue to Vaishali, a very extraordinary place to Buddhists as The Lord preached his last lecture & announced his imminent “Nirwana”. See the majesty of Ashok Pillar – Lotus tank, Chaumukhi & proceed to Kushinagar for during the night stay.

Morning trip to Ashoka’s pillar (249 BC) rediscovered in 1890’s inside thick sal woods, a shrine of Mayadevi, the ruins of an old monastery and some new stupas, then in the afternoon go on to Balrampur en route visiting Sravasti where you will see the extensive debris of this antique city & Jetavana Monastery.

In the end, with Taj tour you can’t forget the hospitality and satisfaction you get from our envoys during this Buddha tour India.