Buddhism is not a religion!

I have always knew that.

Buddha has never preached any religion at all in the first place. It is his followers who created the religion - Buddhism. Buddhism is supposed to be a philosophy.

There is an article in TheStar featuring Gary Gach, the author for The Complete Idiot's Guide to Buddhism. He clearly stated "Buddhism is not a religion". He is right!

From what I understand about Buddhism, Buddha preached that one should live a simple lifestyle. The more desires/temptations you have, the more you will suffer. So, live a simple lifestyle to end those suffering! Yet, I have seen a Buddhist monk driving a Mercedez. That is so extravagant!

What are the teachings of Buddha? It basically centres around the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path.

The four noble truths are as follows:
1. Ordinary life is suffering
2. Suffering is caused by desire to satisfy oneself
3. We end suffering by ending those desires
4. follow the 8 fold middle path

So, let's practise Buddhism by following the Noble Eightfold Path: right understanding, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.

Buddha asked his followers not to idolise him. So, to practise Buddhism, you don't need to shave your head, wear a robe, be like him, and to pray to him. That's what Buddha did not want you to do - to idolise him. So, don't idolise Buddha. Buddhism is actually a philosophy.

All you need to do is just to live a simple lifestyle and be compassionate! And most importantly, do good for the sake of goodness!