What is a philosophy?

The Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy begins its definition of philosophy as:-

"Philosophy. (Greek, love of knowledge or wisdom) The study of the most general and abstract features of the world and categories with which we think: mind, matter, reason, proof, truth, etc. In philosophy, the concepts with which we approach the world themselves become the topic of enquiry."

There are aspects of Buddhism which may be said to be philosophical. Its analysis of the world gives reassurances that there is some kind of order. The Four Noble Truths says that there is suffering, stress, discontent, discomfort and so on, that they have a cause, that they have an end, and provides the way to the end in the Noble Eightfold Path. The teachings on Karma provide a thorough and logically self-consistent explanation of cause and effect. In this way, Buddhism is a logical analysis of the human condition and of the world that may be said to be a philosophy.

Yet Buddhism does not rest solely on speculation and logical reasoning, which may be based on speculative premises. Instead it relies on personal experience and development of skills to gain understanding and wisdom. While book learning and instruction are important on the Buddhist path, it is not merely a domain of intellectual thought but a "road map" to be used. The essential practice uses methods of meditation and intuitive insight to reach the goal of Nirvana; the ultimate escape from suffering, stress and so on. In this way, Buddhism may be said not to be a philosophy.

What is a Religion?

Religion, as the Oxford Concise Dictionary of World Religions says, is hard to define.

If all religions share a belief in a transcendent ideal then Buddhism is one whose ideal is Nirvana. This is a state of being that is completely transcendent to our ordinary mode of existing. It is the ultimate goal of Buddhist learning and practice. In this way, Buddhism may be said to be a religion.

But Buddhism does not posit a supreme being, a creator god, a deity, an omniscient loving divinity or transcendental soul to which we may appeal for salvation. Instead, Buddhism tells us to "pull ourselves up by our bootstraps" and remove the unwholesome and unskilful habits that lead to our suffering, stress and so on. In so doing, we are to replace them with wholesome and skilful practices that lead us to true nobility and to the ultimate goal of Nirvana. You are your own saviour, and the teachings and teachers merely guides and helpers on the journey. "You must do the work; even the Buddhas do put point the way." In this way, Buddhism may be said not to be a religion.

What is Buddhism?

The debate continues even among Buddhists. But one description that most may accept is that of Buddhism as a "way of life" or a "way of living"; even just of "living" itself. There is a certain amount to be taken "on faith", and those who have gone before are deserving of respect. But this is arguably so in any science. You place faith in the skills of a surgeon, for example.

If you call it this or that, it is sure to appeal to some because of it, and to equally repel others in the same way. Call it a religion and those seeking religion may be drawn to its religious aspects; yet those repelled by any hint of religion may reject it even before looking into it. Those of other creeds may then condemn Buddhism as a form of herecy. Call it a philosophy and the rational may see its intellectual merits, yet reject any apparently more spiritual aspects as irrational.

Why do You Ask?

But if the stark and final conclusion of Buddhism is anything, it is this. Why call it anything? Nirvana is attained only by giving up such attachments, among other things. Why not come with an open mind and see what Buddhism has to offer you, personally, if anything? If you find it helpful at first, why not stay and see what deeper things it has to say? You are free to come and to leave as you please. But only you can do so freely - by leaving labels at the door and browsing. If you come to a shoe store wanting a coat, you won't find anything useful. If you come to a shoe store not wanting anything, who knows whether you will find a good pair of shoes?

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With reference to:-
Blackburn, Simon. (2005). Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy (2nd Ed.). OUP.
Bowker, John. (1997). Oxford Concise Dictionary of World Religions. OUP.
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/bullitt/bfaq.html