| 1. It is unique among religions: Buddhism is the only of | | | | Buddha says you can erase that suffering. Why don't |
| the world major religions that teaches something | | | | listen to him? |
| radically different. They don't teach worship of one | | | | 5. It can be adapted to your situation: You don't need |
| god or many gods, they focus on problems that we | | | | to become a monk or pray 12 hours a day to become |
| have here in this world. | | | | a Buddhist, you only need to apply the practical |
| 2. It is practiced by about 500 million people: This | | | | teachings of the Buddha in your life. |
| doesn't mean that because of its high number of | | | | 6. It is a religion: In the West it is often debated whether |
| practitioners it is good or true, but it means that it can | | | | Buddhism is a religion or not. It is a religion, because in |
| adapt to different cultures and environments. | | | | some of its expressions involves rituals and worship. If |
| 3. You could apply its philosophy even if you practice | | | | you are committed, you can become a member of a |
| another religion: The core teachings of Buddhism are | | | | Buddhist community. |
| compatible with other religions. You could be a | | | | 7. It is not a religion, but a philosophy: Some people say |
| Christian and still apply the practical teachings of the | | | | that Buddhism isn't a religion because it doesn't involve |
| Buddha. | | | | God or gods. You can take the core teachings of the |
| 4. It addresses problems that affect everyone: The | | | | Buddha and apply it as a philosophy of life, without |
| Buddha said that he taught suffering, its origin and what | | | | becoming a member of a religious group. You will see |
| to do about it. Everyone in this world suffers. The | | | | how practical and down to earth they are. |