Buddhism as Non-Religion

Due to its non-dual nature, its unwillingness to water down Sakyamuni Gautama Buddha's Teaching, and the practicality of meditation, Buddhism as philosophy and psychology is liberating.

Mistaking it for religion, the ignorant flee. Yet the wise augment their faith with it.

Buddhism is non-dual in that at the root of the teaching, dependent arising and karma demonstrates the interdependence of all living beings.

What the concept of self power (jiriki) and Other Power (tariki) teaches is not dualism but that one's self power motivates one to let Other Power help to guide her life, which is similar to the concept of "let go and let God".

In the Buddha's Teaching are the Four Noble Truths, consisting of:

1. Life is not satisfying.
   
2. The reason why life is not satisfying is because of ignorant craving.
   
3. To cure this dissatisfaction with life, stop ignorant craving.
   
4. The Noble Eightfold Path stops ignorant craving.

The Noble Eightfold Path consists of Right View and Right Intention to develop Wisdom; Right Speech, Right Action, and Right Livelihood to develop Ethical Conduct; and Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration to develop Mental Development. At the root of the Eightfold Path is breath meditation to develop calm insight into the roots of ignorant craving. Advanced meditation helps one to develop compassion for others. This helps develop wisdom, ethical conduct and mental development. Thus Buddhism aids in personal development to benefit society and the individuals who practice meditation. Indeed, the purpose of Buddhism is to help each of us to develop the spiritual awareness that the purpose in life is to be of service to others, and to be ready to help others in need without thought of self. Reference: Nonduality FAQ: http://www.nonduality.com/faq.htm Dependent arising: http://www.khandro.net/doctrine_12links_DLbk1.htm Four Noble Truths: http://www.buddhanet.net/4noble.htm Noble Eightfold Path: http://www.thebigview.com/buddhism/eightfoldpath.html self power (jiriki) and Other Power (tariki): http://www.jsri.jp/English/Honen/TEACHINGS/otherself.html