Originally posted by xmarksthespot
Buddhism is interesting in that, at least to someone from the outside looking in i.e. me, it appears to be equal parts philosophy on life and religious teachings. Can one believe in the philosophy of Buddhism without believing in the religion or are they inseparable? If someone takes on only the philosophical perspective (assuming that is possible) of Buddhism are they still considered a Buddhist?
Yes, we even have Christians who come to our meetings and chant with us. My religion is a personal religion, we do not have a preacher who gets up and tells us what to do. We do have study meetings, but they are more like discussion groups, were you read some part of what ever is decided before, and talk about it at the meeting. We have elders and an organizational structure, but that is there if we have questions or if we need help. For example, when my mother died I went to my elder to receive consoling, we then had a ceremony for the dead. However, most of my practice is done at home; in the morning and evening we do a ceremony called Gongyo and we chant.