Is Buddhism a philosophy or a religion?
Buddhism is both. As a philosophy, it deals with the nature of life, reality, conduct and all of the big questions which have engaged humans for many ages. As a religion, it is concerned with these same issues, detailing how, through entering into an exploration of our minds, we can develop our human potential to the fullest, becoming Buddhas ourselves. In its religious aspect, Buddhist thought deals with the formless, non-material realm and explains its relationship to the material world around us. It also explains methods whereby we can develop minds such as faith, love, compassion and wisdom, as well as the significance of developing these.