Buddhism and the difference from other paths
A statue of Lord Buddha
We can see a lot of religions in this world. But if we analyze Buddhism is not in the category of religions. It can be said as a Philosophy. It contains the path to enlightenment found By lord Buddha.
Buddhism Cannot also be called as a science. Sciences can be changed when new knowledge emerge. But Buddhism is knowledge that has been tested and proved by lord Buddha, the founder of it. Later so many people had followed the path and gained success.
It is true you can’t go back in history and check what others had done. History is also a part of any community. But You always can analyze and check Buddhism in real life.
Buddhism is a free path that anyone can always come and check, if it suits to their lives, understandings or they can leave. of cause they always can come back again if wanted or just leave for ever. No one forces to follow anything or anyone. Lord Buddha has never forced it on anyone.
What his holiness Buddha has said is:
- Dhamma is well told in whole i.e. at the start, at the middle and at the end.
- The path has to be understood and experienced by own intelligence of each person. (Anyone can only show you the path but can’t take you alone it.)
- Dhamma is true at any time it yields without delay.
- It is wise enough to tell anyone to come and check it.
- each person should establish or it in own mind (realize true meanings) for success in path
- intellectuals should individually experience Dhamma
(These are in the gata we use to honor Dhamma,
Svàkkhàto Bhagavatà Dhammo,
Sanditthiko akàliko ehi-passiko,
Opanayiko pacchattam veditabbo vinnuhi’ti.resources: http://www.dhammatalks.net/Books13/Chanting_PALI-and-ENG.pdf.pdf and see the section ” SUPREME PRAISE OF THE DHAMMA “
)
So it is our own liking to practice Buddhism or not. Only thing it needs to follow is the need itself (to follow). I.e. desire to practice Buddhism. Practicing Buddhism Is not suppressing our feelings. It’s analyzing and understanding the reality (truth) of everything about us. One who follows the path would eventually reduce sufferings and finally put all in to an end.
Being A Buddhist 
I won’t be able to thank you fully for the articles on your web-site. I know you’d put a lot of time and energy into all of them and hope you know how much I appreciate it. I hope I could do the same for someone else sometime.