Buddhism is spiritual not religious

Buddhism is unique among the world’s major world religions, for one big reason. Buddhism is the one world religion that has no God. It is the nontheistic religion.

That changes everything. Yes, like other religions Buddhism describes a nonmaterial, spiritual reality (perhaps the realer reality), and addresses what happens after we die. But at the same time, it is down-to-earth and practical: it is about us, our minds, and our suffering.

It’s about being fully and deeply human, and it has something to offer everyone. Because who doesn’t know the value of being present and aware. Of having an open mind and loving heart. And a proven path to get there.
The difference is that meditation is the very essence of Buddhism, not just the practice of a rarified elite of mystics. It’s fair to say that Buddhism is the most contemplative of the world’s major religions, which is a reflection of its basic nontheism.

Buddhism is not about salvation or original sin. It’s not about becoming somebody different or going somewhere else.

Buddhism is about realization and experience, not institutions or divine authority. This makes it ideal to those who consider themselves spiritual but not religious.