This question is very difficult to answer without first defining it, for the purpose of this essay I will define religion as a philosophy which affects lifestyle, because it gives a purpose to life. Buddhism is sometimes described instead as a philosophy which affects lifestyle, because it provides a purpose to life. Buddhism is often described as a philosophy because the existence or non-existence of a God is not central to their beliefs, unlike most other religions. Without a God it is difficult to describe any scriptures as sacred, because sacred is often interpreted as holy, which means something belonging to or devoted to God. However, if Buddhism is a philosophy, then any scriptures would be philosophical works, as opposed to religious texts. For the purpose of this essay, I shall define Buddhism as a religion because it effects lifestyle, and I will use sacred to mean something that is revered because of its religious significance.…
