What is religion?

Religion, as understood in the West,is defined in the English Oxford dictionary, as the belief in and worship of many gods (polytheism) or one God (monotheism). Buddhism is not such a belief or worship. Therefore some writers point out that Buddhism is not a religion but an atheistic philosophy. They even equate Buddhism with Marxism as a philosophy.

By Bhikkhu Dr. Saranapala
Buddhist Chaplain, University of Toronto

Nowadays people around the globe have become fascinated with meditation. They speak about the "coolness" and instant benefits of the practice of meditation. Since everybody is talking about it based upon some initial experiences, there are many expectations of its benefits. Even  medical doctors are prescribing meditation as the best medication, as a remedy to all physical and psychological illnesses. Psychologists and psychotherapists recommend meditation practice to their clients as a remedy for their problems.