For example, my teacher, Master Chin Kung, does not use the word Buddhist. He refers to those who follow the teachings as practitioners, a term which is more proactive. An “…ist” can just be, but to be a practitioner implies that the person is doing the work, the practice, not just being.

Another difference in terminology can help explain why some people view Buddhism as a religion. It follows a pattern: Catholicism, Judaism, Buddhism. Perhaps a more helpful term is Buddhadharma, a term we are seeing more often now in the West. Dharma means the teaching of the Buddha, so Buddhadharma is an educational term rather than a religious one.

Fortunately, with so much more material being translated now, we have the opportunity to see Buddhism from a perspective one step closer to its origin.