--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Real Buddhism is not really an “ism.”…" description: "\"“Real Buddhism is not really an “ism.” It’s a process, an awareness, an openness, a spirit of inquiry—not a belief system, or even (as we normally unde..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6e8/steve-hagen-18377_buddhism_real-buddhism-is-not-really-an-ism-it-s_2811880.png" --- # Real Buddhism is not really an “ism.” It’s a process, an… ![“Real Buddhism is not really an “ism.” It’s a process, an awareness, an openness, a spirit of inquiry—not a belief system, or even (as we normally understand it) a religion. It is more accurate to call it “the teaching of the awakened,” or the buddha-dharma. Since the” quote by Steve Hagen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6e8/steve-hagen-18377_buddhism_real-buddhism-is-not-really-an-ism-it-s_2811880.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6e8/steve-hagen-18377_buddhism_real-buddhism-is-not-really-an-ism-it-s_2811880.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6e8/steve-hagen-18377_buddhism_real-buddhism-is-not-really-an-ism-it-s_2811880.png) > ““Real Buddhism is not really an “ism.” It’s a process, an awareness, an openness, a spirit of inquiry—not a belief system, or even (as we normally understand it) a religion. It is more accurate to call it “the teaching of the awakened,” or the buddha-dharma. Since the”” [Steve Hagen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-hagen/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Real Buddhism is a process of awareness and inquiry, not a rigid belief system or religion. **In simple terms:** Buddhism is a practice of inquiry. Key Takeaway Adopt an inquisitive mindset. Themes spirituality mindfulness inquiry Mood calm curious Type spiritual philosophical When to use this quote - meditation - personal growth - education Key Concepts philosophy psychology Questions to Reflect On - How do you practice inquiry? - What benefits arise from openness? A Different Perspective Process may lack clear structure for some. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Belief System](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/belief-system/) [Buddha Dharma](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/buddha-dharma-308965/) [Buddhism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/buddhism/) [Buddhism Really](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/buddhism-really-1951246/) [Enlightenment](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/enlightenment/) [Faith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/faith/) [Real Buddhism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/real-buddhism-2746057/) [Really Ism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/really-ism-3525936/) ## Related quotes > [...the myth of socialism is far stronger than the reality of capitalism. That is because capitalism is not really an ism at all. 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