Chapter 2 - Not An 'ism'

As the term "Buddhism" is exposed with the suffix ism, many are, however, led to believe incorrectly that it is a kind of sins like several other ideological isms, such as socialism, communism, capitalism, feudalism etc. Since the term is liable to confusion with other isms as described above, I am really afraid that Buddhism, especially Theravada Buddhism, is not well understood in its proper sense by the majority of the people of the world.

As you may know, an ism is a system, theory, doctrine, method of practice and so forth, adopted by philosophers or politicians. Buddhism, however, is not a system of practice for material development only, nor is it theory merely to be studied, nor a doctrine revealed by the miracle power of Buddha. But Buddhism is the natural principles of man and the universe discoverable only by the supremely enlightened human individuals for moral and spiritual attainment of the highest and noblest character now and hereafter or at least for self purification and self enlightenment.