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Buddhism has over three million followers world-wide, is the state religion in Burma, Thailand, Cambodia and Laos, and maintains a tremendous influence in other countries such as Ceylon, Tibet, China, and Japan. The Oxford Dictionary defines religion as a 'belief in the existence of a superhuman controlling power, especially of God or gods...' or, as '...a particular system of faith and worship.' (H: 556.) The dictionary's short descriptive passage does not take into account the spiritual well being, security, and comfort, a religion gives to its followers, and therefore may be seen to be inadequate and superficial. One of the world's foremost theologians, Ninian Smart, in his study of 'The World's Religions' maintains that all religions adhere to seven common 'dimensions'.(F: 11.) In order to assess whether Buddhism can be classified as a religion, it is necessary to examine Buddhist teachings within the context of Smart's dimensions, as well as...

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