How is taoist and buddhism a religion or how i came about to religion? when the found

How is taoist and buddhism a religion or how i came about to religion? when the founders were philosophy?

Buddhism stems from Hinduism and didn't necessarily repudiate all that Hinduism was, so a lot of it stuck.

but in general, people that follow a "philosophy" too closely will inevitably be drawn into some kind of worship, look at modern cults around Ayn Rand and whatnot.

Taoism, Buddhism & Confucianism are originally not religions but great philosophy & moral teachers. they became religions later due to Chinese culture of honoring, respecting & worship ping of the sages & which later branch into complex forms today.

Don't confuse religion with practice.

A quick definition of "religion".

re·li·gion
1.
a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.
2.
a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects
3.
the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices
4.
the life or state of a monk, nun, etc.: to enter religion.
5.
the practice of religious beliefs; ritual observance of faith.
6.
something one believes in and follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics or conscience: to make a religion of fighting prejudice.
7.
religions, Archaic . religious rites.
8.
Archaic . strict faithfulness; devotion: a religion to one's vow.




Buddhism is a religion in that it requires belief in reincarnation and gives a way of life, the whole basis of Buddhism are the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. Yes, it was always a religion. The Buddha spoke of past lives, of rebirth realms, gods/goddesses, demons, Brahma, and Mara. The difference between the monotheistic and polytheistic religions and Buddhism is that all of those previously stated beings are unenlightened, still in the cycle of samsara. At some point they will strive towards Nibbana, the highest realm, by striving for enlightenment. A side note, Buddhism did not stem from Hinduism. Hinduism stemmed from the Vedic religion that was around in the Buddha's time, and the Buddha went off into the wild to find Enlightenment that could not be found in the Vedic religion.