Since the time of the Buddha, the refutation of the existence of a creator has been seen as a key point in distinguishing Buddhist from non-Buddhist views. Buddhism is usually considered a religion, but is also commonly described as a "spiritual philosophy", because it generally lacks an Absolute creator god. The Buddhist approach is empirical and based on experience. In the Four Noble Truths, the Buddha analyzed the problem of suffering, diagnosed its root cause and prescribed a method to dispel suffering. He taught that through insight into the nature of existence and the wisdom of "not-self" or "selflessness" (anatta) all sentient beings following the noble eightfold path can dispel ignorance and thereby suffering. Hence Buddhism does not hinge upon the concept of a Creator God but upon the personal practice of ethics, meditation, and wisdom. Buddhist philosophy can also be contrasted with Hindu ideas of an ultimate Self, the definition of which varies between sects.
The Buddha declared that "it is not possible to know or determine the first beginning of the cycle of existence of beings who wander therein deluded by ignorance and obsessed by craving."Speculation about the origin and extent of the universe is generally discouraged in early Buddhism.
I read a book, it said Buddha compared one who keeps asking speculative questions to a man who shot by a posioned arrow, who refuses to remove it till he knows who shot it, how it was shot, from where it was shot.... By the time these were answered, he would be dead. Likewise, we are "shot" by the arrow of the impending death and constant dissatisfaction, and should never forget our aim of attaining Enlightenment.
religion is praying and worshipping of god, definition in the dictionary. by definition, Buddhism is not a religion. neither it is a philosophy, as philosophy is the love of wisdom.
The teachings in Buddhism as compared to other religions espousing the concept of god is a refreshing change. there are no worshipping and praying of god in Buddhism and refutes the concept of a divine creator. also there is no soul in buddhism. in god religions, there is the concept of a soul being after death. if you read the world of religions, Buddhism actually deviates from other religions that centred on the concept of an almighty being, which is a welcome change from all these concept. Buddhism actually identify that one's craving, delusion and ignorance are the evils that plague our human nature.