then here is an "authoritative" definition of religion which clearly encompasses Buddhism and statism:
Simple Definition of religion
: the belief in a god or in a group of gods
: an organized system of beliefs, ceremonies, and rules used to worship a god or a group of gods
: an interest, a belief, or an activity that is very important to a person or group
Source: Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary
Examples: religion in a sentence
Full Definition of religion
1
a : the state of a religious
b (1) : the service and worship of God or the supernatural (2) : commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance
2
: a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices
3
archaic : scrupulous conformity : conscientiousness
4
: a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith
religionless adjective
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/religion?utm_campaign=sd&utm_medium=serp&utm_source=jsonld