As long as it has believers, it is real.
If nobody believes in it, eventually it will cease to exist. Such
is a fate of all religions. Think about it.
As for Buddhism, we know that as long as there is a Beginning,
there must be an End.
Same goes for the Buddha Sasanna [the period whereby we can receive
the teachings of Buddhadharma]. It is prophecised that this current
buddha sassana will last for 5000 years. 2500 years have already
passed. When the Buddha sassana ends, and this cycle ends, the next
Buddha will appear. So the cycle goes on and on.
The Ultimate Truth does not end. The Ultimate Truth never ends.
Because it did not have a start. It is eternal - waiting for
sentient beings to realise it.
