For me, meditation is the very center of religion. The word religion means for me scripture, ritual, rites of passage, tradition, and so forth.
Meditation leads to a direct contact with the divine.
Religion without meditation is like a river without water. Dry. Desolate. Empty of life.
yes
Buddhism
Meditation is the act of engaging in thought or contemplation; reflection. The term itself has no direct correlation with any specific religion.
Spirituality and meditation are not considered science. They are considered to be alternative medicine or sometimes, religion. One can get an MBA in religion or philosophy, but not in only spirituality and meditation.
yoga and meditation
Budism
Yes, it is extremely peaceful. It is full of meditation, which is a form of relaxation. Meditation was actually founded in Hinduism!
Both are means to discipline your body and mind. Fasting also gives a break to your digestive system and thus keeps you healthy. Ofcourse, too much of anything may not be good. Meditation helps you focus and increases your concentration power.
The only role religion has is that people tend to visit religious places for Pilgrimage and this itself creates a multi million industry for tourism.
The religion of Buddhism and meditation.
Buddhism
There are at least three: Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism.