The words of Buddha and Jesus

Buddha famously said that life is suffering. There is certainly an element of truth to this. Ever since the fall of mankind into sin, this world has been one of continual suffering. Even within our own lives, the idea of suffering is clear. I don’t mean that we are all suffering as much as we possibly could in this life. Some are, but most probably are not. Rather, that if we were to chart our lives, there would be an upward trend, for a time, but then a very long and very slow downward trend.

As we get older, we measure things in pain: the pain of our bodies when the weather changes, the illnesses that seem to go around each season, and even the pain of losing loved ones. The longer you live, the more pain you will experience. The Buddha was right, but he wasn’t original. We’ve been working through the book of Ecclesiastes, considering Solomon’s wisdom on the matter of life and suffering. We’re in chapter five and the chapter zeroes in on the reality of suffering.

“If you see in a province the oppression of the poor and the violation of justice and righteousness, do not be amazed at the matter.” (Ecclesiastes 5:8) He says not to be amazed because it’s rather normal. But he doesn’t mean that we ought not to care. The Bible is clear that perverted justice is not true justice at all (Proverbs 17:23).

In many ways, though, we cannot change all the problems that we see in the world. No sooner do we fix one thing that another problem is revealed. Also, it can be easy to excuse our own sins by pointing out the sins of others. Solomon touches on this reality as part of human nature: “He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. When goods increase, they increase who eat them, and what advantage has their owner but to see them with his eyes?” (Ecclesiastes 5:10-11)

The passage goes on to talk about common struggles: insomnia, fear of loss, fear of death, and how it all seems to be a never-ending cycle that moves from generation to generation. It is no wonder that he warns about bitterness: “Moreover, all his days he eats in darkness in much vexation and sickness and anger.” What is the way forward? The answer to all the struggle and suffering is one that we know.

If our eyes are fixed on everything under the sun, then we are likely to never find hope. If our eyes are fixed on eternity, then everything that happens now is put into a larger context. We might not fully understand that context, but we know one who does. This is where Solomon leads us: “Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot.” (Ecclesiastes 5:18)

In this we see a clear difference between Christianity and Buddhism. Buddhism does diagnose the problem rightly, to a large degree. Life is struggle. But what is the answer to that struggle? Buddha’s last words give us his perspective, “Strive on, untiringly.” Work harder. This is his answer, and it can ring hollow to those who are in the midst of striving. Is there no point? Is there no bigger picture? Is there no hope? Is there no refuge from strife?

So different are the words of the Bible. Solomon reminds us that God has given us this life, with all its ups and downs. But Solomon is not the end of the story, for one greater than Solomon has come. Jesus understood the strife and suffering of this life. He knew what it was like to be loved by some and deeply hated by others. He experienced pain and suffering in mind, body, and soul. In every respect he was tempted as we are, yet without sin. Buddha tells us to strive, but what does Jesus Christ say?

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

Pastor Everett Henes, the pastor of the Hillsdale Orthodox Presbyterian Church, can be reached at pastorhenes@gmail.com.