Jesus Contra Buddha

Three ways Christ’s teachings differ from the Buddha’s

Intensify Desire, Do Not Extinguish It

The Buddha teaches that the source of suffering is desire, and that we can escape suffering by extinguishing desires through meditation. Jesus, on the other hand, commands us to desire God intensely — with all your mind, and all your heart. He wants us to discharge every ounce of strength towards that goal.

“Do not quench the Spirit.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:19

The Holy Spirit of God is associated with being a “consuming fire” which is glorious, satisfying, and empowering. Instead of extinguishing it, stoke and add to the flames with prayer. Ask God what to desire, and then ask Him for the zeal to pursue it.

Pick Up Your Suffering And Use It

To be clear, God does not want you to suffer. He wants your joy to be complete. But while the cross of suffering remains, it can be used for the purpose of joy and glory. The Buddha merely reduces suffering. Christ gives suffering a purpose.

“Picking up your cross” also means going to war with your own flesh, and killing off the thoughts and behaviors which do not serve. That will likely increase suffering at first. But suffer for something, and…