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Suffering in Buddhism and Christianity Suffering PDF

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Added on  2020-02-18

Suffering in Buddhism and Christianity Suffering PDF

   Added on 2020-02-18

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Christianity versus Buddhism 1THE ROLE AND NATURE OF SUFFERING IN CHRISTIANITY AND BUDDHISMAuthor’s name Course Name of the professorName of the institutionLocation of the institutionDate
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Christianity versus Buddhism 2The Role and Nature of Suffering in Buddhism and ChristianitySuffering has always been an integral part of human lives. Generally, suffering results from the awareness of lack of harmony within the environment which is characterized by feelings of loss and abandonment (Fitzpatrick et al., 2015). Suffering is inevitable for living organisms. Consequently, different religions have had an interest in suffering theoretically and inpublic debates. In different religions suffering has different purposes such as punishment and creating awareness. Therefore, this essay explores the role and nature of suffering in Buddhism and Christianity.Suffering can be defined as an act that is associated with physical and emotional pain. In both religions, suffering can be attributed to people’s deeds. In addition, in Christianity, sufferingcan be a form of punishment from God (Singarayar, 2016). In Buddhism, suffering is due to cravings and ignorance as will be illustrated below. However, in both it is still painful, purposeful and a way to test people. For example, Buddhists use suffering in meditation to understand the nature of suffering in order to overcome it. Similarly, Christians suffer willingly because Christ suffered. Further, both religions acknowledge that suffering is a process that entails a lot of stages to overcome. Conclusively, the nature of suffering is similar to both religions.Buddhism is centered around the Four Noble Truths which are accredited to Gotama Buddha. The first Noble Truth is dukkha which refers to how unsatisfying life is (Kang, 2011). According to this Truth, materiality, feeling, mental formations, consciousness and perception make up a human being (Teasdale and Chaskalson (Kulananda), 2011). In summary, these components are referred to as suffering. Additionally, birth, death, and aging are regarded as suffering. Dukkha exists in three forms (Ingram and Loy, 2005). First, the normal physical and
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Christianity versus Buddhism 3emotional pain we are all accustomed to. Second, the lack of permanence in life. Though we mayenjoy life, we are faced with the impending time of our death. The third is dukkha refers to the lack of self. The cause of this suffering is said to be craving which is described in terms of sensuality, existence, and non-existence. The second Noble Truth is used to explain how ignorance leads to suffering. This is done through the paṭicca-samuppāda doctrine (Kang, 2011). It has twelve links that start with ignorance and end with suffering. The components in the links include ignorance, activities, baseof sense, form, name, consciousness, clinging, craving, becoming, feeling, suffering and birth. The third Noble Truth is the ending of suffering through the elimination of craving and ignorance (Eltschinger, 2013). This state, Nibbāna, is the highest point of spirituality in this religion (Kang, 2011). This is attained through the Fourth Noble Truth that provides a path with eight components which are the view, thought, speech, action, livelihood, concentration, effort, and mindfulness. Therefore, Buddhism regards suffering as a state to be liberated from. On the other hand, based on the scriptures, suffering makes Christians trust in God and live by his teachings. According to Paul, individuals can be controlled by forces that hinder themfrom doing God’s will. These forces are ruled by the flesh which separates human beings from God and nature. However, God has provided salvation to save mankind from the punishment of sin which is hell. In the old testament, God used prophets to make sure His followers abide by His rules. In the new testament, He sent His son to face suffering through prosecution and death (Ingram and Loy, 2005). On this account, Christians continue with His work and share in His suffering. Moreover, in Christianity suffering is characterized in martyrdom. Martyrdom is the act of persevering through suffering due to one’s religious belief. Furthermore, it can be regarded as
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