However, if one thinks that "desire is the root of suffering" is all there is to Buddhist understanding, then they're quite mistaken. I do wish that the original post had a mention or footnote of just how misleading that articulation is. I don't blame the author for it, because one cannot dive into all the details and needs to appeal to a general audience, and that articulation was probably best for the comparison.
As a Christian I have often considered how the notion of living life in an active attempt to free oneself from pain and suffering(in this life), appealing as it sounds, is the very opposite of what Christ taught. Jesus said that if you follow Him you will suffer for it, and that in this life there is no escape from that reality. But it is the source, meaning and truth of this suffering that ultimately matters, not that it goes against our earthly preferences.
It is interesting to note that the fundamental teachings of Zeno(Courage, temperance, justice, wisdom) and Gautama Buddha(freedom from worldly attachment) were very much in alignment with the teachings of Jesus, however their underlying realities and destinations, their views of the meaning and purpose of suffering, their differing views of “self” and in Christ’s case the meaning self-love in relation to loving one’s neighbor, and the manifest reality of human sin and of evil, could not be more divergent.
At their core, the question being asked by Stoicism, Buddhism and Christianity is the same: What is the true source of human freedom? We are asked to weigh in.
Mar 24, 2023·edited Mar 24, 2023Liked by Classical Wisdom
There are many fundamental differences between Stoicism and Buddhism, but both are compatible as responses to life, the universe, and the challenges we face. Buddhism does a better job in helping me define the nature of the universe and our small place in it (the primary cause of suffering is craving, which we must find a way to overcome) and providing a multi-phase path to right conduct. Stoicism helps me cope better with the things I can’t control, which is closer to everything than I would like. It is easier for my Western mind to understand, with close parallels to modern Cognitive Behavioral Therapies. There is deep resonance in these perspectives on our place in the universe and how to make it better, less painful, and more in tune with our small place in it.
I’ve recently started listening to a philosophy podcast and was fascinated hearing about Stoicism and Buddhism and how similar they are. Great article!
Can one ask if the focus on detaching oneself from the emotions, demands of life can be considered irresponsible and selfish.
4th Maccabees is very much on the same page as these.
How are we to discipline the mind?
Who needs Stoicism or Buddhism, when he has Hermann Hesse? /love-it
This post is a good introduction to the concepts.
However, if one thinks that "desire is the root of suffering" is all there is to Buddhist understanding, then they're quite mistaken. I do wish that the original post had a mention or footnote of just how misleading that articulation is. I don't blame the author for it, because one cannot dive into all the details and needs to appeal to a general audience, and that articulation was probably best for the comparison.
As a Christian I have often considered how the notion of living life in an active attempt to free oneself from pain and suffering(in this life), appealing as it sounds, is the very opposite of what Christ taught. Jesus said that if you follow Him you will suffer for it, and that in this life there is no escape from that reality. But it is the source, meaning and truth of this suffering that ultimately matters, not that it goes against our earthly preferences.
It is interesting to note that the fundamental teachings of Zeno(Courage, temperance, justice, wisdom) and Gautama Buddha(freedom from worldly attachment) were very much in alignment with the teachings of Jesus, however their underlying realities and destinations, their views of the meaning and purpose of suffering, their differing views of “self” and in Christ’s case the meaning self-love in relation to loving one’s neighbor, and the manifest reality of human sin and of evil, could not be more divergent.
At their core, the question being asked by Stoicism, Buddhism and Christianity is the same: What is the true source of human freedom? We are asked to weigh in.
There are many fundamental differences between Stoicism and Buddhism, but both are compatible as responses to life, the universe, and the challenges we face. Buddhism does a better job in helping me define the nature of the universe and our small place in it (the primary cause of suffering is craving, which we must find a way to overcome) and providing a multi-phase path to right conduct. Stoicism helps me cope better with the things I can’t control, which is closer to everything than I would like. It is easier for my Western mind to understand, with close parallels to modern Cognitive Behavioral Therapies. There is deep resonance in these perspectives on our place in the universe and how to make it better, less painful, and more in tune with our small place in it.
I’ve recently started listening to a philosophy podcast and was fascinated hearing about Stoicism and Buddhism and how similar they are. Great article!