Buddhism is unlike any other major world religion. For one, Buddhism does not have a deity. Its founder, Buddha, is often worshipped and revered by followers, but many do not consider him a god.
With 500 million Buddhists worldwide, Buddhism is still a significant mission field for the gospel.
The Foundation of Buddhism
Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) founded Buddhism more than 2,500 years ago. He was an Asian royal who left his life of luxury to find truth and meaning. After six years of yoga, asceticism, deprivation, and days spent meditating under a tree, Buddha claimed to find enlightenment.
Buddha established Four Noble Truths:
- Life involves suffering.
- Suffering is caused by desire.
- There is a way to end suffering.
- Following the Eightfold Path will end suffering.
Connecting Through Suffering
While Buddhists are taught to end their personal suffering, Christians are taught to accept it, even rejoice in it (Romans 5:3-5, ESV). Someone cannot completely escape suffering as it is a normal part of life. Jesus knows this and can relate to our suffering.
“‘… In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.'” -John 16:33b
The ultimate good in suffering was seen in Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. His suffering was necessary for the forgiveness of sins.
You can also change the conversation about suffering. While Buddhists believe suffering is caused by desire, Christians can expand upon that idea by explaining sin. Sin is any action or thought that goes against God’s will, including evil desires (2 Peter 1:4).
Suffering originated with the Fall and has permeated the lives of people ever since. The only escape is to spend eternity with God in Heaven, which is only possible through Jesus.
What is Nirvana?
Buddhists rely on their own abilities to reach Nirvana. They must individually overcome suffering, follow the Eightfold Path, and lead a moral life to end the cycle of Karma.
The Bible teaches that people will never be good enough or strong enough to achieve salvation. People are weak so that they can learn to depend on God.
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” -2 Corinthians 12:9
Never underestimate the power of a personal encounter with Jesus. Buddhists do not know what it is like to have a personal relationship with Jesus, but Christians do. A personal testimony about accepting Jesus’s free gift is a crucial tool in evangelism, especially when sharing the gospel with Buddhists.
Many Buddhists believe Jesus is an enlightened teacher, and some think He studied under Buddha. Sharing how Jesus is the Messiah and how He saved your life can open the eyes of Buddhist friends to the true Jesus they’ve never known before.
