Living and traveling in Asia during the last five years has taught me quite a lot about Buddhism. As one of the major religions of Korea, there are temples and statues all over, and some of my students’ families are Buddhist.
This week, Korea celebrates Buddha’s birthday with a Lantern Festival, parades, and traditional ceremonies, so I thought it would be the perfect occasion to comment on it (the first of many, I’m sure).
The first photo is of Longshan Temple in Taipei, Taiwan – one of the most animated and busiest temples I’ve ever visited.
The other photos are from Korea.
The Four Noble Truths of Buddhism are:
1. Suffering exists.
2. There is a cause for suffering (it is our desire to control).
3. There is an end to suffering (if we let go of desire).
4. In order to end suffering, think & act rightly.
These are all great points. I’ll even agree to call them TRUTHs.
There is no doubt about the incredible amount of suffering in this world, in this life. We don’t even have to go to the Bible for examples – we experience suffering in our own personal lives. Sometimes it is a consequence of our sinful choices, and sometimes not.
Either way, we must let God use our suffering to help us grow in faith and character. Let’s focus on Him instead of on our circumstances.
But by means of their suffering, he rescues those who suffer.
For he gets their attention through adversity.
– Job 3:15 NLT
And know that He is there with us through it all, even if we don’t notice or feel Him.
For he has not ignored or belittled the suffering of the needy.
He has not turned his back on them,
but has listened to their cries for help.
– Psalm 22:24 NLT
You see,
Buddha’s serene pose and expression may inspire meditation, but his philosophy is shallow. Buddhism stops short of the Ultimate Truth:
JESUS!
Jesus answered,
“I am the way and the truth and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through me.”
– John 14:6 NIV
