Model Essay: "Buddhism is a pessimistic religion." Evaluate this statement

 

“Buddhism is a pessimistic religion.” Evaluate this statement. [15 marks - AQA]

In this essay I will conclude that Buddhism is neither a pessimistic nor an optimistic religion, it is a realistic one. This is because Siddhartha Gautama (the current Buddha) taught the dharma (truth) about the reality of the world. However, there are some disagreements to this conclusion, with others suggesting Buddhism is an overly pessimistic religion.

One reason that some may argue that Buddhism is pessimistic is because of the content of the teachings in the 4 Noble Truths (the first sermon the Buddha gave after enlightenment). This first truth argues that life is full of dukkha (suffering), caused by tanha (craving). The Buddha illustrated this point by giving examples of the inevitable suffering that humans experience – pain, decay and death. As these are inescapable, all humans have unavoidable suffering in their lives. Therefore, some may argue Buddhism is pessimistic, because it is overly focused on suffering.

However, the 4^th Noble Truth teaches the way of Magga (Middle way/Eightfold path). This tells everyone that despite life being full of suffering, it is possible to overcome dukkha by practising the way of Buddhism. Ultimately, those who perfect Magga become arhats (being enlightened through hearing the Buddha’s teachings), and arhats do not experience the suffering of rebirth any longer. Therefore, Buddhism is not a pessimistic religion because it offers a way to overcome suffering.

However, others would disagree with the above argument, because the Buddha was so preoccupied with the concept of impermanence. This suggests that humans constantly crave for things in life to stay the same, but permanence is ultimately impossible. The Buddha gave examples of impermanence that everyone experience – the end of relationships, ageing (leaving youth behind) and eventually, the end of life itself. It causes humans to crave permanence, leading to more suffering. Therefore, the Buddha appears to have a very negative worldview, arguing that any pleasure we have will come to an end.

Nevertheless, Denis Cush argues that the Buddha’s Noble Truths ‘function like a doctor’s diagnosis for the human condition,’ and, ultimately, the Buddha provides a cure to dukkha that is permanent – the goal of enlightenment (nirvana). This shows that Buddhism has positive aspects, because there is a way out of suffering. Furthermore, Dhammananda Maha Thera, a Buddhist monk who has discussed this topic, argues that the character of the Buddha himself shows that the Buddha cannot be viewed in a wholly negative light. He was described by his followers as being joyful, with a wonderful sense of humour that even convinced his enemies to listen to him. This shows that Buddhism is not pessimistic, because the Buddha himself was a joyful character, who strove to help others escape suffering.

In conclusion, I believe that the 4 Noble Truths are designed to give humans insight into the reality of the world. It is, in my opinion, inappropriate to suggest that Buddhism is overly pessimistic or optimistic. In reality, it is a religious belief that tries to help other people understand what the world is really life. Whilst it might not be completely positive, I do think that it is a realistic teaching, and it gives people a way to understand dukkha exists, with a way to overcome it.