Difference between Buddha and Karl Marx Thoughts

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Difference between Buddha and Karl Marx Thoughts

It can not be disputed that philosophical thoughts greatly influence the holistic wellbeing of the society. In most instances, the respective thoughts and ideas shape the decisions that are undertaken by various facets of the society. The economic and social decisions that are undertaken by individuals and the society as a whole in most instances tend to be based on distinct philosophical teachings. Just like certain religious beliefs and practices, philosophical ideas compel individuals and societies to behave in a particular manner. For instance, the thoughts of the Buddha as well as those of Karl Marks have influenced decision making in the social, economic and religious spheres. Although both Marx’s and Buddha’s ideas have had different implications on the society, there are distinct differences between the two schools of thought.

The first difference pertains to the religious perspectives that are held by the two individuals. In this regard, Marx argues that religion has devastating effects on the society and it should not have existed in the first place. From his point of view, region is contagious and undermines economic development of the society. According to Shils and Rheinstein, Marx was an atheist and considered religious practices to be responsible for compelling populations to disrupt the societal functioning and general wellbeing. In contrast, Buddha considers religion to be at the center stage of human functioning and general behavior. Although he did not lay his thoughts on the foundation of a super power, soul or god, he still considered the relative values to be instrumental in enhancing the harmonic functioning of the society. This is because they influence an individual to uphold important values and virtues that are acceptable by the society. Unlike Marx who considered the thoughts of Buddha to be purely philosophical, Buddha himself considered his thoughts to be inclined on important religious principles.

With respect to the human society, Buddha considered this to be characterized by alternating cycles that support evolution and dissolution. According to Bodhi, Buddha believed that every aspect of human life changes and nothing is static. Marx on the other hand believes that all human communities are basically arranged in a manner that supports distribution of different goods as well as products. Marx maintains that the economic factor has the greatest influence on the society than any other factors. The distribution of goods according to Mark is influenced by power and is unequal. The rise and fall of the societies through time according to Marx undermine the development of the productive power that is found in humans. In this respect, the perception of human societies by the two individuals differs considerably. The change in the respective society according to Buddha is natural while according to Marx, it is solely influenced by the economic power.

Whereas Buddha’s thoughts supported a democratic system, Marx supported a capitalistic system. In this regard, Buddha admired democracy because of the values that this societal system upheld. Moreover, the characteristic participation of all facets of the society in governance went a long way in enhancing harmonic coexistence. This was instrumental in furthering ethical living and enhancing justice. Karl Marx on the other hand based his thoughts on Capitalism. Essentially, this constitutes an economic system whose production means are owned privately and solely operated for profits. Further, the characteristic distribution, income, investment, pricing and production of products in this system are determined by the free market operations. This system of governance divides the society in two segments; the have and the have nots.

The two schools of thoughts also have varied perceptions regarding economic production. According to Marx, capital is at the center stage of economic production. This according to him plays an instrumental role in the creation as well as distribution and exchange of goods. Labor power according to Marx is a form of capital that is exchange with ages. Buddha on the other hand, Buddha argues that the deliberate use of state power by populations to maximize the social and economic wellbeing of the society is at the core of the economy. The Buddha also considered employment to be instrumental in economic production because of the fact that it enhances social harmony as well as economic development. Employment in this regard culminates in both spiritual and human fulfillment. Further, Buddha indicated that in order to derive immense benefits from the respective work, all humans need to skilled, courageous, honest and efficient.

The two thinkers also viewed poverty form different perspectives. According to Nhat, Buddha considered poverty to be the main cause of immorality. In this regard, it contributes to violence, hatred, falsehood, cruelty and theft. He encouraged humans to use the products to attain intrinsic satisfaction and fulfillment. Humans from the point of view of Buddha need to strive to live simple and moderate lifestyles that are devoid of extreme self indulgence and extreme self deprivation. This school of thought holds the government responsible for addressing poverty and enhancing the general living conditions of all individuals. Marx on the other hand emphasizes that the worker grows poorer when s/he produces more wealth. Increment of wealth from his perspective culminates in increased devaluation of the worker. At this point, Marx asserts that the mode of production that the universal mode of production in itself enhances poverty. He considers this a normal characteristic of a capitalistic society.

With respect to Human suffering, Karl Marx attributes this to the wealth disparities. According to Radkau, the process of accumulating wealth culminates in incidences of inhuman living conditions for a significant percentage of the population. This is further perpetuated by the social classes whose conditions culminate in intense suffering of the population. Buddha’s thoughts on the other hand attribute human suffering to various spiritual reasons. The cause of human suffering according to the Buddha is mainly human desire. While Marx considered human suffering to be permanent as long as the individual is poor, Buddha considers human suffering to be temporary and a state that can be halted by the ending of human desire.

As it has come out from the preceding study, there are distinct differences between the ideas or thoughts of Karl Marx and Buddha. These revolve around various issues such as religious beliefs, human suffering, human society, political governance, economic productivity, poverty and so forth. To a great extent, these have had significant impacts on the perceptions of the populations. Also worth mentioning is the fact that Buddha’s thoughts are mainly based on spirituality while Marx’s thoughts are driven by economics. Unlike Marx, Buddha does not advocate for either extreme deprivation or extreme indulgence.

Bibliography

Armstrong, Karen. Buddha. New York: Penguin Classics, 2004.

Bodhi, Bhikkhu. In the Buddha’s Words: An Anthology of Discourses from the Pali Canon. USA: Wisdom Publications, 2005.

Nhat, Thich. Old Path, White Clouds: Walking in the Footsteps of the Buddha. USA: Full Circle Publishing Ltd, 1997.

Radkau Joachim. Max Weber. USA: Polity Press, 2005.

Shils Edward and Rheinstein Max. Max Weber Law in Economy and Society. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1964