Is Buddhism a pessimistic religion?

When Buddhism came to the West, it was considered a “pessimistic religion” by two major philosophers, Arthur Schopenhauer and Frederich Nietzsche. But Theravada scholar, Walpola Rahula, called Buddhism “realistic.” Who is right?

It is true that the Buddha took life as a problem to be solved. His main objective is to end suffering. This is a fact. But Buddhism also provides a nuanced understanding of life, acknowledging its inherent complexities, such as suffering, impermanence, and the nature of desire. Rahula argued that rather than adopting a purely rosy outlook or focusing solely on life’s hardships, Buddhism offers a realistic assessment of the human experience. This approach encourages individuals to face life as it is, appreciating both its challenges and its joys.

The Buddha held the view that life is unsatisfactory. This is because even though we have happy moments in life, they don’t last. In Buddhism, joy is understood to be fleeting and transient. To try to hold on to the happy moments is much like trying to grasp flowing water. This perspective doesn’t deny the existence of joy but emphasizes the importance of not clinging to it. By recognizing that both joy and suffering are temporary, individuals can savor moments of happiness without the fear of inevitable loss.