There is something else > in this article by PBS a secular public education organization, not Buddhist >
Basics of Buddhism >
We have this which I have quoted >
"Those with favorable, positive karma are reborn into one of the fortunate realms: the realm of demigods, the realm of gods, and the realm of men. While the demigods and gods enjoy gratification unknown to men, they also suffer unceasing jealousy and envy. The realm of man is considered the highest realm of rebirth. Humanity lacks some of the extravagances of the demigods and gods, but is also free from their relentless conflict."
This was a surprise to me, that Buddhists would believe that deities are jealous and conflicting with each other; if this is what Buddha was perceiving, this could mean he was seeing how things work in Satan's kingdom . . . not in God's! But I found this in PBS, which is not Buddhist.
So, I tried to find something like this in a Buddhist website, but I did not find something like this . . . if it is part of Buddhist belief. What I am seeing is how the article says that Buddhists believe there are gods who can be at odds with each other. And, like I say, this would be how things are in Satan's kingdom, I would think. So, I see it is possible that Buddha was seeing how Satan's kingdom is, and not seeing the best of reality . . . of how things are by means of God through Jesus.
Let me try again to find a Buddhist site which talks about how deities relate.
Well, here is a site >
What Are the Six Realms?
This apparently Buddhist site speaks of the "GOD REALM" >
"A blissful, ethereal state in which one is supremely contented but oblivious to the suffering of others."
But God through Jesus is not oblivious about people's suffering; Jesus actually left Heaven itself in order to reach us and save us and personally share with us. So, Jesus is not at all conceited and unfeeling, to say the least > also, Jesus calls to
"all" >
"'Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.'" (Matthew 11:28-29)
So, the "God realm" Buddhism would be talking about is how things are for
"the god of this age" (2 Corinthians 4:4) who is Satan!
And this Buddhist site claims that there is the "JEALOUS GOD REALM" >
"Fueled by ego and aggression, jealous or warring gods (asuras) are always striving to rise in power and position."
Where I have been in the United States, it seems there have been both church members and politicians who are like this . . . not only in some "god" realm. But this is because they are functioning in Satan's spiritual kingdom. This is why Jesus sent our Apostle Paul to turn people
"from the power of Satan to God" > in Acts 26:18. This requires the working of God's power, not only changing our thoughts and ways.
Jealousy and competition are not how things work in God's kingdom with Jesus and His holy angels. So, it seems Buddha became quite aware of how there is such human suffering because of sin - - which is in Satan's realm, not in God's. Plus he is presenting self-help remediation, which is inadequate and therefore can keep people so busy . . . away from all which is possible in submission to God.
Ones can change their thinking and where their attention is going, but still be in the same kingdom. We need how God alone is able to change us into His spiritual realm so we are sharing with Him and Jesus Christ His own Son so pleasing to Him. Plus, Jesus is not at all conceited > in the Lord's prayer of John chapter 17, Jesus claims for us how You our Father
"have loved them as you have loved Me." (in John 17:23)
There seems to be talk about how a Buddhist gets his or her own mind to change. And then comes the relief from suffering, at least in the person's own mind. But this seems like self-help. A person might feel better and act differently, but deep-down inside how strong is the person against cruel and Satanic stuff?
But God is almighty; so His peace is almighty, not only a state of reformed thinking and feeling and perspective. And His almighty peace is easily able to defend us against any and all cruel and evil emotions and feelings and drives > if we pray the way God's word says, in Philippians 4:4-7 . . .
"the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
This works in any situation >
"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;" (in Psalm 23:5)
But our Father does have us helping one another with this, as family. And Buddhists do spend time with one another, not totally depending on each one's own self, if I understand correctly.
So >
@Tellyontellyon > is this relevant to what you are asking about?
It might solve a lot of disputes in Christianity if it were true that the Bible is not complete....
... (even if you don't go do far as to think he was a Buddhist too)
But if things I have offered above are true about Buddhism, the problem is how Buddhism is incomplete. Plus, there are church culture people claiming to be Christians, but while they are disputing endlessly instead of discovering how Jesus shares His own rest with us in His own almighty peace > Jesus Himself does say,
"My peace I give to you," > this also is in the Gospel of John, in John 14:27. No human can do this, and this is so we can share with God Himself in His own realm.