Eckhart Tolle argues suffering drives spiritual evolution, drawing on Buddhist dukkha and Christianity's crucifixion and resurrection. He reframes the cross not just as torture but as a symbol of transformation and renewal through understanding pain.
Suffering is a very vital part of the evolution of humanity. The central theme of Buddhism, in the words of the Buddha, is dukkha. I teach suffering and the end of suffering. That was the words of the Buddha, which meaning I teach suffering means I show you how suffering arises and I'll show you how it can end. What is the central image of Christianity? A suffering man on the cross, and then death comes, and then resurrection, a new birth, resurrection comes. And the cross, the torture instrument, is also a symbol for the divine.
Why alcohol feels like relief, and what it is really giving you | Eckhart Tolle
