What the Buddha means by « suffering »: destruction, narrowing down of the fields of consciousness,
What Christ means by suffering: purification, new irrigation of dried-up fields of consciousness.
The same word is used in these two traditions,
The meaning given to that word speaks of two different things.
Suffering, for the Buddha is distancing from the path.
Suffering, for Christ is advancing on the path.
I do not think that ultimately, these are two different messages.
This actually reflects a shallow integration of both traditions.
Claiming the incompatibility of these paths based on the relationship to suffering without investigating what each of them means by this term is an intellectual shortcoming, a non-existent or still insufficient spiritual breakthrough.
Notes & Silence 
For some Christians, suffering means being on the path. It’s a badge of pride, to show how « holy » they are in their pseudo-humility.
I can think of no more just recompense than they become as they see themselves. Nor more tragic.
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What is the meaning of « some Christians » ?
What is the meaning of « Christians » ?
What is the meaning of « calling oneself a Christian ?
From where I look, this morning, it doesn’t mean much and has more to do with psychological / political / Identity-related spheres.
Plus, one does not have to call oneself a Christian to reveal pseudo-humility.
Spirituality is the perfect alibi.
The most difficult fold to straighten out.
The ultimate illusion to unroot, maybe.
Religious traps are but a warm-up phase in comparison.
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Some, who call themselves « true » Christians. I have been in their company. All labels are for convenience at best. That one is particularly inappropriate.
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If all labels are for convenience
how can one be worse that others ?
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I think ‘convenience’ is too mild a word, here.
But, not being a native speaker I see no injunction to come up with any better alternative and leave that to my interlocutor.
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The key to this is « at best » – at worst, they are smoke and mirrors, deceit.
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If you « suffer » a big thirst, you will greatly appreciate a glass of common water. That is what I would call a “positive suffering”. Now, where is the limit between that “positive suffering » and masochism? In my opinion, that is the best basis to discuss that matter.
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I do agree with you : suffering that sets you in motion is determining on the way.
No suffering, no awakening.
This, to me is the strong connection between the two traditions referred to in that article.
Have a nice day …
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