[xT0U3UGh]

hi No Regrets

It is my understanding that Buddhists generally don’t evangelize…is that correct?

imo, yes

But the Four Noble Truths are grounded in recognizing and understanding suffering. certainly...however, imo, it is also essential the 'sufferer' recognise their suffering and personally aspire to be free of it

With this comes a development of compassion for all living things. indeed

So when I see other people suffering, I have the desire (craving?) to help them by sharing the Middle Way with them in hopes of ending there suffering…which I guess I consider evangelizing. Am I thinking about this the wrong way? my understanding of 'evangelizing' is preaching to those who do not want to listen

for example, Buddha taught:

And what, monks, is the power of benevolence? There are four ways of benevolence; by gifts, by friendly speech, by helpful acts and by bestowal of equity. This is the best of gifts: the gift of Dhamma. And this is the best of friendly speech: to teach again and again Dhamma to those who wish for it and who listen attentively. And this is the best of helpful acts: to arouse, instil and strengthen faith in the unbeliever; to arouse, instil and strengthen virtue in the immoral; to arouse, instil and strengthen generosity in the niggard; to arouse, instil and strengthen wisdom in the unwise. And this is the best bestowal of equity: if a stream-winner becomes equal to a stream-winner; a once-returner equal to a once-returner; a non-returner equal to a non-returner; and an arahant equal to an arahant. This, monks, is called the power of benevolence.

AN 9.5 imo, when we engage with a person that is suffering, it is not necessary to plunge straight into the Buddha-Dhamma

Buddhism is natural truth thus we can discuss concepts, such as suffering, love, attachment, skilful means, etc, without ever disclosing we are talking from a "Buddhist" point of view

but, as i originally mentioned, even in professional secular counselling, it is essential that the client engage in an search or inquiry for solutions. so the onus, including in buddhism, is placed on the sufferer to learn to help themself

kind regards