The sense of inferiority is the sense that you are lacking and inferior to others. The generally thought of inferiority complex has mainly negative consequences. A drop in self-esteem, interpersonal problems, and severe self-deprecation lead to symptoms such as depression.
Adler looked at the general concept of inferiority from a new perspective. Adler looked at the sense of inferiority as a universal emotion that exists in everyone. They argue that if used well, it can serve as a foundation for growth. Adler explained that inferiority is motivated to drive development and lead humans in a better direction. The positive function of inferiority is 'reward' and 'effort for superiority'. In order for inferiority to work positively, it depends on how objectively an individual views his or her situation. It is said that efforts toward superiority have real meaning and value when they become common to many people.
If you can't overcome your inferiority complex and stick to your mind, it appears as a side effect of inferiority complex and superiority complex. The inferior complex is a state in which I am ugly and I am not good at it, and I hide behind it with a reason for suggesting a reason for not being able to do not being able to do a particular job. Superior complex is clearly revealed through attitudes, personality traits, and opinions that they believe they have superhuman talent and ability.
Buddha did not separate the concept of 'inferiority' but explained it by tying it with the concepts of 'superiority' and 'equality'. In Buddhism, all thoughts through comparison were taught in relation to the concept of 'pride'. There are only three egos. Only those who think "I" and others are equal, those who think I am inferior to others, and those who think I am superior to others. Only when the consciousness of comparison is cut off can it reach the highest stage of performance called Arahan. Buddha saw the sense of inferiority as a temporary emotion arising from the occurrence of self-consciousness and the comparison of others. The sense of inferiority can be eliminated through the right understanding of ignorance, the attitude of life of self-reliance, and the sense of officelessness.
Adler used inferiority as an essential factor in life for growth, and Buddha saw it as a temporary fictional emotion that appeared in the repetition of life and death. Adler stressed that using inferiority complex well can perform a positive function as a catalyst for development and growth. The sense of inferiority started with a wrong self-concept, distinguished oneself from others, and viewed it as an obstacle to performance that always made them live in competition and conflict.
However, Adler and Buddha have similar starting points in that they are for everyone's happiness. Adler said that the effort toward superiority as an act of compensation for inferiority has meaning when it benefits many, putting value on the public interest over private interests. Buddha also said that the prayer of happiness for others becomes my happiness, and taught me to break the boundaries of others and go on a path of symbiotic life together.