Buddhism in daily life - Mindfulness in every day tasks Archiv
364 Episoden
7 Minuten
or: Five Simple Precepts for Chan (Zen) Buddhists
We know about the suffering life, about the real causes of suffering.
Buddha taught that life consists of suffering, at least until we have experienced "enlightenment".
The main statements of Buddha are the "four noble truths" and the "noble eightfold path" of Buddha.
But how can these statements be integrated into daily life?
1st precept: I do not harm other beings
"Thou shalt not kill" is well known to us as the fifth commandment from the Bible. The Buddhist commandment goes far beyond this; according to the philosophy of the great teacher, we should also not harm other people, either physically or psychologically.
Many followers of the doctrine also extend this commandment to other living beings, to whom we must not harm, and whom we therefore should not kill. But where is the line here? Are we allowed to eat plants just because they do not "feel" pain? Are we allowed to eat animals that we have not killed ourselves?
Here Buddha himself did not leave any specific instructions, we have to decide for ourselves where this limit is for us personally.
2nd commandment: I take only what is offered to me
This is the Buddhist version of the seventh commandment of the Bible: "You shall not steal.
So we are not supposed to take anything, but we can politely ask if we can have something.
However, I personally see in this also the commandment to share willingly with others.
Why should one share?
Sharing means to generously "make available" to others the hard work we have put in to acquire money or objects, to let them "share" in it.
3rd Commandment: I do not abuse sex
Sex is the most natural thing in the world; there is no reason to be ashamed of one's sexuality. As long as sexuality is practiced with mutual consent it is good and important.
However, we should not "use" sex to achieve something, such as leverage, or as a means to an end.
4th Commandment: Right Speech, True and Sincere
In the Bible, the eighth commandment is "You shall not lie."
Lying is human, and yet it is a cause of much suffering, as it can hurt the feelings of fellow human beings. Many criminal acts are also based on lies (grandson trick),
Even the German poet Wilhelm Busch said, "Whoever tells you he has never lied, don't trust him, my son!"
Lying is human - and yet it is so harmful.
The thing to remember here is that truth is subjective; what one person believes to be true is false and untrue to another.
Don't bend the truth, don't manipulate; better not say anything if you are not sure.
Practice the art of truth and right speech!
5th Commandment: Do not abuse intoxicating substances
Whether alcohol, medicines, stimulants, or drugs, the effects of substances do not affect everyone the same. Some people can tolerate an unbelievable amount of alcoholic beverages, others are groggy after one glass.
Mostly, however, the use of such substances is followed by a clouding of the senses, the boundaries become blurred, things are done that would never have happened "sober".
A good glass of wine with dinner is not abuse, a few cigarettes a week is not yet addiction. Standing in front of a liquor store, trembling with desire, waiting for it to open, that is self-imposed ruin.
A people that does not respect the Ten Commandments is a lost people.
- Theodore Roosevelt - US American politician and 26th President of the USA
Please also download my app "Buddha-Blog English" from the Apple and Android stores.
We know about the suffering life, about the real causes of suffering.
Buddha taught that life consists of suffering, at least until we have experienced "enlightenment".
The main statements of Buddha are the "four noble truths" and the "noble eightfold path" of Buddha.
But how can these statements be integrated into daily life?
1st precept: I do not harm other beings
"Thou shalt not kill" is well known to us as the fifth commandment from the Bible. The Buddhist commandment goes far beyond this; according to the philosophy of the great teacher, we should also not harm other people, either physically or psychologically.
Many followers of the doctrine also extend this commandment to other living beings, to whom we must not harm, and whom we therefore should not kill. But where is the line here? Are we allowed to eat plants just because they do not "feel" pain? Are we allowed to eat animals that we have not killed ourselves?
Here Buddha himself did not leave any specific instructions, we have to decide for ourselves where this limit is for us personally.
2nd commandment: I take only what is offered to me
This is the Buddhist version of the seventh commandment of the Bible: "You shall not steal.
So we are not supposed to take anything, but we can politely ask if we can have something.
However, I personally see in this also the commandment to share willingly with others.
Why should one share?
Sharing means to generously "make available" to others the hard work we have put in to acquire money or objects, to let them "share" in it.
3rd Commandment: I do not abuse sex
Sex is the most natural thing in the world; there is no reason to be ashamed of one's sexuality. As long as sexuality is practiced with mutual consent it is good and important.
However, we should not "use" sex to achieve something, such as leverage, or as a means to an end.
4th Commandment: Right Speech, True and Sincere
In the Bible, the eighth commandment is "You shall not lie."
Lying is human, and yet it is a cause of much suffering, as it can hurt the feelings of fellow human beings. Many criminal acts are also based on lies (grandson trick),
Even the German poet Wilhelm Busch said, "Whoever tells you he has never lied, don't trust him, my son!"
Lying is human - and yet it is so harmful.
The thing to remember here is that truth is subjective; what one person believes to be true is false and untrue to another.
Don't bend the truth, don't manipulate; better not say anything if you are not sure.
Practice the art of truth and right speech!
5th Commandment: Do not abuse intoxicating substances
Whether alcohol, medicines, stimulants, or drugs, the effects of substances do not affect everyone the same. Some people can tolerate an unbelievable amount of alcoholic beverages, others are groggy after one glass.
Mostly, however, the use of such substances is followed by a clouding of the senses, the boundaries become blurred, things are done that would never have happened "sober".
A good glass of wine with dinner is not abuse, a few cigarettes a week is not yet addiction. Standing in front of a liquor store, trembling with desire, waiting for it to open, that is self-imposed ruin.
A people that does not respect the Ten Commandments is a lost people.
- Theodore Roosevelt - US American politician and 26th President of the USA
Please also download my app "Buddha-Blog English" from the Apple and Android stores.
6 Minuten
Warm apple pie, a good coffee, a cozy house, the simple pleasures of life are all around us, but sometimes we can't easily notice them because our mind wanders restlessly.
Looking closely, there are very many simple but important things that we like, but we overlook them because many things distract us. However, if we look closely, it is not the environment that distracts us, but it is always our "I" that feeds us thousands of pieces of information that are also constantly changing.
But it is important to connect the wanting with the imagination in order to perceive in the "here" and in the "now" these simple pleasures as well. We want many things, but can we then imagine them, connect them to our horizon?
If we direct our will to the simple joys of life, can the imagination also classify these things as "joys"? Only when the will and the imagination are in harmony, only then will we perceive the simple pleasures as such.
Think about the joy of a cozy home, how nice it feels to sit in a warm room, snugly wrapped up, looking through the window at the winter landscape outside.
Do you want to enjoy simple things, or do you strive for "more"? And why not really appreciate the simple pleasures for once?
Winter and the Christmas season give a lot of contemplative moments for people who can see true beauty and joy also (or especially) in the incidents of everyday life, do not have to digress "to the stars".
"Buddhism in everyday life" is the motto of this blog, and everyday life is full of things that come to us, just happen around us. Happy are those who feel these simple things as a gift, can enjoy them.
Admittedly, the situation can always be difficult for everyone, good and not so good things happen. So a bit of satisfaction about the actual state would be a step forward, don't you think?
It is the simple things that make life beautiful, the warm look of friends, the brief moment of the sunset, the kiss of our loved ones, the feeling of happiness after a workout.
Bring your wanting into harmony with your imagination about the simple pleasures of life. From this harmony then comes contentment and happiness.
Life can have no other goal than happiness, joy. Only this goal - joy - is fully worthy of life. Renunciation, the cross, devotion of life, everything for joy.
- Leo Tolstoy - Russian writer - 1828 to 1910
Please also download my app "Buddha-Blog English" from the Apple and Android stores.
Looking closely, there are very many simple but important things that we like, but we overlook them because many things distract us. However, if we look closely, it is not the environment that distracts us, but it is always our "I" that feeds us thousands of pieces of information that are also constantly changing.
But it is important to connect the wanting with the imagination in order to perceive in the "here" and in the "now" these simple pleasures as well. We want many things, but can we then imagine them, connect them to our horizon?
If we direct our will to the simple joys of life, can the imagination also classify these things as "joys"? Only when the will and the imagination are in harmony, only then will we perceive the simple pleasures as such.
Think about the joy of a cozy home, how nice it feels to sit in a warm room, snugly wrapped up, looking through the window at the winter landscape outside.
Do you want to enjoy simple things, or do you strive for "more"? And why not really appreciate the simple pleasures for once?
Winter and the Christmas season give a lot of contemplative moments for people who can see true beauty and joy also (or especially) in the incidents of everyday life, do not have to digress "to the stars".
"Buddhism in everyday life" is the motto of this blog, and everyday life is full of things that come to us, just happen around us. Happy are those who feel these simple things as a gift, can enjoy them.
Admittedly, the situation can always be difficult for everyone, good and not so good things happen. So a bit of satisfaction about the actual state would be a step forward, don't you think?
It is the simple things that make life beautiful, the warm look of friends, the brief moment of the sunset, the kiss of our loved ones, the feeling of happiness after a workout.
Bring your wanting into harmony with your imagination about the simple pleasures of life. From this harmony then comes contentment and happiness.
Life can have no other goal than happiness, joy. Only this goal - joy - is fully worthy of life. Renunciation, the cross, devotion of life, everything for joy.
- Leo Tolstoy - Russian writer - 1828 to 1910
Please also download my app "Buddha-Blog English" from the Apple and Android stores.
6 Minuten
Everything that belongs to me, I carry with me!
All the things we think we own, do they really belong to us?
Is it "my" property, "my" car, or may I only "use" it?
Are they "my" children, "my" wife, do these people belong to me?
Probably not. If one also considers the fact that we will die, then it is obvious that NOTHING belongs to us.
The true and valuable possession, that lies in the qualities of the character, not in material things. Also, education and skills are infinitely important, material things can be lost very quickly, but our knowledge is not.
Those who now define themselves mainly by outward appearances will probably read no further, the statements then shake the world view.
What values do you want to convey to your environment? What is really important in life? Where do you want to go?
Our homes are mostly crammed with useless stuff, accumulated over the years, what of it do we really need? Do we need all the things stored in our basements? And all the goods waiting for buyers in the stores of this world, do we need all of them too for perfect happiness?
The trend of a minimalist lifestyle is now coming to us from Asia, and in times of crisis, money is no longer so loose anyway. The lockdown is a good opportunity to comprehensively tidy up, clean out, and part with a lot of things. What you haven't touched in the last six months, you don't need anymore, that can go. Maybe other people need exactly these things that are in your basement. In the meantime, here are many exchange apps, where the neglected treasures can quickly find new owners.
Truly happy people do not endlessly accumulate possessions, because they know that material things are not "real". Real are feelings, love, warmth, and of course humanity and mindfulness.
Instead of accumulating things, you should strive for interpersonal merit. Following these lines, make one of your loved ones happy, just call, speak kind words, full of understanding and affection.
I know some very wealthy people who are so not happy at all. Then I have others in my circle of acquaintances who have almost nothing, but always seem cheerful and good-humored.
Monks have no possessions; when they take their vows, they become propertyless. Especially in Buddhist monasteries, strict attention is paid to this rule, because according to Buddha, in the "want" and "desire" is seen a major cause of suffering.
Seize the opportunity and bring order to your possessions.
The things you have are ultimately your possessions
- Brad Pitt - US actor and film producer - born 1963
All the things we think we own, do they really belong to us?
Is it "my" property, "my" car, or may I only "use" it?
Are they "my" children, "my" wife, do these people belong to me?
Probably not. If one also considers the fact that we will die, then it is obvious that NOTHING belongs to us.
The true and valuable possession, that lies in the qualities of the character, not in material things. Also, education and skills are infinitely important, material things can be lost very quickly, but our knowledge is not.
Those who now define themselves mainly by outward appearances will probably read no further, the statements then shake the world view.
What values do you want to convey to your environment? What is really important in life? Where do you want to go?
Our homes are mostly crammed with useless stuff, accumulated over the years, what of it do we really need? Do we need all the things stored in our basements? And all the goods waiting for buyers in the stores of this world, do we need all of them too for perfect happiness?
The trend of a minimalist lifestyle is now coming to us from Asia, and in times of crisis, money is no longer so loose anyway. The lockdown is a good opportunity to comprehensively tidy up, clean out, and part with a lot of things. What you haven't touched in the last six months, you don't need anymore, that can go. Maybe other people need exactly these things that are in your basement. In the meantime, here are many exchange apps, where the neglected treasures can quickly find new owners.
Truly happy people do not endlessly accumulate possessions, because they know that material things are not "real". Real are feelings, love, warmth, and of course humanity and mindfulness.
Instead of accumulating things, you should strive for interpersonal merit. Following these lines, make one of your loved ones happy, just call, speak kind words, full of understanding and affection.
I know some very wealthy people who are so not happy at all. Then I have others in my circle of acquaintances who have almost nothing, but always seem cheerful and good-humored.
Monks have no possessions; when they take their vows, they become propertyless. Especially in Buddhist monasteries, strict attention is paid to this rule, because according to Buddha, in the "want" and "desire" is seen a major cause of suffering.
Seize the opportunity and bring order to your possessions.
The things you have are ultimately your possessions
- Brad Pitt - US actor and film producer - born 1963
7 Minuten
Hard times are coming again! There it is important to be (or to become) mentally strong.
Some of us easily "get over" difficulties, others have their problems with the situation, worry more, take everything very much to heart.
But how can you gain more confidence, become mentally stronger?
Let me go a little further by showing what mental strength actually is.
I understand mental strength to mean that people regulate their emotions, interpret their own thoughts in a positive way, and make the best of the situation.
According to Buddha, we can change little or nothing about the situation anyway, karma determines the way, so why not at least look at every event calmly?
To achieve mental strength, we humans first need a goal. What goal do you have? Anyway, whoever reads here on this blog is interested in Buddhism, so why not delve deeper into the Buddha's teachings? According to the great teacher, a person's goal should be to overcome suffering. According to his philosophy, this is accomplished by striving for "enlightenment," as this awakening ends all suffering.
A person who strives for mental strength does not necessarily have to be a Buddhist; nevertheless, he/she needs a goal, whatever it may be.
In life, even for mentally strong people, not everything always goes according to plan. Many things go "wrong", not all undertakings succeed, setbacks are part of life. This makes it all the more important not to take the failures and stumbling blocks too much "to heart". Consider these adversities as lessons of the universe, lessons of fate, not as "personal" failures.
Also very important for mental strength is to know yourself well. Do you know yourself, your fears, your feelings, your habits, your attachments? If not you should think about it once quite simply!
What are your standard reactions?
Are you able to be alone with yourself?
Do you have a healthy self-esteem?
Do you put your needs behind those of other people?
Do you promote your talents?
Where do you see your weaknesses?
Do you own up to your mistakes and weaknesses?
Are you a believer, or do you follow a philosophy?
Are you responsible in dealing with yourself, and also with others?
Do you always deal with problems first, or do you think quickly about solutions?
Do you lead a mindful and grateful life?
If you don't have goals, you can't be mentally strong, without a concrete task, you "swim" through the universe without ever seeing a shore. What do you want to achieve with your life?
After defining the goal, it is time to implement a plan. So-called "if-then plans", i.e. the determination of further "intermediate goals", always help here. What will I do when I have achieved this or that?
Keep your goal clearly in mind, focusing on positive emotions. How does it feel to have achieved this or that goal? Go through your steps "mentally", practice it.
Most of the time, plans fail because of life's big fears. What if I fail? What if I do something wrong? What if others laugh at me? There are millions of fears, but only one suitable path for you, the path of the middle, which was predetermined for you (karma).
Become the person you can be! Follow your karma!
When you are strong, you love stronger
- Henry James - US writer - 1843 to 1916
Some of us easily "get over" difficulties, others have their problems with the situation, worry more, take everything very much to heart.
But how can you gain more confidence, become mentally stronger?
Let me go a little further by showing what mental strength actually is.
I understand mental strength to mean that people regulate their emotions, interpret their own thoughts in a positive way, and make the best of the situation.
According to Buddha, we can change little or nothing about the situation anyway, karma determines the way, so why not at least look at every event calmly?
To achieve mental strength, we humans first need a goal. What goal do you have? Anyway, whoever reads here on this blog is interested in Buddhism, so why not delve deeper into the Buddha's teachings? According to the great teacher, a person's goal should be to overcome suffering. According to his philosophy, this is accomplished by striving for "enlightenment," as this awakening ends all suffering.
A person who strives for mental strength does not necessarily have to be a Buddhist; nevertheless, he/she needs a goal, whatever it may be.
In life, even for mentally strong people, not everything always goes according to plan. Many things go "wrong", not all undertakings succeed, setbacks are part of life. This makes it all the more important not to take the failures and stumbling blocks too much "to heart". Consider these adversities as lessons of the universe, lessons of fate, not as "personal" failures.
Also very important for mental strength is to know yourself well. Do you know yourself, your fears, your feelings, your habits, your attachments? If not you should think about it once quite simply!
What are your standard reactions?
Are you able to be alone with yourself?
Do you have a healthy self-esteem?
Do you put your needs behind those of other people?
Do you promote your talents?
Where do you see your weaknesses?
Do you own up to your mistakes and weaknesses?
Are you a believer, or do you follow a philosophy?
Are you responsible in dealing with yourself, and also with others?
Do you always deal with problems first, or do you think quickly about solutions?
Do you lead a mindful and grateful life?
If you don't have goals, you can't be mentally strong, without a concrete task, you "swim" through the universe without ever seeing a shore. What do you want to achieve with your life?
After defining the goal, it is time to implement a plan. So-called "if-then plans", i.e. the determination of further "intermediate goals", always help here. What will I do when I have achieved this or that?
Keep your goal clearly in mind, focusing on positive emotions. How does it feel to have achieved this or that goal? Go through your steps "mentally", practice it.
Most of the time, plans fail because of life's big fears. What if I fail? What if I do something wrong? What if others laugh at me? There are millions of fears, but only one suitable path for you, the path of the middle, which was predetermined for you (karma).
Become the person you can be! Follow your karma!
When you are strong, you love stronger
- Henry James - US writer - 1843 to 1916
