Buddhism in daily life - Mindfulness in every day tasks Archiv
364 Episoden
5 Minuten
About the downfall of a culture
If you look at the course of history, there have been many outstanding cultures. The Romans, the Greeks, the Chinese, the Indians, in different times different cultures have shaped the world and brought it forward.
Different ideas shaped entire eras, from the teachings of Buddha to the French Revolution, outstanding thinkers were able to leave a mark on entire generations.
What was responsible for the rise, or decline, of a cultural group? How could the mindset of nations change so much that people even cheered their apparent downfall?
Using ancient Rome as an example, it is easy to see what factors accompanied such contradictory behavior. At the beginning of a decline there was always the exaggeration of morality to the detriment of law. According to my opinion, law is the inner cohesion of a community, the structure that a people has given itself.
If now the right is eroded ever further, then the downfall is decided.
IF AN IDEA ENTERS A HOLLOW HEAD, IT FILLS IT COMPLETELY - BECAUSE THERE IS NO OTHER ONE THAT COULD DISPUTE ITS RANK.
- CHARLES-LOUIS DE MONTESQUIEU - FRENCH WRITER - 1689 TO 1755
In times of ever-increasing uncertainty, the teachings of Buddha appear to us as a haven of peace, peaceful and by no means hectic, balancing and purposeful.
The occupation with Buddhist philosophy helps us to look behind the story, to see things as they really are. According to Buddha, life consists of suffering, "enlightenment" helps us to escape from the everlasting cycle.
THE EXPERIENCE HAS NO ETHICAL VALUE. IT IS ONLY A NAME THAT PEOPLE GIVE TO THEIR ERRORS.
- OSCAR WILDE - IRISH WRITER - 1854 TO 1900
Again and again a culture stands at this fork in the road, rise or fall.
Which way would you choose?
Copyright: https://shaolin-rainer.de
(Please also download my app "Buddha-Blog English" from the Apple and Android stores)
Please rate us on Apple, Google, or Spotify podcast to help us promote the show
If you look at the course of history, there have been many outstanding cultures. The Romans, the Greeks, the Chinese, the Indians, in different times different cultures have shaped the world and brought it forward.
Different ideas shaped entire eras, from the teachings of Buddha to the French Revolution, outstanding thinkers were able to leave a mark on entire generations.
What was responsible for the rise, or decline, of a cultural group? How could the mindset of nations change so much that people even cheered their apparent downfall?
Using ancient Rome as an example, it is easy to see what factors accompanied such contradictory behavior. At the beginning of a decline there was always the exaggeration of morality to the detriment of law. According to my opinion, law is the inner cohesion of a community, the structure that a people has given itself.
If now the right is eroded ever further, then the downfall is decided.
IF AN IDEA ENTERS A HOLLOW HEAD, IT FILLS IT COMPLETELY - BECAUSE THERE IS NO OTHER ONE THAT COULD DISPUTE ITS RANK.
- CHARLES-LOUIS DE MONTESQUIEU - FRENCH WRITER - 1689 TO 1755
In times of ever-increasing uncertainty, the teachings of Buddha appear to us as a haven of peace, peaceful and by no means hectic, balancing and purposeful.
The occupation with Buddhist philosophy helps us to look behind the story, to see things as they really are. According to Buddha, life consists of suffering, "enlightenment" helps us to escape from the everlasting cycle.
THE EXPERIENCE HAS NO ETHICAL VALUE. IT IS ONLY A NAME THAT PEOPLE GIVE TO THEIR ERRORS.
- OSCAR WILDE - IRISH WRITER - 1854 TO 1900
Again and again a culture stands at this fork in the road, rise or fall.
Which way would you choose?
Copyright: https://shaolin-rainer.de
(Please also download my app "Buddha-Blog English" from the Apple and Android stores)
Please rate us on Apple, Google, or Spotify podcast to help us promote the show
6 Minuten
1984
The novel by the English writer George Orwell appeared in 1949, and quickly became a work of wide-ranging significance.
It depicts the life of Winston Smith in a total surveillance state. His world was divided into three great powers, which were enemies of each other. The protagonist lived in the "English part", the "Landing Field 1″.
Through a new language ("Neusprech") the population was suppressed, people were controlled and bugged with constantly running "Televisors".
Obscure enemies of the state justified the necessity of a "Ministry of Truth", the omnipresent propaganda permanently brought phrases like "war is peace", "ignorance is strength" and "freedom is slavery" among the citizens.
As a young man, the book "1984" had a great impact on me; the very idea of having to live the way Winston Smith had to filled me with unease. In retrospect, I think it is possible that this very book made me receptive to the philosophy of Buddha.
Those who follow the Buddha's teachings know (or can figure) that everything is already written, the evolution of our society, personal circumstances and goals, life as a whole. So it is also already determined whether the individual sets out on the journey to "enlightenment" or not, whether he arrives at the destination or not, whether he can "free himself" from all circumstances that "cover" his life or not.
In my opinion there would be only one way out of the apocalyptic scenarios of George Orwell, the way of Buddha. A Buddhist worldview shows us the reality behind the scenes, as the connections are true, the gateless gate is finally open to the awakened people.
After harsh torture and brainwashing, Winston Smith had internalized the principle of government, he now lived for the doctrine of the state, he even eagerly awaited his own execution.
I can recommend every follower of the Buddhist doctrine to read the book "1984" once. What would the historical Buddha have done if he had lived in such a world, if he had been the protagonist of "1984"?
Freedom is the right to tell others what they do not want to hear.
- George Orwell - English writer - 1903 to 1950
Being in the minority, even in the minority of one, didn't make you crazy. There was truth and there was untruth, and if you clung to the truth, even against the whole world, you were not crazy.
- George Orwell - English writer - 1903 to 1950
All propaganda lies, even if someone tells the truth.
- George Orwell - English writer - 1903 to 1950
Copyright: https://shaolin-rainer.de
(Please also download my app "Buddha-Blog English" from the Apple and Android stores)
Please rate us on Apple, Google, or Spotify podcast to help us promote the show
The novel by the English writer George Orwell appeared in 1949, and quickly became a work of wide-ranging significance.
It depicts the life of Winston Smith in a total surveillance state. His world was divided into three great powers, which were enemies of each other. The protagonist lived in the "English part", the "Landing Field 1″.
Through a new language ("Neusprech") the population was suppressed, people were controlled and bugged with constantly running "Televisors".
Obscure enemies of the state justified the necessity of a "Ministry of Truth", the omnipresent propaganda permanently brought phrases like "war is peace", "ignorance is strength" and "freedom is slavery" among the citizens.
As a young man, the book "1984" had a great impact on me; the very idea of having to live the way Winston Smith had to filled me with unease. In retrospect, I think it is possible that this very book made me receptive to the philosophy of Buddha.
Those who follow the Buddha's teachings know (or can figure) that everything is already written, the evolution of our society, personal circumstances and goals, life as a whole. So it is also already determined whether the individual sets out on the journey to "enlightenment" or not, whether he arrives at the destination or not, whether he can "free himself" from all circumstances that "cover" his life or not.
In my opinion there would be only one way out of the apocalyptic scenarios of George Orwell, the way of Buddha. A Buddhist worldview shows us the reality behind the scenes, as the connections are true, the gateless gate is finally open to the awakened people.
After harsh torture and brainwashing, Winston Smith had internalized the principle of government, he now lived for the doctrine of the state, he even eagerly awaited his own execution.
I can recommend every follower of the Buddhist doctrine to read the book "1984" once. What would the historical Buddha have done if he had lived in such a world, if he had been the protagonist of "1984"?
Freedom is the right to tell others what they do not want to hear.
- George Orwell - English writer - 1903 to 1950
Being in the minority, even in the minority of one, didn't make you crazy. There was truth and there was untruth, and if you clung to the truth, even against the whole world, you were not crazy.
- George Orwell - English writer - 1903 to 1950
All propaganda lies, even if someone tells the truth.
- George Orwell - English writer - 1903 to 1950
Copyright: https://shaolin-rainer.de
(Please also download my app "Buddha-Blog English" from the Apple and Android stores)
Please rate us on Apple, Google, or Spotify podcast to help us promote the show
5 Minuten
The tree
In a beautiful forest stood a young tree, directly at the brook it struck deep roots, it had enough sun, in front of it were bushes, which protected it from the wind.
A hiker passed by and stopped right here for a rest. The man was in a bad mood, had lost his job, life was hard for him.
He looked at the healthy young tree, his mood became even worse, he became "jealous" of the tree that had such good conditions, occupied such a wonderful place; he, on the other hand, was disadvantaged by "fate". What a strange feeling he thought to himself, envy of a young tree!
Discontented, the wanderer thought about how he could "harm" the tree, for reasons he himself did not understand, he could not bear the "luck" of the tree.
Then he saw a heavy stone on the shore. He took it and placed it in the crown of the tree between the young branches. A feeling of happiness spread through the man, a smile crossed his gloomy face, gloating is just the most beautiful joy.
The young tree groaned under the load, the branches bent, but the stone remained well wedged in the crown.
The hiker went on his way "satisfied".
As a result, the tree quickly drove its roots into the depths, it had to balance the weight in order not to break. Thus, in a very short time, the young tree became a true giant, the stone fell off one day, the tree grew bigger and bigger, it had adapted to the situation, it could even profit from its "misfortune".
Years later, the hiker passed by the stream again. When he saw the tree then he could not believe his eyes, the stone lay shaken off under it, the young tree had become a giant, the most beautiful and largest tree of the forest stood now at this place. The former burden had made it strong.
ENVY IS THE SINCEREST FORM OF RECOGNITION
- WILHELM BUSCH - GERMAN POET - 1832 TO 1908
It is up to us how we deal with "heavy burdens", do we grow or will we break?
Buddhists know that everything is already written. What burdens our life holds in store, and how we deal with them, has already been determined. With this certainty, we can deal with the hardships of life, just as the young tree did in the story. We do our best!
If our "karma" is already fixed, then we can also act carefree, it comes as it must come.
Copyright: https://shaolin-rainer.de
(Please also download my app "Buddha-Blog English" from the Apple and Android stores)
Please rate us on Apple, Google, or Spotify podcast to help us promote the show
In a beautiful forest stood a young tree, directly at the brook it struck deep roots, it had enough sun, in front of it were bushes, which protected it from the wind.
A hiker passed by and stopped right here for a rest. The man was in a bad mood, had lost his job, life was hard for him.
He looked at the healthy young tree, his mood became even worse, he became "jealous" of the tree that had such good conditions, occupied such a wonderful place; he, on the other hand, was disadvantaged by "fate". What a strange feeling he thought to himself, envy of a young tree!
Discontented, the wanderer thought about how he could "harm" the tree, for reasons he himself did not understand, he could not bear the "luck" of the tree.
Then he saw a heavy stone on the shore. He took it and placed it in the crown of the tree between the young branches. A feeling of happiness spread through the man, a smile crossed his gloomy face, gloating is just the most beautiful joy.
The young tree groaned under the load, the branches bent, but the stone remained well wedged in the crown.
The hiker went on his way "satisfied".
As a result, the tree quickly drove its roots into the depths, it had to balance the weight in order not to break. Thus, in a very short time, the young tree became a true giant, the stone fell off one day, the tree grew bigger and bigger, it had adapted to the situation, it could even profit from its "misfortune".
Years later, the hiker passed by the stream again. When he saw the tree then he could not believe his eyes, the stone lay shaken off under it, the young tree had become a giant, the most beautiful and largest tree of the forest stood now at this place. The former burden had made it strong.
ENVY IS THE SINCEREST FORM OF RECOGNITION
- WILHELM BUSCH - GERMAN POET - 1832 TO 1908
It is up to us how we deal with "heavy burdens", do we grow or will we break?
Buddhists know that everything is already written. What burdens our life holds in store, and how we deal with them, has already been determined. With this certainty, we can deal with the hardships of life, just as the young tree did in the story. We do our best!
If our "karma" is already fixed, then we can also act carefree, it comes as it must come.
Copyright: https://shaolin-rainer.de
(Please also download my app "Buddha-Blog English" from the Apple and Android stores)
Please rate us on Apple, Google, or Spotify podcast to help us promote the show
5 Minuten
The Stories of Aesop
The Greek poet Aesop lived about the time of Buddha. He founded the so-called "example narrative", he conveyed "morals" and "values" in his short stories.
The German phrase "getting a lion's share" goes back to a tale by Aesop, the "Fable of the Lion's Share". Here, a lion and a donkey go hunting together. The lion divides the hunted prey into 2/3 for himself and 1/3 for the donkey, simply because he is the stronger. He found in the fable many arguments why he had to get the main part.
In the conclusion of the story, the author warns about the society of "powerful people" for whom the law does not apply.
WOE / TO THE POOR VICTIM WHEN THE SAME MOUTH / THAT GAVE THE LAW ALSO PRONOUNCES JUDGMENT!
- FRIEDRICH VON SCHILLER - GERMAN PHILOSOPHER - 1759 TO 1805
The works of Aesop still have their social importance, since they deal with human weaknesses, which are known to have survived. Stupidity, envy, avarice, vanity, the materials from which even today the headlines of our newspapers are made.
Through his stories, Aesop imparted to us wisdoms very similar to the teachings of Buddha, which were also carried out in a similar form in the Bible.
As Buddhists, we know that everything is already written, that we must accept our "karma" as an unchangeable quantity.
Whether poor or rich, for us humans the universal laws are the same, nothing we can change.
However, "enlightenment" offers us a way out of the cycle of suffering.
Not only Buddha was "enlightened", many people before him had reached this level of perfection, and many people after the great teacher have also "awakened".
I wonder if the Aesop might have been one of these "enlightened ones"?
If you want to keep a secret, you must also hide it from you
- George Orwell - British writer, essayist and journalist - 1903 to 1950
If you act like a rock star, you will be treated the same way
- Marilyn Manson - US musician and member of the rock band Marilyn Manson - born 1969
Nothing meets one that he is not able to bear by nature
- Marcus Aurelius - Roman emperor from 161 to 180
Copyright: https://shaolin-rainer.de
(Please also download my app "Buddha-Blog English" from the Apple and Android stores)
Please rate us on Apple, Google, or Spotify podcast to help us promote the show
The Greek poet Aesop lived about the time of Buddha. He founded the so-called "example narrative", he conveyed "morals" and "values" in his short stories.
The German phrase "getting a lion's share" goes back to a tale by Aesop, the "Fable of the Lion's Share". Here, a lion and a donkey go hunting together. The lion divides the hunted prey into 2/3 for himself and 1/3 for the donkey, simply because he is the stronger. He found in the fable many arguments why he had to get the main part.
In the conclusion of the story, the author warns about the society of "powerful people" for whom the law does not apply.
WOE / TO THE POOR VICTIM WHEN THE SAME MOUTH / THAT GAVE THE LAW ALSO PRONOUNCES JUDGMENT!
- FRIEDRICH VON SCHILLER - GERMAN PHILOSOPHER - 1759 TO 1805
The works of Aesop still have their social importance, since they deal with human weaknesses, which are known to have survived. Stupidity, envy, avarice, vanity, the materials from which even today the headlines of our newspapers are made.
Through his stories, Aesop imparted to us wisdoms very similar to the teachings of Buddha, which were also carried out in a similar form in the Bible.
As Buddhists, we know that everything is already written, that we must accept our "karma" as an unchangeable quantity.
Whether poor or rich, for us humans the universal laws are the same, nothing we can change.
However, "enlightenment" offers us a way out of the cycle of suffering.
Not only Buddha was "enlightened", many people before him had reached this level of perfection, and many people after the great teacher have also "awakened".
I wonder if the Aesop might have been one of these "enlightened ones"?
If you want to keep a secret, you must also hide it from you
- George Orwell - British writer, essayist and journalist - 1903 to 1950
If you act like a rock star, you will be treated the same way
- Marilyn Manson - US musician and member of the rock band Marilyn Manson - born 1969
Nothing meets one that he is not able to bear by nature
- Marcus Aurelius - Roman emperor from 161 to 180
Copyright: https://shaolin-rainer.de
(Please also download my app "Buddha-Blog English" from the Apple and Android stores)
Please rate us on Apple, Google, or Spotify podcast to help us promote the show
6 Minuten
The wisdom of Socrates
Socrates was a Greek philosopher whose understanding of the world was characterized by knowledge of human nature, ethical principles and unchanging values. In many points his views show great overlap with the teachings of Buddha.
Few personalities were able to leave a lasting mark on their posterity; Socrates was such an exceptional figure.
The following story has been handed down from his life, which by its simple clarity has retained its validity to this day:
A visitor arrived at Socrates' home, a man who had traveled far to meet the great thinker.
In conversation, the guest began, "Do you know what your friend said"? Socrates immediately interrupted the man, "Stop!" He is said to have replied. "Before you tell me a news, about a third person, I must ask you something. Did you give this story through the three sieves"?
"What sieves?" Asked the man.
Socrates replied, "Well, every story I deal with, it has to pass the test of the THREE SIFTS. First, there is the sieve of truth. Have you checked to see if what you are about to tell me is really true?"
The visitor became thoughtful, he answered, "No, I only heard it, whether there is any truth in it I don't know, but the one who told me was credible."
"Well then" replied the philosopher, "have you then given this report through the sieve of goodness, is it a good thing that you want to tell me about"?
The visitor now became meek and said, "No, even the opposite, it is not a good thing of which the event reports".
"I suppose that can't be helped, but surely the incident you want to tell me about will be of some use to me after all, was what you want to tell me given through the sieve of usefulness?"
"Usefulness, no, the anecdote has no real usefulness either, it is about gossip," the guest replied to the learned man.
"Then I don't want to hear about it either," Socrates said sullenly, "if it is not secured truth, is not good and has no real use, why do you want to waste my time with it?" "Please do not burden me with such nonsense"!
The "message" of this story is not to make unreflective statements, not to start rumors.
The question is always whether a story can pass the requirements of the three sieves?
THE SIEVE OF TRUTH: IS IT TRUE WHAT IS BEING TOLD HERE?
THE SIEVE OF GOODNESS: IS IT GOOD WHAT IS TO BE TOLD HERE?
THE SIEVE OF USEFULNESS: IS THE KNOWLEDGE OF THIS EVENT USEFUL?
Each of us is omniscient. We only need to open our consciousness to listen to our own wisdom. The heart then knows the way.
- Buddha -
To gossip is to confess other people's sins
- Wilhelm Busch - German Poet - 1832 to 1908
Copyright: https://shaolin-rainer.de
(Please also download my app "Buddha-Blog English" from the Apple and Android stores)
Please rate us on Apple, Google, or Spotify podcast to help us promote the show
Socrates was a Greek philosopher whose understanding of the world was characterized by knowledge of human nature, ethical principles and unchanging values. In many points his views show great overlap with the teachings of Buddha.
Few personalities were able to leave a lasting mark on their posterity; Socrates was such an exceptional figure.
The following story has been handed down from his life, which by its simple clarity has retained its validity to this day:
A visitor arrived at Socrates' home, a man who had traveled far to meet the great thinker.
In conversation, the guest began, "Do you know what your friend said"? Socrates immediately interrupted the man, "Stop!" He is said to have replied. "Before you tell me a news, about a third person, I must ask you something. Did you give this story through the three sieves"?
"What sieves?" Asked the man.
Socrates replied, "Well, every story I deal with, it has to pass the test of the THREE SIFTS. First, there is the sieve of truth. Have you checked to see if what you are about to tell me is really true?"
The visitor became thoughtful, he answered, "No, I only heard it, whether there is any truth in it I don't know, but the one who told me was credible."
"Well then" replied the philosopher, "have you then given this report through the sieve of goodness, is it a good thing that you want to tell me about"?
The visitor now became meek and said, "No, even the opposite, it is not a good thing of which the event reports".
"I suppose that can't be helped, but surely the incident you want to tell me about will be of some use to me after all, was what you want to tell me given through the sieve of usefulness?"
"Usefulness, no, the anecdote has no real usefulness either, it is about gossip," the guest replied to the learned man.
"Then I don't want to hear about it either," Socrates said sullenly, "if it is not secured truth, is not good and has no real use, why do you want to waste my time with it?" "Please do not burden me with such nonsense"!
The "message" of this story is not to make unreflective statements, not to start rumors.
The question is always whether a story can pass the requirements of the three sieves?
THE SIEVE OF TRUTH: IS IT TRUE WHAT IS BEING TOLD HERE?
THE SIEVE OF GOODNESS: IS IT GOOD WHAT IS TO BE TOLD HERE?
THE SIEVE OF USEFULNESS: IS THE KNOWLEDGE OF THIS EVENT USEFUL?
Each of us is omniscient. We only need to open our consciousness to listen to our own wisdom. The heart then knows the way.
- Buddha -
To gossip is to confess other people's sins
- Wilhelm Busch - German Poet - 1832 to 1908
Copyright: https://shaolin-rainer.de
(Please also download my app "Buddha-Blog English" from the Apple and Android stores)
Please rate us on Apple, Google, or Spotify podcast to help us promote the show
6 Minuten
Gold in the cupboard
In a prosperous town once lived a rich man. He had many businesses, he was involved in almost all aspects of economic life, he did not miss any good deal.
He kept his wealth in a large cash box in the closet of his house, every day he opened it, looked at his coins, thought about the profitable and past transactions, when he looked at his fortune became quite "warm around the heart".
One fine day, when he came back to his house after a long, busy day, he already had a bad feeling at the door. Immediately he noticed that something was not as it should be, fear rose in him, he ran to his closet, which stood wide open, the cassette was gone, one had stolen from him. Then he was furious, he called for his wife, for the children, no one knew anything, all had not been in the house during the day.
The police came, the neighbors, each of his friends, they all consoled him, but nothing could alleviate his misfortune, he had always enjoyed his coins so much.
One of his friends, however, said something of Buddhist wisdom to him, first asking, "did you have any use for your wealth"? "No", replied the stolen man, "but I have always looked at my money with such pleasure". "Then," said the friend, "just look at the closed cabinet and imagine that the box is still in it!"
"What is it to you by whom he who once gave it to you reclaimed it from you"?
- Epictetus - Roman Slave - 50 to 138
Wealth is one of those things. Who is rich, who is poor? Is perhaps a farmer with a very small farm a richer man than a millionaire banker, if the farmer is loved but the banker is not?
And is not the absence of suffering the true wealth in a person's life? Just as Buddha exemplified to us?
You shall not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal.
- Bible -
Accumulating more and more wealth, does that make you happy?
I say: NO
Sure, money makes you independent, it gives a certain security, things can be bought, some ideas can be implemented with money, but real capital is not material, true wealth lies in happiness, love, harmony, contentment, success, health, serenity and in the family.
Personally, I don't want to "own" many things, I get my joy when I can "use" them sometimes. Renting a nice car, over the weekend, and then returning the car, that's more fun for me. Staying in a nice hotel for a few days, I find that much better than owning a vacation home.
But I find it even much better when I'm driving in a very small car (no matter who owns it) and there's a person sitting next to me who really likes me. Or when visiting another city I can sleep on the sofa of a good friend, that makes me happy.
If the cornfield is far from the house, the birds eat the fruit.
- Proverb -
I also like to think of my fortune that I keep in the closet, but I never open the door!
Copyright: https://shaolin-rainer.de
(Please also download my app "Buddha-Blog English" from the Apple and Android stores)
Please rate us on Apple, Google, or Spotify podcast to help us promote the show
In a prosperous town once lived a rich man. He had many businesses, he was involved in almost all aspects of economic life, he did not miss any good deal.
He kept his wealth in a large cash box in the closet of his house, every day he opened it, looked at his coins, thought about the profitable and past transactions, when he looked at his fortune became quite "warm around the heart".
One fine day, when he came back to his house after a long, busy day, he already had a bad feeling at the door. Immediately he noticed that something was not as it should be, fear rose in him, he ran to his closet, which stood wide open, the cassette was gone, one had stolen from him. Then he was furious, he called for his wife, for the children, no one knew anything, all had not been in the house during the day.
The police came, the neighbors, each of his friends, they all consoled him, but nothing could alleviate his misfortune, he had always enjoyed his coins so much.
One of his friends, however, said something of Buddhist wisdom to him, first asking, "did you have any use for your wealth"? "No", replied the stolen man, "but I have always looked at my money with such pleasure". "Then," said the friend, "just look at the closed cabinet and imagine that the box is still in it!"
"What is it to you by whom he who once gave it to you reclaimed it from you"?
- Epictetus - Roman Slave - 50 to 138
Wealth is one of those things. Who is rich, who is poor? Is perhaps a farmer with a very small farm a richer man than a millionaire banker, if the farmer is loved but the banker is not?
And is not the absence of suffering the true wealth in a person's life? Just as Buddha exemplified to us?
You shall not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal.
- Bible -
Accumulating more and more wealth, does that make you happy?
I say: NO
Sure, money makes you independent, it gives a certain security, things can be bought, some ideas can be implemented with money, but real capital is not material, true wealth lies in happiness, love, harmony, contentment, success, health, serenity and in the family.
Personally, I don't want to "own" many things, I get my joy when I can "use" them sometimes. Renting a nice car, over the weekend, and then returning the car, that's more fun for me. Staying in a nice hotel for a few days, I find that much better than owning a vacation home.
But I find it even much better when I'm driving in a very small car (no matter who owns it) and there's a person sitting next to me who really likes me. Or when visiting another city I can sleep on the sofa of a good friend, that makes me happy.
If the cornfield is far from the house, the birds eat the fruit.
- Proverb -
I also like to think of my fortune that I keep in the closet, but I never open the door!
Copyright: https://shaolin-rainer.de
(Please also download my app "Buddha-Blog English" from the Apple and Android stores)
Please rate us on Apple, Google, or Spotify podcast to help us promote the show
7 Minuten
A little piece of heaven
Every year, a large German company organizes various company outings, joint events and various activities that are intended to strengthen team cohesion, build a sense of community and make it easier for colleagues and employees to get to know each other. The company's management places particular emphasis on the shared experience, trust and motivation.
This spring, it was the turn of the management level to participate in seminars, a team hike was scheduled for the department heads, and the focus for the managers was to be on performance and sovereignty.
As well-paid higher employees, all participants were very full of themselves, their life was good, but for that the managers had enough other problems, they were already "getting on in years", in search of "themselves".
The hike was organized in a beautiful forest, the group was divided into two teams, at a meeting point the employees were to meet again, along the way they had to perform various tasks, similar to a scavenger hunt.
However, one team went off the trail, they got lost in the deep, dark forest. Anxiety came over the hikers, the phone had no network, it got really creepy for the city people in the untouched nature.
As they continued walking they saw a magical wooden hut by a small stream, here at least they could wait for rescue. As they approached, the men discovered a bearded inhabitant, but he was beaming all over, exuding happiness and contentment, the wanderers had not expected a hermit.
"Hello, wanderers," he called out delightedly to the group. "Good day," the lost ones replied to him. The managers told them about their excursion, and the bearded man explained the way back to their camp.
Before they left, a member of the team asked, "why are you so radiant, it has come to our attention that you are very happy, may I ask why? Do you live here alone, in this little hut"?
"Yes", answered the inhabitant of the forest who revealed himself as a Buddhist, "I live here alone, but I lack nothing. And my happiness is not a secret, I enjoy "my forest", the little piece of heaven that I can see from my place, from my chair here, from the door in front of my hut".
"May I sit in your chair once," asked one of the group? "Yes, why not, just take a seat" replied the hermit. The manager sat down, looked around, then spoke in slight amazement, "I can't see much from your seat, just trees, leaves and some sky, why are you so happy about it?"
"I don't know how to explain it to you," replied the bearded forest dweller, "but it's my place in life, my piece of heaven, my trees, I'm happy because I found my place, this is where I belong. Sitting on this, my chair fills me with happiness"!
Copyright: https://shaolin-rainer.de
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Every year, a large German company organizes various company outings, joint events and various activities that are intended to strengthen team cohesion, build a sense of community and make it easier for colleagues and employees to get to know each other. The company's management places particular emphasis on the shared experience, trust and motivation.
This spring, it was the turn of the management level to participate in seminars, a team hike was scheduled for the department heads, and the focus for the managers was to be on performance and sovereignty.
As well-paid higher employees, all participants were very full of themselves, their life was good, but for that the managers had enough other problems, they were already "getting on in years", in search of "themselves".
The hike was organized in a beautiful forest, the group was divided into two teams, at a meeting point the employees were to meet again, along the way they had to perform various tasks, similar to a scavenger hunt.
However, one team went off the trail, they got lost in the deep, dark forest. Anxiety came over the hikers, the phone had no network, it got really creepy for the city people in the untouched nature.
As they continued walking they saw a magical wooden hut by a small stream, here at least they could wait for rescue. As they approached, the men discovered a bearded inhabitant, but he was beaming all over, exuding happiness and contentment, the wanderers had not expected a hermit.
"Hello, wanderers," he called out delightedly to the group. "Good day," the lost ones replied to him. The managers told them about their excursion, and the bearded man explained the way back to their camp.
Before they left, a member of the team asked, "why are you so radiant, it has come to our attention that you are very happy, may I ask why? Do you live here alone, in this little hut"?
"Yes", answered the inhabitant of the forest who revealed himself as a Buddhist, "I live here alone, but I lack nothing. And my happiness is not a secret, I enjoy "my forest", the little piece of heaven that I can see from my place, from my chair here, from the door in front of my hut".
"May I sit in your chair once," asked one of the group? "Yes, why not, just take a seat" replied the hermit. The manager sat down, looked around, then spoke in slight amazement, "I can't see much from your seat, just trees, leaves and some sky, why are you so happy about it?"
"I don't know how to explain it to you," replied the bearded forest dweller, "but it's my place in life, my piece of heaven, my trees, I'm happy because I found my place, this is where I belong. Sitting on this, my chair fills me with happiness"!
Copyright: https://shaolin-rainer.de
(Please also download my app "Buddha-Blog English" from the Apple and Android stores)
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6 Minuten
There are millions of reasons to smile!
The fat Buddha
In the gift store of a temple, the nearsighted woman asked, "How much is that fat Buddha, the one standing back there next to the door?" "Shh! Speak softly," whispers the monk at the cash register, "that's our abbot."
Buddha is often depicted as a "Happy Buddha"; in Chinese there is the expression "Mi Le Fo" (弥勒佛). The broad laughter on his face is said to symbolize his endless love for all living beings, and his fat belly shows the joys of life.
Many people think that the Buddha's teaching is a very serious matter, just that, the "enlightenment" as the core statement of Buddhism would be quite a joyless thing.
The preoccupation with one's own "I" is clearly a rather heavy subject, but in the life of a Buddhist, joy, laughter and fun should by no means come "too short".
According to Buddha, suffering is an integral part of life. But only where there is shadow, exactly there you can see the light very well. This reminds us that we should enjoy life (as it is), experience beautiful moments, meet great people, fun and joy are a completely normal part of all life, we should "turn off" suffering, make the attitude towards "joy" in us.
Some people have forgotten how to laugh, but you can learn to laugh again. With laughter we get out of thinking, reach the present again, relaxation occurs, energies can flow again.
If life is sorrowful then start to change something.
The historical Buddha found "enlightenment" for us, but he was certainly also a joyful person, he knew about human hardships, about emotions, and about their place in life.
We should enjoy our lives, rejoice in every day despite all adversities, look at every encounter with pleasure, allow serenity and amusement in every possible moment.
Every day that you do not smile is a day lost.
- Charlie Chaplin - British actor - 1889 to 1977
When I look at my daughter, when I look at the beauty of nature, when I take in the colors and smells, when I think of a good meal, when I look at my partner, when I look at my work, I almost always have to smile.
There are millions of reasons to smile!
The certainty around the teachings of Buddha is a truly good reason to rejoice in one's own existence.
Suffering and joy are then the two sides of the same coin!
Copyright: https://shaolin-rainer.de
(Please also download my app "Buddha-Blog English" from the Apple and Android stores)
Please rate us on Apple, Google, or Spotify podcast to help us promote the show
The fat Buddha
In the gift store of a temple, the nearsighted woman asked, "How much is that fat Buddha, the one standing back there next to the door?" "Shh! Speak softly," whispers the monk at the cash register, "that's our abbot."
Buddha is often depicted as a "Happy Buddha"; in Chinese there is the expression "Mi Le Fo" (弥勒佛). The broad laughter on his face is said to symbolize his endless love for all living beings, and his fat belly shows the joys of life.
Many people think that the Buddha's teaching is a very serious matter, just that, the "enlightenment" as the core statement of Buddhism would be quite a joyless thing.
The preoccupation with one's own "I" is clearly a rather heavy subject, but in the life of a Buddhist, joy, laughter and fun should by no means come "too short".
According to Buddha, suffering is an integral part of life. But only where there is shadow, exactly there you can see the light very well. This reminds us that we should enjoy life (as it is), experience beautiful moments, meet great people, fun and joy are a completely normal part of all life, we should "turn off" suffering, make the attitude towards "joy" in us.
Some people have forgotten how to laugh, but you can learn to laugh again. With laughter we get out of thinking, reach the present again, relaxation occurs, energies can flow again.
If life is sorrowful then start to change something.
The historical Buddha found "enlightenment" for us, but he was certainly also a joyful person, he knew about human hardships, about emotions, and about their place in life.
We should enjoy our lives, rejoice in every day despite all adversities, look at every encounter with pleasure, allow serenity and amusement in every possible moment.
Every day that you do not smile is a day lost.
- Charlie Chaplin - British actor - 1889 to 1977
When I look at my daughter, when I look at the beauty of nature, when I take in the colors and smells, when I think of a good meal, when I look at my partner, when I look at my work, I almost always have to smile.
There are millions of reasons to smile!
The certainty around the teachings of Buddha is a truly good reason to rejoice in one's own existence.
Suffering and joy are then the two sides of the same coin!
Copyright: https://shaolin-rainer.de
(Please also download my app "Buddha-Blog English" from the Apple and Android stores)
Please rate us on Apple, Google, or Spotify podcast to help us promote the show
8 Minuten
Bad luck becomes good luck
- and vice versa
My father used to say, "Son, there is nothing bad that doesn't have something good about it"!
Examples (freely invented):
Mr. K. broke his leg in a car accident, a complicated comminuted fracture, at first the doctors thought they would have to remove the foot, he was in the hospital for almost two months, for a long time he thought he would never be able to walk properly again.
/ during his time in the hospital he met a nurse, the two fell in love, married shortly after his discharge. If he had not broken his leg, who knows if Mr. K. would have ever met his wife, he still says today that this accident changed his life in a positive way.
For a long time Tom felt a slight tugging in the stomach area, but thought nothing of it, he didn't want to go to the doctor, after all there was always so much to do, to take care of, to work, it will pass, he thought to himself anyway. One morning he slipped in the shower, hit his head on the edge of the tub, the skin burst, he had to call the ambulance to have the wound stitched.
/ while being treated by the paramedics, he also told them about the pain in his stomach. The doctor patched him up, and also immediately examined the other complaints in question. He thought it could be appendicitis, utmost urgency was required, he was immediately taken to the hospital, emergency surgery was the result. Tom knows today that the fall in the bathroom probably saved his life.
Actually, Mrs. T. wanted to go home by plane at the weekend, she was in another city the whole week, her work gave her little pleasure, but was well paid. She had been looking for another job for some time, but found nothing suitable. In her cozy home her family was already waiting for her, her husband had prepared a big meal, the children were jostling on the phone, she was tired and exhausted. At the airport she was told that the flight was canceled due to technical problems, that she could not fly on today, that a hotel room had already been booked for her, and that she could not fly until tomorrow. At first she was very disappointed.
/ in the waiting area of the airport she got into conversation with another passenger, both of them complained about their fate, in the course of the conversation she also told the fellow sufferer about her unsuccessful search for a new job. The man was the managing director of a company, he was looking for new employees but could not find any suitable personnel. He immediately offered Mrs. T. a job with much better earnings, and for her much better working hours and conditions. Even today, she remembers that day fondly; the supposed bad luck changed her life in a positive way.
The M. family wanted to go to the sea by car this year, finally on vacation together, the summer was hot, the children were looking forward to the cool pleasure. But halfway there, the old car broke down and stopped. Black smoke came out of the hood, the towing service took car and family to a small town, there was the nearest garage. The mechanic said that he would first have to order spare parts, and that it would be impossible to continue the journey for the time being. The children's nagging was great, no beach, no bathing, the vacation was a disaster. At first sight.
Copyright: https://shaolin-rainer.de
(Please also download my app "Buddha-Blog English" from the Apple and Android stores)
Please rate us on Apple, Google, or Spotify podcast to help us promote the show
- and vice versa
My father used to say, "Son, there is nothing bad that doesn't have something good about it"!
Examples (freely invented):
Mr. K. broke his leg in a car accident, a complicated comminuted fracture, at first the doctors thought they would have to remove the foot, he was in the hospital for almost two months, for a long time he thought he would never be able to walk properly again.
/ during his time in the hospital he met a nurse, the two fell in love, married shortly after his discharge. If he had not broken his leg, who knows if Mr. K. would have ever met his wife, he still says today that this accident changed his life in a positive way.
For a long time Tom felt a slight tugging in the stomach area, but thought nothing of it, he didn't want to go to the doctor, after all there was always so much to do, to take care of, to work, it will pass, he thought to himself anyway. One morning he slipped in the shower, hit his head on the edge of the tub, the skin burst, he had to call the ambulance to have the wound stitched.
/ while being treated by the paramedics, he also told them about the pain in his stomach. The doctor patched him up, and also immediately examined the other complaints in question. He thought it could be appendicitis, utmost urgency was required, he was immediately taken to the hospital, emergency surgery was the result. Tom knows today that the fall in the bathroom probably saved his life.
Actually, Mrs. T. wanted to go home by plane at the weekend, she was in another city the whole week, her work gave her little pleasure, but was well paid. She had been looking for another job for some time, but found nothing suitable. In her cozy home her family was already waiting for her, her husband had prepared a big meal, the children were jostling on the phone, she was tired and exhausted. At the airport she was told that the flight was canceled due to technical problems, that she could not fly on today, that a hotel room had already been booked for her, and that she could not fly until tomorrow. At first she was very disappointed.
/ in the waiting area of the airport she got into conversation with another passenger, both of them complained about their fate, in the course of the conversation she also told the fellow sufferer about her unsuccessful search for a new job. The man was the managing director of a company, he was looking for new employees but could not find any suitable personnel. He immediately offered Mrs. T. a job with much better earnings, and for her much better working hours and conditions. Even today, she remembers that day fondly; the supposed bad luck changed her life in a positive way.
The M. family wanted to go to the sea by car this year, finally on vacation together, the summer was hot, the children were looking forward to the cool pleasure. But halfway there, the old car broke down and stopped. Black smoke came out of the hood, the towing service took car and family to a small town, there was the nearest garage. The mechanic said that he would first have to order spare parts, and that it would be impossible to continue the journey for the time being. The children's nagging was great, no beach, no bathing, the vacation was a disaster. At first sight.
Copyright: https://shaolin-rainer.de
(Please also download my app "Buddha-Blog English" from the Apple and Android stores)
Please rate us on Apple, Google, or Spotify podcast to help us promote the show
6 Minuten
Listening helps!
In China, there was a Buddhist teacher who taught throughout the country. He was very respected, his wisdom was legendary, many people attended his talks. As a monk of his monastery he was popular, many brothers listened to him.
When he was about to leave for another reading tour, a novice (aspiring monk) approached him and asked if he could accompany him. Since the two men were about the same age, and the travels were exhausting him more and more, the teacher agreed, and together they traveled. At each lesson the Buddhist student now sat in the auditorium, soon he knew every interpretation of the teacher, every sentence was well known to him, he listened again and again to the words of this master.
The brothers used the evenings to talk about what had happened, to further deepen the contents of the teaching speeches. Often the teacher noticed that the disciple already knew his lectures almost by heart, that also his argumentation and his expression improved constantly, he was taken with the novice. In the teacher grew the realization that the student had reached the end of his training, that he had also become a master by "listening". This filled the teacher with deep joy.
One morning, as the two of them were leaving for another course in the dining hall of a temple, the teacher said to the novice, "I want you to give the lecture today, you have heard my words often enough now, you will surely do the job as well as I have"!
So it was! The novice did his job well, the people listened to him with pleasure, he could "reach" the visitors with his lecture, the Buddha's teaching came easily and loosely over his lips. After the lecture, those present approached him, praised his calm manner, his lecture was a success.
From then on, the teacher and the disciple took turns in giving further lectures, and the novice became better and better in his lectures.
Back in their temple, the teacher went to his abbot, he explained to him that the novice could now also spread the teachings on his own, that he was now qualified to be a monk.
The novice was soon ordained as a monk because of the intercession.
A short time later, he was preparing for his own first lecture tour when a novice approached him and asked if he could accompany him.
As long as one talks oneself, one learns nothing
- Marie Freifrau Ebner von Eschenbach - writer - 1830 to 1916
In reality there are only the atoms and the void
- Democritus - Greek philosopher - 460 to 370 B.C.
Copyright: https://shaolin-rainer.de
(Please also download my app "Buddha-Blog English" from the Apple and Android stores)
Please rate us on Apple, Google, or Spotify podcast to help us promote the show
In China, there was a Buddhist teacher who taught throughout the country. He was very respected, his wisdom was legendary, many people attended his talks. As a monk of his monastery he was popular, many brothers listened to him.
When he was about to leave for another reading tour, a novice (aspiring monk) approached him and asked if he could accompany him. Since the two men were about the same age, and the travels were exhausting him more and more, the teacher agreed, and together they traveled. At each lesson the Buddhist student now sat in the auditorium, soon he knew every interpretation of the teacher, every sentence was well known to him, he listened again and again to the words of this master.
The brothers used the evenings to talk about what had happened, to further deepen the contents of the teaching speeches. Often the teacher noticed that the disciple already knew his lectures almost by heart, that also his argumentation and his expression improved constantly, he was taken with the novice. In the teacher grew the realization that the student had reached the end of his training, that he had also become a master by "listening". This filled the teacher with deep joy.
One morning, as the two of them were leaving for another course in the dining hall of a temple, the teacher said to the novice, "I want you to give the lecture today, you have heard my words often enough now, you will surely do the job as well as I have"!
So it was! The novice did his job well, the people listened to him with pleasure, he could "reach" the visitors with his lecture, the Buddha's teaching came easily and loosely over his lips. After the lecture, those present approached him, praised his calm manner, his lecture was a success.
From then on, the teacher and the disciple took turns in giving further lectures, and the novice became better and better in his lectures.
Back in their temple, the teacher went to his abbot, he explained to him that the novice could now also spread the teachings on his own, that he was now qualified to be a monk.
The novice was soon ordained as a monk because of the intercession.
A short time later, he was preparing for his own first lecture tour when a novice approached him and asked if he could accompany him.
As long as one talks oneself, one learns nothing
- Marie Freifrau Ebner von Eschenbach - writer - 1830 to 1916
In reality there are only the atoms and the void
- Democritus - Greek philosopher - 460 to 370 B.C.
Copyright: https://shaolin-rainer.de
(Please also download my app "Buddha-Blog English" from the Apple and Android stores)
Please rate us on Apple, Google, or Spotify podcast to help us promote the show
7 Minuten
Everything passes
In a Buddhist temple, a great master taught, he was already very old, but incredibly white, he had many followers, the monks of the temple, and also the people from the neighboring town, respected him, as a counselor and as a gifted scholar.
In the great hall of the temple he lectured, organized meetings, provided social gatherings, gave advice, and there he taught his students the philosophy of Buddha, also meditation and prayer.
He was particularly fond of a local student, who was intelligent, interested and hard-working, hardly missing any of his seminars. And he took special care of her, he encouraged the young girl.
One evening, after the meditation exercises, she said to her master: "My meditation was terrible, my thoughts were everywhere but here. Today my eyes kept falling shut, every bone ached from sitting, I was unfocused, distracted, not in my mind at all. My ego was constantly running away with me, whispering incoherent things in my ear, questions arose in me, self-reflection did not want to occur."
The master replied succinctly, "Student, this will pass."
In the following time her exercises were as before, she said nothing to her master, came again almost every day, she pleased the old teacher with joy.
A few months later, the master and the pupil got into conversation again. She told him, "Master, today my meditation was wonderful, inspiring, I was fully concentrated, sitting was effortless, I was not distracted, my ego was silent during the exercises, breathing was easy, did not burden me at all, I think I have made great progress."
The master just looked at her casually, he answered again succinctly, "Student, this will pass".
THE ACTUAL CHARACTERISTIC OF THIS WORLD IS ITS TRANSITORINESS
- FRANZ KAFKA - GERMAN-LANGUAGE WRITER - 1883 TO 1924
HAPPINESS BELONGS TO THOSE WHO ARE SELF-SUFFICIENT. FOR ALL EXTERNAL SOURCES OF HAPPINESS AND PLEASURE ARE BY THEIR NATURE HIGHLY UNCERTAIN, UNFORTUNATE, TRANSIENT AND SUBJECT TO CHANCE.
- ARTHUR SCHOPENHAUER - GERMAN PHILOSOPHER - 1788 TO 1860
The lot of mankind is not easy. Already on the day we fall in love, for example, we know that we will EVER have to say goodbye to this person again, we know that the child that has just been born will EVER die, that everything, simply everything, will be lost, will pass, will be extinguished. Even our planet will pass away one day, and with it the utopia we call "our world" today.
Everything passes, we must accept this unchangeable truth.
If it were not for the teachings of Buddha, my human lot would weigh heavily on me, sometimes even almost crushing me, the fact that everything passes EVERYWHERE would be very difficult for me to come to terms with without Buddhist philosophy, would unbearably and threateningly overshadow my life.
From the philosophy of the teacher of all teachers I first drew the strength, and today the certainty that this does not have to occupy me, because not everything is as it appears at first sight.
Buddha has shown us a way out, he has paved the path to "enlightenment" for us. Like all paths, this alley is not always easy to negotiate, but in the end we have "awakening", the "gateless gate" through which we pass, but which cannot be grasped with our hands.
If you, esteemed reader, have read this text up to here (to the end), then you are in any case interested in Buddha's teaching, perhaps you even want to follow his path? Take up the undertaking courageously, because even a great journey begins only with a small step.
In a Buddhist temple, a great master taught, he was already very old, but incredibly white, he had many followers, the monks of the temple, and also the people from the neighboring town, respected him, as a counselor and as a gifted scholar.
In the great hall of the temple he lectured, organized meetings, provided social gatherings, gave advice, and there he taught his students the philosophy of Buddha, also meditation and prayer.
He was particularly fond of a local student, who was intelligent, interested and hard-working, hardly missing any of his seminars. And he took special care of her, he encouraged the young girl.
One evening, after the meditation exercises, she said to her master: "My meditation was terrible, my thoughts were everywhere but here. Today my eyes kept falling shut, every bone ached from sitting, I was unfocused, distracted, not in my mind at all. My ego was constantly running away with me, whispering incoherent things in my ear, questions arose in me, self-reflection did not want to occur."
The master replied succinctly, "Student, this will pass."
In the following time her exercises were as before, she said nothing to her master, came again almost every day, she pleased the old teacher with joy.
A few months later, the master and the pupil got into conversation again. She told him, "Master, today my meditation was wonderful, inspiring, I was fully concentrated, sitting was effortless, I was not distracted, my ego was silent during the exercises, breathing was easy, did not burden me at all, I think I have made great progress."
The master just looked at her casually, he answered again succinctly, "Student, this will pass".
THE ACTUAL CHARACTERISTIC OF THIS WORLD IS ITS TRANSITORINESS
- FRANZ KAFKA - GERMAN-LANGUAGE WRITER - 1883 TO 1924
HAPPINESS BELONGS TO THOSE WHO ARE SELF-SUFFICIENT. FOR ALL EXTERNAL SOURCES OF HAPPINESS AND PLEASURE ARE BY THEIR NATURE HIGHLY UNCERTAIN, UNFORTUNATE, TRANSIENT AND SUBJECT TO CHANCE.
- ARTHUR SCHOPENHAUER - GERMAN PHILOSOPHER - 1788 TO 1860
The lot of mankind is not easy. Already on the day we fall in love, for example, we know that we will EVER have to say goodbye to this person again, we know that the child that has just been born will EVER die, that everything, simply everything, will be lost, will pass, will be extinguished. Even our planet will pass away one day, and with it the utopia we call "our world" today.
Everything passes, we must accept this unchangeable truth.
If it were not for the teachings of Buddha, my human lot would weigh heavily on me, sometimes even almost crushing me, the fact that everything passes EVERYWHERE would be very difficult for me to come to terms with without Buddhist philosophy, would unbearably and threateningly overshadow my life.
From the philosophy of the teacher of all teachers I first drew the strength, and today the certainty that this does not have to occupy me, because not everything is as it appears at first sight.
Buddha has shown us a way out, he has paved the path to "enlightenment" for us. Like all paths, this alley is not always easy to negotiate, but in the end we have "awakening", the "gateless gate" through which we pass, but which cannot be grasped with our hands.
If you, esteemed reader, have read this text up to here (to the end), then you are in any case interested in Buddha's teaching, perhaps you even want to follow his path? Take up the undertaking courageously, because even a great journey begins only with a small step.
6 Minuten
What is poverty?
Let me call the family "the Peters" for simplicity's sake.
The father has a prosperous business, he manufactures spare parts for cars. In his early youth he became an apprentice in a similar company, graduated as a master craftsman there. A few years later he started his own business, with diligence and luck he worked his way up, became wealthy, his company grew bigger and bigger. He was very proud of his success, liked to brag about his possessions, felt important to other people, his life had always gone "according to plan" for him.
Due to his financial independence he was able to find a good wife at a young age, the couple fell in love, married quickly, and had two healthy children, a boy and a girl.
The couple bought a beautiful, large house, with a swimming pool, sauna, surrounded by an enchanting garden.
The wife came from a much less rich country, she still had her family there, her parents were simple farmers. Often she went to visit the homeland, lived there a completely different life than with her husband, simple, but also hardworking.
Often she also took the children with her so that they could visit their grandparents. The children could spend their vacations there, learn modesty, help on the farm, experience animals, feel nature.
Especially her daughter gave her a lot of joy, as the girl developed into a particularly intelligent and compassionate being, a little light seemed to burn in her. She charmed her fellow men, wisdom spoke from her words, despite her few years she was special.
On the way back after the vacation, a conversation developed between mother and daughter. The mother asked: "And, my darling, how were the vacations for you, was it interesting with grandpa and grandma"? The daughter answered: "Yes mother, it was very interesting, I played a lot, often helped the grandparents, and I learned a lot. I also saw how poor our family is, and yet they are much richer than us". This astonished the mother, she asked the daughter how she came up with such an idea. "Mother, we have only one dog, but our grandparents have many animals. We only have a small swimming pool, but at your parents' house there is a big lake. We have many lamps on the property, but in the yard here there are millions of stars that I could look at every night. Our property is bigger than the neighbors', but we look at the back wall of their houses, my grandparents can see all the way to the horizon."
Then the mother understood!
NOT HE WHO HAS LITTLE, BUT HE WHO DESIRES MUCH, IS POOR
- LUCIUS ANNAEUS SENECA - ROMAN PHILOSOPHER AND DRAMATIST- 1 TO 65
When we internalize the Buddha's teaching, we are rich, rich in inner peace, in tranquility, balanced and in the pure. Poverty and wealth are two sides of the same coin. Because it is only up to us how we look at wealth and poverty, the feeling arises from our contemplation. Even without having a single coin in our pockets, we can be very rich people.
Copyright: https://shaolin-rainer.de
(Please also download my app "Buddha-Blog English" from the Apple and Android stores)
Please rate us on Apple, Google, or Spotify podcast to help us promote the show
Let me call the family "the Peters" for simplicity's sake.
The father has a prosperous business, he manufactures spare parts for cars. In his early youth he became an apprentice in a similar company, graduated as a master craftsman there. A few years later he started his own business, with diligence and luck he worked his way up, became wealthy, his company grew bigger and bigger. He was very proud of his success, liked to brag about his possessions, felt important to other people, his life had always gone "according to plan" for him.
Due to his financial independence he was able to find a good wife at a young age, the couple fell in love, married quickly, and had two healthy children, a boy and a girl.
The couple bought a beautiful, large house, with a swimming pool, sauna, surrounded by an enchanting garden.
The wife came from a much less rich country, she still had her family there, her parents were simple farmers. Often she went to visit the homeland, lived there a completely different life than with her husband, simple, but also hardworking.
Often she also took the children with her so that they could visit their grandparents. The children could spend their vacations there, learn modesty, help on the farm, experience animals, feel nature.
Especially her daughter gave her a lot of joy, as the girl developed into a particularly intelligent and compassionate being, a little light seemed to burn in her. She charmed her fellow men, wisdom spoke from her words, despite her few years she was special.
On the way back after the vacation, a conversation developed between mother and daughter. The mother asked: "And, my darling, how were the vacations for you, was it interesting with grandpa and grandma"? The daughter answered: "Yes mother, it was very interesting, I played a lot, often helped the grandparents, and I learned a lot. I also saw how poor our family is, and yet they are much richer than us". This astonished the mother, she asked the daughter how she came up with such an idea. "Mother, we have only one dog, but our grandparents have many animals. We only have a small swimming pool, but at your parents' house there is a big lake. We have many lamps on the property, but in the yard here there are millions of stars that I could look at every night. Our property is bigger than the neighbors', but we look at the back wall of their houses, my grandparents can see all the way to the horizon."
Then the mother understood!
NOT HE WHO HAS LITTLE, BUT HE WHO DESIRES MUCH, IS POOR
- LUCIUS ANNAEUS SENECA - ROMAN PHILOSOPHER AND DRAMATIST- 1 TO 65
When we internalize the Buddha's teaching, we are rich, rich in inner peace, in tranquility, balanced and in the pure. Poverty and wealth are two sides of the same coin. Because it is only up to us how we look at wealth and poverty, the feeling arises from our contemplation. Even without having a single coin in our pockets, we can be very rich people.
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5 Minuten
Love comes like a thief - unexpectedly
We all want to be loved and to love. Love is beautiful, builds us up, gives us strength, we can move mountains when we love. Endless songs tell of beautiful love stories, there are love movies, love novels, a whole industry takes on love.
Not everyone will experience love in his life; others possibly several times, karma is karma, the history of our life is predetermined.
It doesn't help to beg fate, to present our wishes to the gods, love comes unexpectedly, just like a thief.
But what helps is to look forward to love, to prepare ourselves and our "I" for this possible moment, to become and be the person we want to present, the person we can be. In any case, if we make an effort for love, it is right and important.
Let's take examples:
A man who drinks all the time, gambles away his money, doesn't think about tomorrow, seeks only his satisfaction, would he be in great demand with women?
A woman who lets herself go, who doesn't care about her appearance, would she be in high demand among men?
Sure, a stereotypical approach, very graphic examples. But apt.
If you always liked to drink too much, you will behave like that in the future, love or not.
If you already always do not take care of yourself, then love will also hardly bring a change.
The correction must happen soon, we can't expect a partner to "change" us, that's not his job either. And this partner should not want to change us at all, otherwise the conditions are wrong. He should love us as we are.
We must become the person whom the partner can love without "if" and "but", i.e. we must "love ourselves" before we can be loved.
According to Buddhist teachings, everything is already written. So it is also already written if and when we will recognize our behavior, if we might even find "enlightenment". And also whether we find love is already determined.
And remember, love comes when you don't expect it.
THERE IS NOTHING MORE BEAUTIFUL THAN BEING LOVED, LOVED FOR ITS OWN SAKE OR RATHER IN SPITE OF ITSELF
- VICTOR HUGO - FRENCH WRITER - 1802 TO 1885
Copyright: https://shaolin-rainer.de
(Please also download my app "Buddha-Blog English" from the Apple and Android stores)
Please rate us on Apple, Google, or Spotify podcast to help us promote the show
We all want to be loved and to love. Love is beautiful, builds us up, gives us strength, we can move mountains when we love. Endless songs tell of beautiful love stories, there are love movies, love novels, a whole industry takes on love.
Not everyone will experience love in his life; others possibly several times, karma is karma, the history of our life is predetermined.
It doesn't help to beg fate, to present our wishes to the gods, love comes unexpectedly, just like a thief.
But what helps is to look forward to love, to prepare ourselves and our "I" for this possible moment, to become and be the person we want to present, the person we can be. In any case, if we make an effort for love, it is right and important.
Let's take examples:
A man who drinks all the time, gambles away his money, doesn't think about tomorrow, seeks only his satisfaction, would he be in great demand with women?
A woman who lets herself go, who doesn't care about her appearance, would she be in high demand among men?
Sure, a stereotypical approach, very graphic examples. But apt.
If you always liked to drink too much, you will behave like that in the future, love or not.
If you already always do not take care of yourself, then love will also hardly bring a change.
The correction must happen soon, we can't expect a partner to "change" us, that's not his job either. And this partner should not want to change us at all, otherwise the conditions are wrong. He should love us as we are.
We must become the person whom the partner can love without "if" and "but", i.e. we must "love ourselves" before we can be loved.
According to Buddhist teachings, everything is already written. So it is also already written if and when we will recognize our behavior, if we might even find "enlightenment". And also whether we find love is already determined.
And remember, love comes when you don't expect it.
THERE IS NOTHING MORE BEAUTIFUL THAN BEING LOVED, LOVED FOR ITS OWN SAKE OR RATHER IN SPITE OF ITSELF
- VICTOR HUGO - FRENCH WRITER - 1802 TO 1885
Copyright: https://shaolin-rainer.de
(Please also download my app "Buddha-Blog English" from the Apple and Android stores)
Please rate us on Apple, Google, or Spotify podcast to help us promote the show
6 Minuten
5 blind and 1 elephant
5 Blind Men and 1 Elephant
At the court of a popular king there lived many learned men who served him as advisors.
No matter what the subject, there were always disputes between the many "experts"; the experts did not agree on anything.
The quarrels became more violent every day, the palace was filled with bickering and strife. The king decided to remedy the situation, he thought about what he could do. One day he had a good idea.
Among his advisors were five blind men who, due to their age, had lost their sight. He had these men led in front of an elephant, they were to get an overview only by their sense of touch, and then report to the king, in the presence of all the other advisors, what it was all about, describe what they felt.
The first scholar was led to the side of the elephant, he felt an ear, he reached around the large surface, felt the brittle surface. He thought: "According to the smell it is an elephant, but according to the feeling it is a big leaf".
The second educated blind man had his turn, he was placed in front of the elephant, felt the trunk. He spoke: "Yes, it smells like an elephant, but it is an arm, long and strong".
The next scholar was directed to the rear of the animal, he felt the tail of the colossus. He too agreed with the previous men, "it smells like an elephant, yes, but it feels like a rope, with a brush on the end".
The fourth blind man was led to one leg of the elephant, he said "yes, the smell is strong, but since this is a riddle of the king, it can't be an elephant, I think it is a pillar".
Then came the turn of the last of the selected blind scholars, he was placed at the belly of the animal. He too admitted that it smelled like an elephant, but he also believed that the king was trying to "hoodwink" them, he thought it was a large spiky surface, and therefore not an animal.
The king began to smile, he said: "Oh you scholars, how can you not recognize such a simple thing, it is of course an elephant. But I wanted to show you that it is often different than it seems at first, nothing is really simple, every matter has its difficulties, before you quarrel again in the future, you should remember this elephant, this moment. And everyone at my court has seen how difficult it is to recognize an elephant, to describe it, everyone has felt something different, felt it. And only because you lack one sense, the eyesight. And how is it only with smaller things, with those that are harder to describe, harder to understand, complicated and complex"?
All the scholars understood what the king wanted to tell them, they now realized. And also why he had staged this spectacle was now obvious.
The example with the elephant should not be forgotten so quickly by all advisors at the court.
As a Buddhist, one should not judge or evaluate.
FIRST LOOK AT YOURSELF, THEN JUDGE ME!
- SPEAKING WORD –
Copyright: https://shaolin-rainer.de
(Please also download my app "Buddha-Blog English" from the Apple and Android stores)
Please rate us on Apple, Google, or Spotify podcast to help us promote the show
5 Blind Men and 1 Elephant
At the court of a popular king there lived many learned men who served him as advisors.
No matter what the subject, there were always disputes between the many "experts"; the experts did not agree on anything.
The quarrels became more violent every day, the palace was filled with bickering and strife. The king decided to remedy the situation, he thought about what he could do. One day he had a good idea.
Among his advisors were five blind men who, due to their age, had lost their sight. He had these men led in front of an elephant, they were to get an overview only by their sense of touch, and then report to the king, in the presence of all the other advisors, what it was all about, describe what they felt.
The first scholar was led to the side of the elephant, he felt an ear, he reached around the large surface, felt the brittle surface. He thought: "According to the smell it is an elephant, but according to the feeling it is a big leaf".
The second educated blind man had his turn, he was placed in front of the elephant, felt the trunk. He spoke: "Yes, it smells like an elephant, but it is an arm, long and strong".
The next scholar was directed to the rear of the animal, he felt the tail of the colossus. He too agreed with the previous men, "it smells like an elephant, yes, but it feels like a rope, with a brush on the end".
The fourth blind man was led to one leg of the elephant, he said "yes, the smell is strong, but since this is a riddle of the king, it can't be an elephant, I think it is a pillar".
Then came the turn of the last of the selected blind scholars, he was placed at the belly of the animal. He too admitted that it smelled like an elephant, but he also believed that the king was trying to "hoodwink" them, he thought it was a large spiky surface, and therefore not an animal.
The king began to smile, he said: "Oh you scholars, how can you not recognize such a simple thing, it is of course an elephant. But I wanted to show you that it is often different than it seems at first, nothing is really simple, every matter has its difficulties, before you quarrel again in the future, you should remember this elephant, this moment. And everyone at my court has seen how difficult it is to recognize an elephant, to describe it, everyone has felt something different, felt it. And only because you lack one sense, the eyesight. And how is it only with smaller things, with those that are harder to describe, harder to understand, complicated and complex"?
All the scholars understood what the king wanted to tell them, they now realized. And also why he had staged this spectacle was now obvious.
The example with the elephant should not be forgotten so quickly by all advisors at the court.
As a Buddhist, one should not judge or evaluate.
FIRST LOOK AT YOURSELF, THEN JUDGE ME!
- SPEAKING WORD –
Copyright: https://shaolin-rainer.de
(Please also download my app "Buddha-Blog English" from the Apple and Android stores)
Please rate us on Apple, Google, or Spotify podcast to help us promote the show
6 Minuten
The color of our skin
You think you can determine your life?
I tell you, nothing you can determine!
Have you chosen your "skin color"? Or the "color of your hair"? Their "sex"? Or the "place" where you were born?
NO
You did not determine any of these things, you did not choose any of these things. You were born in a certain body, in a certain place, at a certain time, all this you did not choose yourself, it was your karma!
THE ROMAN POET OVID WROTE CA. 25 V. CHR.: "EVERYONE SHOULD KEEP THE LIMITS OF HIS DESTINY".
If therefore already the corner points of our existence were not determinable by us, how do we get the idea that we could determine over our life?
This question would be worth a consideration, don't you think?
And what would be the conclusion from such a thought? Would it be possible that we simply follow our karma, not being able to change anything or very little about it?
YES
According to Buddha's philosophy, everything is already fixed, is "already written", so to speak. Even if, and when, we find "enlightenment" is predetermined.
For example, if you start thinking about your "I" while reading this text, then this was also predetermined. "Who am I," is the question of all questions. This leads to other points, such as "where do I come from"? And, "where am I going"?
In answering them, the teachings (of the teacher of all teachers) can help us quite significantly.
If we get involved with Buddhism, this results in a completely different approach to our lives, peace and serenity are the consequences. If I can't determine anything, then I don't have to get upset about anything, thoughts can calm down, the mind palace starts to give us joy, the voices in our head become quieter, fade away, disappear into nothingness.
The worries and troubles are now replaced by another thought: "Can it be that Buddha has shown us the right way with the subject of "enlightenment""? Therefore, the central question for every Buddhist is: "What is enlightenment"? And from this arise further issues: "Do I want to find enlightenment? And how can I do that"?
Should you embark on the journey to "awakening", make the decision to follow the teachings of Buddha, this decision was also their karma, it was also predetermined.
Just as their "skin color", the "color of their hair", their "gender" and the "place of birth", are and were also their karma.
YOU ARE OF THE KIND OF PEOPLE, HE SAID, WHO EASILY GET USED TO A PLACE, NOT EASILY TO A DESTINY. TO ALL SUCH THE UNSTEADY WAY OF LIFE IS PRESCRIBED, SO THAT THEY MAY PERHAPS REACH A SECURE WAY OF LIFE
- JOHANN WOLFGANG VON GOETHE - GERMAN POET - 1749 TO 1832
Copyright: https://shaolin-rainer.de
(Please also download my app "Buddha-Blog English" from the Apple and Android stores)
Please rate us on Apple, Google, or Spotify podcast to help us promote the show
You think you can determine your life?
I tell you, nothing you can determine!
Have you chosen your "skin color"? Or the "color of your hair"? Their "sex"? Or the "place" where you were born?
NO
You did not determine any of these things, you did not choose any of these things. You were born in a certain body, in a certain place, at a certain time, all this you did not choose yourself, it was your karma!
THE ROMAN POET OVID WROTE CA. 25 V. CHR.: "EVERYONE SHOULD KEEP THE LIMITS OF HIS DESTINY".
If therefore already the corner points of our existence were not determinable by us, how do we get the idea that we could determine over our life?
This question would be worth a consideration, don't you think?
And what would be the conclusion from such a thought? Would it be possible that we simply follow our karma, not being able to change anything or very little about it?
YES
According to Buddha's philosophy, everything is already fixed, is "already written", so to speak. Even if, and when, we find "enlightenment" is predetermined.
For example, if you start thinking about your "I" while reading this text, then this was also predetermined. "Who am I," is the question of all questions. This leads to other points, such as "where do I come from"? And, "where am I going"?
In answering them, the teachings (of the teacher of all teachers) can help us quite significantly.
If we get involved with Buddhism, this results in a completely different approach to our lives, peace and serenity are the consequences. If I can't determine anything, then I don't have to get upset about anything, thoughts can calm down, the mind palace starts to give us joy, the voices in our head become quieter, fade away, disappear into nothingness.
The worries and troubles are now replaced by another thought: "Can it be that Buddha has shown us the right way with the subject of "enlightenment""? Therefore, the central question for every Buddhist is: "What is enlightenment"? And from this arise further issues: "Do I want to find enlightenment? And how can I do that"?
Should you embark on the journey to "awakening", make the decision to follow the teachings of Buddha, this decision was also their karma, it was also predetermined.
Just as their "skin color", the "color of their hair", their "gender" and the "place of birth", are and were also their karma.
YOU ARE OF THE KIND OF PEOPLE, HE SAID, WHO EASILY GET USED TO A PLACE, NOT EASILY TO A DESTINY. TO ALL SUCH THE UNSTEADY WAY OF LIFE IS PRESCRIBED, SO THAT THEY MAY PERHAPS REACH A SECURE WAY OF LIFE
- JOHANN WOLFGANG VON GOETHE - GERMAN POET - 1749 TO 1832
Copyright: https://shaolin-rainer.de
(Please also download my app "Buddha-Blog English" from the Apple and Android stores)
Please rate us on Apple, Google, or Spotify podcast to help us promote the show
