What is Chan? Part 2
In the life of every Chan (Zen) Buddhist, the question arises again and again, "What is Chan ?"
Chan Buddhism is full of mysteries, peppered with secrets, full of legends and tales. Saints and great teachers have shaped all spiritual systems over thousands of years according to the taste of the times. Especially the philosophy of the Shaolin temple has even become world-famous through the aspect of the (indomitable) fighting monks nor through many stories that seem superhuman.
But this still does not explain Chan Buddhism. First of all, Chan (Zen) Buddhism is something different for really everyone. But what is the fundamental pillar is the FACT that Chan (Zen) Buddhism is the RESCUE from the suffering that so preoccupies people. And what do we suffer, all day long we are preoccupied with our suffering, our pain, and our fears that gather over our heads like dark, black clouds.
B. Suffering
Everything is subject to impermanence. And because this is so, we suffer, because we cannot keep anything, we will lose everything, our lives, our loved ones, our possessions, simply everything.
Yes, suffering also gives us depth, lets us grow, BUT there is also completely meaningless suffering, such as self-inflicted suffering. Of course I can suffer from my circumstances, for example from my appearance or my figure. But does that bring anything? Or does it only make everything much worse (and it can always get worse).
The Buddha's teaching is about overcoming suffering, about reaching "enlightenment". Of course I can feel ashamed if I have no money, or if I am disabled, or if I get old and sick. From this then arises suffering, which I have caused myself in the last consequence.
Many "types" of our suffering we can easily "get rid of", if we use our mindfulness on it. For example, when we become "aware" of the thoughts, where does the thought come from, where does it go? We don't have to hold on to the suffering, it doesn't do us any good to feel the same pain over and over again. Surely you have not yet been made aware of the nature of suffering, so you feel trapped in the endless spiral of fears, pain and suffering.
Well you have me, I'll make you aware of the core themes of Buddhist philosophy, ending useless suffering should be on the top of everyone's "To Do" list, whether beginner or advanced, people are suffering, it doesn't have to be. Especially the "feel-good Buddhists" among us need to put their mindfulness on this in order to progress in the teaching.
You know: The way is the goal! Read more tomorrow on the topic "What is Chan?
Putting an end to suffering
- Buddha - honorary name of Siddharta Gautama - 560 to 480 before the year zero
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