What is Chan? Part 6
You are searching, otherwise you would not read my texts here, you might read about soccer, or about fashion, but not at all about Chan (Zen) Buddhism.
The problem with spirituality in Europe is that religions have done so much incredible damage, which is why "faith" moves people less and less.
A worldview today even seems to contradict the Enlightenment, science has already explained everything, what else is there to come?
To be spiritual does not necessarily mean to become religious, because especially the teaching of Buddha is not characterized by a relationship of superiority and subordination, Buddha did not want to be worshipped.
Chan (Zen) Buddhism is the manifestation of the Buddhist teaching that we know today as Buddhism, which is based on the essence of the Buddha's worldview (the "enlightenment"), was conceived by the founder of Chan (Bodhidharma). What makes the matter problematic is the fact that little was written down during the lifetimes of the two great teachers, but the Chan continued to develop over the centuries. And not always in a direction that I would like.
Chan offers us a way to connect with the Buddha-nature, to experience what is the consequence of the essence of the teaching of the teacher of all teachers. Those who go through life mindfully become more and more connected to the environment, to the people on life's path, to all living beings.
No matter how many books on Buddhism (and specifically on Chan) you may read, there is not, there must not be, a single explanation. Go directly to the source, look for the wisdom immanent in the Buddha's teaching, follow in the footsteps of the Indian prince, gather what you think makes sense.
Chan clashes with the various ancestral ways of thinking of the Central Europeans, but the feelings pull the seekers in the direction of awakening.
Bodhidharma said that Chan cannot be explained with words, which is why I have strung together many words here over six episodes to show you what Chan can be all about, but the very attempt fails. Chan is and remains the spiritual practice of seekers, of people who think about it, who want to explore the potential that lies within.
Because to follow only the sufferings, that seems as no practicable path, at least not for me.
The way is the goal!
I eat only once a day. By living this way, I do not get sick, and I enjoy great strength and lightness.
- Buddha - honorary name of Siddharta Gautama - 560 to 480 before the year zero
Copyright: https://shaolin-rainer.de
(Please also download my app "Buddha-Blog English" from the Apple and Android stores)