Buddha Blog - Buddhism in everyday life - Mindfulness in daily life - Meditation - Many different teachings have developed from Buddha's original philosophy, and the influence of different cultures has even given rise to completely different types of Buddhism in different regions. For example, Buddhism is lived differently in China than in Thailand or Tibet, other "saints" are the focus, and different rituals are used almost everywhere. There is not even agreement on the exact date of Buddha's birth. In part, the differences between the teachings are also immanent (comparable, for example, with the Catholic and Protestant views in Christianity).

For my part, I follow the pure teachings of Buddha, as well as the forms that his worldview received through Bodhidharma and Hui Neng in Shaolin Temple China, Chan (Zen) Buddhism. Chan (or Zen) originated in China.

Buddhism is fundamentally different from the major religious worldviews. It is NOT about a belief system, the Buddha's teachings do not have as their goal dependence on God or gods, not the attachment to a "higher power", in Buddhism there is no need for a relationship of superiority and subordination. Buddhism is about the laws of the world order, about the attainment of man's destiny (enlightenment). Buddhism is not about faith!

One does not have to believe in "LIGHTNING", it is not a confession; a worship of an almighty creator is not necessary. Nevertheless, statues are "worshipped" in most Buddhist temples today. Over the centuries, the spiritual teacher Buddha slowly became a "god" after all, priorities changed over the centuries, "believers" wanted symbols. In my opinion, Buddha's statues are symbols of one's own "I", they serve the inner collection, they are emblems of the law of cause and effect.

Who was the man who was born as "Siddhartha Gautama" about 2500 years ago, and who today is followed by millions of followers around the world as "Buddha"?

He was an Indian prince and was probably born in Lumbini (northern India). His father was the powerful King Śuddhodana of the Shakya tribe and his mother was the beautiful Maya.

In many homes (around the world) you see a statue of Buddha today, Asian restaurants and Swedish furniture stores like to put up his figures, we associate an image of Buddha with peace, equanimity and relaxation.

We know his image, but what do we know of him? And what exactly did he actually teach? How did the teaching then become a worldwide movement (and/or religion)?

In Germany, about half a million people profess Buddhism, and millions worldwide claim to follow Buddha's teachings.

There is a great deal of overlap between Buddhism and the world religions. Christianity has the 10 Commandments, and Buddha's teachings correspond to those of Jesus Christ in many points.

For me personally, however, Buddhism is not a religion, but a philosophy that is fundamental to my life.

Buddha never called himself a god, he saw himself in the role of a teacher, a spiritual guide.

The young Buddha grew up carefree and happy in a palace, possibly his house was in what is now Nepal. Similar to today's millionaire children, he was able to spend his youth without worries; numerous stories have been passed down about him from this time. He married very young (as was customary at the time), had children (the son Rahula has been handed down) and enjoyed his exalted position.

During excursions outside his palace, doubts about the existing system of the time came to him at a young age. He had several incisive encounters, which he later named in his speeches as the origin of his thoughts.

Buddhism in everyday life - Mindfulness in daily life