131-Buddhism in Asia and Europe - Buddhism in daily life

Buddhism in Asia and Europe


Growing up with a worldview (or religion), experiencing it
constantly in one's environment, that is something completely
different than 'accepting' it, this of course also applies to
Buddhism.


Whether one was born into a worldview, or consciously converted
as an adult (or at least adolescent), that has a completely
different dynamic, different energies.


Often both groups are suspicious of each other, one is too lax
for the other, or too pedantic, or, or.


Even the origin of the Buddhist teachings, for example Chinese,
Vietnamese, Laotian, Japanese, Thai, Korean, or even teachers who
have already come from the West, show little understanding among
each other. The respective national tradition regulates the
Buddhist style of the groups, each one chants in his language,
prays his words, dresses according to his customs, worships the
'saints' of his country.


Those who know a worldview from a young age like to arrange
aspects of life according to the rules of their community,
celebrate the same holidays as their ancestors, find pleasure in
the traditional events, think in terms of 'their' rites that
govern the social order of their environment.


In Asia, each house has its own small altar, even in front of the
house a mini-pagoda, although Buddha warned his followers not to
worship him, the 'believers' are more comfortable when the great
teacher is 'tangible'. Also, the local temple is active in caring
for the elderly and the sick, as it was in Germany before
commercialization took hold, the community members meet, the
property is cared for communally, donations are made, the poor
are remembered communally, the entire life is and remains
intertwined with the 'religion'.


Those who now think that people who have converted to Buddhism
are 'second-class' Buddhists have not been able to properly
implement the teachings of the great teacher. No matter if you
grew up in Buddhism or if you are a 'feel-good Buddhist', all
views are welcome, nobody has the right to force his opinion on
others.


Buddhism is characterized by the personal search for 'awakening',
which in the best case can be done in complete seclusion, but can
also get its expression through living in a Buddhist community.
Westerners are usually attracted by the freedom from violence,
the absence of superstition, falsehood and hypocrisy, the noble
image of the great teacher peacefully 'meditating', who also
predicts a completely different destiny with reincarnation than
the monotheistic teachings do.


The absence of history and the non-existent intermingling of all
aspects of life makes it so difficult for Buddhism to gain a
proper foothold in Europe. Although many people are attracted to
the image of the great teacher, there seems to be little
orientation in the variety of teachings.


What do you think about this?


The path is the goal!


Never serve this world!


- 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)