109-The Spiritual Guide Part 2 - Buddhism in daily life

The Spiritual Guide Part 2


Have you heard the first parts about the "spiritual guides" here
on my podcast?


How to recognize a good spiritual teacher, after all, is not so
easy.


For my part, I see the Buddha as one of the greatest spiritual
teachers in human history, whose philosophy has greatly
influenced and impressed me. But now we live in a confusing and
also frightening time, so many people need comfort and
encouragement in the here and now.


What should one look for when seeking a spiritual teacher? What
to do when the constant problems seem at least temporarily
overwhelming, when a person feels alone? Or if one wants to have
the words of Buddha explained simply and clearly?


Even the great teachers, such as Buddha or Jesus, were ordinary
people, just like you and me. What ultimately makes the
difference between a great teacher and an ordinary person is the
fact that the spiritual leader also consistently completed the
path of spirituality, did not give up, put his life at the
service of others. It is true that at the beginning of his path,
the spiritual leader also sought liberation from human suffering,
and for this he had to leave behind his possessions, abandon his
family, renounce worldly things, set out on his own search,
listen to different opinions, test countless teachers.


In the case of Buddha, enlightenment came to him when he no
longer expected it and had already given up everything. The
teacher of all teachers summarized this enlightenment in his
worldview, which we call Buddhism today. One of his core
statements was that every person can find his Buddha nature, by
overcoming suffering then achieve complete inner freedom.


However, in order to understand the teachings of the Indian
prince, we sometimes need teachers, role models, or an
appropriate community to practice the appropriate rituals,
practices, and prayers, and to convey the spirit of the Buddha.
Buddhism in particular is about the ego, which is the nucleus of
suffering, which first brings in the temptations and delusions in
the mind palace.


A good Buddhist spiritual teacher knows about the problems of the
mind and the charms of the beautiful appearance. He himself knows
the path of the Buddha towards enlightenment, is ready to follow
the path, and in the best case has already passed through the
gateless gate. You don't recognize a good spiritual guide by a
beautifully made website, nor by really great photos, nor by such
great promises. Nor by expensive seminars or physical attempts at
greater closeness.


A good spiritual guide can be recognized by whether his
statements touch you or not.


The way is the goal!





Those who speak wise words much and often, but fail to follow the
right path in their actions, do not become members of a holy
community, are shepherds who count other people's cattle.


- Buddha - honorary name of Siddharta Gautama





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