327-There are millions of reasons to smile!- Buddhism in daily life

327-There are millions of reasons to smile!- Buddhism in daily life

Author: Shaolin-Rainer February 22, 2023 Duration: 5:34

There are millions of reasons to smile!

The fat Buddha

In the gift store of a temple, the nearsighted woman asked, "How much is that fat Buddha, the one standing back there next to the door?" "Shh! Speak softly," whispers the monk at the cash register, "that's our abbot."

Buddha is often depicted as a "Happy Buddha"; in Chinese there is the expression "Mi Le Fo" (弥勒佛). The broad laughter on his face is said to symbolize his endless love for all living beings, and his fat belly shows the joys of life.

Many people think that the Buddha's teaching is a very serious matter, just that, the "enlightenment" as the core statement of Buddhism would be quite a joyless thing.

The preoccupation with one's own "I" is clearly a rather heavy subject, but in the life of a Buddhist, joy, laughter and fun should by no means come "too short".

According to Buddha, suffering is an integral part of life. But only where there is shadow, exactly there you can see the light very well. This reminds us that we should enjoy life (as it is), experience beautiful moments, meet great people, fun and joy are a completely normal part of all life, we should "turn off" suffering, make the attitude towards "joy" in us.

Some people have forgotten how to laugh, but you can learn to laugh again. With laughter we get out of thinking, reach the present again, relaxation occurs, energies can flow again.

If life is sorrowful then start to change something.

The historical Buddha found "enlightenment" for us, but he was certainly also a joyful person, he knew about human hardships, about emotions, and about their place in life.

We should enjoy our lives, rejoice in every day despite all adversities, look at every encounter with pleasure, allow serenity and amusement in every possible moment.

Every day that you do not smile is a day lost.

- Charlie Chaplin - British actor - 1889 to 1977

When I look at my daughter, when I look at the beauty of nature, when I take in the colors and smells, when I think of a good meal, when I look at my partner, when I look at my work, I almost always have to smile.

There are millions of reasons to smile!

The certainty around the teachings of Buddha is a truly good reason to rejoice in one's own existence.

Suffering and joy are then the two sides of the same coin!

Copyright: https://shaolin-rainer.de

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You'll find a quiet, practical companion in Buddhism in daily life-Mindfulness in every day tasks, hosted by Shaolin-Rainer. This isn't about abstract philosophy; it's a hands-on guide for weaving the principles of Chan Buddhism directly into the fabric of your ordinary day. Rainer's voice serves as a gentle guide, offering short lectures that bridge timeless Asian spiritual practices with contemporary Western life, making ancient wisdom feel immediately accessible and useful. Each episode is a down-to-earth session, whether it's a guided meditation you can do while washing dishes or insights on finding stillness during a commute. The core of this podcast rests on the transformative power of mindfulness and genuine self-compassion, presented as tools to soften emotional struggles, nurture a sense of healing, and cultivate a quieter confidence. You'll encounter practical discussions on self-acceptance, approaches to managing anxiety, and the integration of movement practices like Yoga and Qi Gong as extensions of mindful awareness. Ultimately, tuning in is an invitation to discover the spiritual awakening hidden within your own routine, turning every task into an opportunity for presence and peace.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Buddhism in daily life - Mindfulness in every day tasks
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