023-The equanimity of the Buddhists - Buddhism in daily life

The equanimity of the Buddhists

It is the story of the Buddha's discourse on equanimity, which is a central concept of his philosophy. By equanimity one should understand to show the same "courage" in every situation of life, however, equanimity is seen today as an inner attitude of calmness, which is free of nervousness or stress, with which even difficult situations are mastered in a level-headed way (Wikipedia).

From a Buddhist point of view, however, equanimity is probably more the attitude of treating all situations and living beings equally, especially not to make any distinctions between one's own "I" and that of other people. With equanimity, Buddhists confront agitation and inner turmoil, but they are never indifferent. Although equanimity and indifference seem very similar to outsiders, they are fundamentally different. The opposite of equanimity would be arrogance.

Who "knows" that his karma brings him exactly what is just now "on", he can be in any case equanimous. No matter whether a big crisis takes its course or not, the equanimous one accepts everything as it comes. You can also beat or praise the equanimous, his courage will always be the same, he will not react "sky-high-cheering" or "to-death-distressed", he will instead take things as they just come. He who constantly examines his actions for equanimity can begin the journey to "enlightenment."

Buddha explained to his followers how to become equanimous at this lecture.

"You must observe things very carefully, see them, hear them, smell them, taste them, feel them, think about them, and then realize that in doing so, feelings are triggered in you, "good" and "bad" feelings that drive you in one direction or the other. But we don't want to be driven in one direction, we want to come to peace. Whether they are "good" and "bad" sensations, we will soon be frightened by the vehemence of these emotions when we see that we are only driven, that we become the victim of these sensations. Whoever recognizes this will also understand that he can free himself from it, can no longer be driven in one direction."

"Only through observation and reflection can one understand, and is no longer helplessly at the mercy of the senses."

Thus spoke the Buddha.

Those who live in equanimity are inwardly liberated, as they will no longer feel suffering; they are equanimous even to suffering.

We must do our duties with discipline and equanimity, and then let go. Whoever can do this is liberated from suffering during his lifetime.

The way is the goal!

There is only one time when it is essential to wake up. This time is now

- Buddha - honorary name of the Indian philosopher Siddhartha Gautama - 560 to 480 before the year zero

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