Buddhism

Avoid every unwholesome action,
perform wholesome actions in a perfect way from
and tame your mind -
this is the teaching of the awakened.

Buddhism began with the historical figure, Prince Siddhartha Gautama, who led a seemingly carefree life with all the comforts of home in his father's palace over 2500 years ago.

When he became aware of the inevitable suffering of all human beings (pain, sorrow and despair as well as birth, illness, old age and death), great compassion arose in him. He realized the futility of his previous life and left the palace and his family to find a way to free himself and all sentient beings from suffering. He practiced various exercises for six years until he attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. This is how he became the Buddha, the "awakened one". He recognized the conditioned nature of human existence. He recognized the causes of human suffering: greed, hatred and ignorance. He recognized the eightfold path that leads to liberation from suffering.

This path consists of an ethical, moral way of life as well as exercises to develop concentration and wisdom.

The Buddha gives profound teachings on the ultimate nature of our existence and the interdependence of all things. The Buddha invites us to examine his teachings carefully and to recognize for ourselves whether they correspond to reality. In this way, you receive a reliable foundation for your life and your spiritual development.

The meditations taught by the Buddha help to calm the mind, gain insight and develop qualities such as love, compassion and patience. These exercises serve one's own well-being as well as the well-being of all sentient beings.

In general, non-violence is an important element in Buddhism, as our connection with everything that exists becomes clear through the teachings and meditation. Respect and care are therefore fundamental principles for dealing with people, animals and the environment.

Buddha is not a god, but was a human being and is revered as a teacher. His teaching is a guide to overcoming suffering and imperfection towards liberation. The spiritual community, which exists in various Buddhist traditions around the world, is intended to help individuals on their path. Everyone is invited to follow the path.