Rainer Langhans: The Man Embracing the Approach of "Peaceful Departure" at 85
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At 85, Rainer Langhans Expresses Contentment: "I'm Already Content" - Rainer Langhans expresses contentment on reaching 85 years without any specific requests or expectations: "I'm already content."
As Rainer Langhans, the 68er icon, pedals his bike, swings his paddle, and settles into meditation, he embraces a unique perspective on life and death at 85 years old. Diagnosed with prostate cancer, Langhans embraces his impending mortality, proclaiming himself "already happy."
In the wake of alarming headlines indicating Langhans's imminent demise in March, he clarified that he has long been contemplating the inevitability of death as part of his spiritual journey. "I'm rehearsing dying, you could say," he elaborated. This peaceful acceptance brings him great contentment. His birthday falls on June 19.
A Distinct Perspective on Dying
Langhans's unconventional outlook on illness contrasts with societal norms. Upon learning of his cancer diagnosis, he expressed enthusiasm rather than shock. He explained that meditation involves attempting to die every day, providing a chance to intensify this practice.
The commune veteran wants others to accept illness in a similar positive light. He believes his life has thrived since his diagnosis. He resides in Munich's Schwabing district with three women in a community some label a "harem," although they do not dwell in the same apartment. "It's a commune, but since our bodies don't live together, we can unite spiritually," Langhans explains.
His companions, as he calls them, share his optimistic outlook. They accept the term "harem," albeit misunderstood as female oppression, and support one another in their shared spiritual journey. "You learn to die only if you view your life positively," says Christa Ritter, one of the residents. The trio lives in separate apartments within the same house in Schwabing.
Commune 1: The Rebellion Against the Establishment
Back in the 1960s, Langhans co-founded the legendary Commune 1. Their radical lifestyle threatened conventional society, voicing dissent against Nazi lineage, the Shah, and the Vietnam War. Their actions, ranging from incendiary department store arson to the infamous "pudding attack" on US Vice President Hubert Humphrey, made headlines. The image of naked communards stirred controversy.
The model Uschi Obermaier gained notoriety through her relationship with Langhans—and iconic status. According to Langhans, their relationship ended due to differing views on sexuality. The slogan "Make love, not war" did not solely refer to sex and bodies, but espoused a deeper, spiritual connection. The sensual revolution imagery stuck. In 2018, Langhans was honored with a symbolic art prize of 1,968 euros for a gold pubic hair sculpture.
"Radical Grandfather" with a Nonconformist Lifestyle
Although in his twilight years, Langhans continues to maintain his rebellious lifestyle: strict vegetarianism, walking, cycling, table tennis, meditation, and dressing in white as a manifestation of humility. He refers to these practices as "species-appropriate living." He opts for modest attire to eschew material wealth and embraces poverty.
Between the Jungle Camp and Data Transparency
In 2011, Langhans participated in the RTL "Jungle Camp." The monetary compensation he received piqued his interest in communal environments—a sort of communal training program.
A Stranger in this World
Occasionally, Langhans found himself alone in his convictions, misunderstood or, as he puts it, "not of this world"—a recurring theme in his life and his signature tagline.
Born as the eldest of four children in Oschersleben near Magdeburg, Langhans felt an early sense of alienation: "I don't belong here." His parents struggled to cope, so they sent him to a strict religious boarding school. Following military conscription, Langhans enrolled in law and psychology studies in Berlin but dropped out before earning a degree.
In the "Argument Club" and the Socialist German Student Union (SDS), he found kindred spirits. The extra-parliamentary opposition (APO) birthed Kommune 1.
Corona as a "meditation unit" for society
Langhans's motto was "The personal is political." Given his recent advocacy for voluntary online data sharing and monetization, he saw the Corona crisis as an opportunity for introspection, describing it as a "meditation unit" for society, akin to his own illness journey.
"Human instead of just male"
Currently, Langhans has no symptoms, but he's undergoing treatment with a palliative therapy that reduces his testosterone to zero. "I'm chemically castrated," he says. "So, I'm no longer a man at all, if you will. I'm now a human, instead of just a man." He embraces this transition, viewing it as an opportunity to transcend the limitations of earthly desires.
Birthday Wishes
Christa Ritter and her housemates are arranging the birthday celebration. Instead of gathering around coffee and cake, they plan deeper, contemplative conversations. Langhans himself states that he has no desires: "I'm already happy – I don't wish for anything."
- Rainer Langhans, in his approach to "peaceful departure," advocates a unique employment policy that encourages individuals to view illness as a positive step in their spiritual journey, much like his own daily meditation practice is designed to simulate dying.
- In line with his unconventional lifestyle, Langhans adheres to a vegan diet and engages in regular physical activities such as cycling, table tennis, and meditation, which he terms as species-appropriate living and a commitment to peaceful, humble coexistence.
- Expanding beyond his personal health and wellness, Langhans applies his mental-health centric approach to society at large, viewing crises such as the Corona pandemic as an opportunity for introspection and collective meditation, aids in promoting a harmonious, human-focused society, rather than merely male-centric.
