Sensei's daily encouragement 07.15.10

What is the treasure of youth? It is struggle; it is hard work. Unless you struggle, you cannot become truly strong. Those who fight hard during their youth will have nothing to fear when the time comes to put the finishing touches on their lives. They will possess a great state of life that towers strong and unshakable. In Buddhism, we call this the state of Buddhahood, which nothing can undermine or destroy. It is a state of mind enjoyed by invincible champions of life.

In the final analysis, the live of those who lead a self-centered existence, merely doing as they please and avoiding difficulties, lack direction just like an airplane that is flying off course. Not only do such people fail to become happy themselves, but they actually destroy the happiness of others.

Sensei's daily encouragement 07.13.10

The glory we enjoy in a dream vanishes without a trace when we awaken. When an illusion disappears, nothing is left of its joy except a sense of emptiness, like that which one feels when finally sobering from a state of drunkenness. The joy of Buddhahood, however, is profound, indestructible and everlasting.

Don't look to others; look to yourself. If you make yours a meaningful life of which you can say with calm objectivity, "It was good. It was full of triumph," then you have lived a glorious life. The person with such a strong character is a happy person.