Know when to lower your head to raise it at critical moments. However, bowing your head is not the same as breaking your back. Bowing often implies submission or flattery, leading to either total failure or the loss of dignity. The difference between bowing and breaking lies in whether you hold onto your principles. Life never stops pushing you forward. Stay focused and do not slow down out of regret. Smile, forgive, forget, and keep moving forward.
A calm mind sees clearly, while a chaotic mind is clouded. Many times, the more you try to clarify a situation, the more confused you become. Once obsession takes root, it is like a tangled ball of yarn—it only tightens the more you pull. Trying to avoid something often accelerates its arrival. It is best to let things take their natural course. Since it has happened, accept it peacefully. This is the true way of life.
One should cultivate a heart of gratitude and know how to repay kindness. The first debts of gratitude are fourfold: to the nurturing of all things, to the care of parents, to the wisdom imparted by teachers, and to the mutual support between spouses.
A disciple asked the Zen Master, "Master, how can I control my emotions so that I do not get angry when facing difficulties?" The Master replied, "Deeply believe in cause and effect, and you will not be confused. All grievances and gratitude stem from karma; without confusion, there is no anger. Getting angry is like drinking poison yourself while hoping that others will suffer.
I think of you until my heart aches; I long for you until I lose sleep; I love you until my heart softens; I await you until the sky darkens; I wait for you until the seas dry up and stones rot.
Although we cannot determine the length of our lives, we can broaden their width. Although we cannot change our appearance, we can display a smile. Although we cannot control others, we can master ourselves. Although we cannot predict tomorrow, we can grasp today. Although we cannot have everything go smoothly, we can give our best in everything. Dreams may be illusory, but they are our own dreams; positions may be humble, but they are our own posts; homes may be simple, but they are our own homes; ambitions may be small, but they are our own pursuits.
