Upon careful analysis, the bitterness of parting contains three layers of meaning. First, life is characterized by uncertain gatherings and separations; after parting, one never knows when they will meet again, or perhaps they never will, turning a temporary farewell into a permanent goodbye. Second, fate is unpredictable; after parting, one inevitably worries for the other, leading to endless concern. Third, life is fleeting. If one parts during their youth, by the time they meet again, they may both be white-haired. Like mirrors, they instantly reflect the ruthlessness of time. In essence, parting is the most painful aspect of life precisely because it most acutely reveals the impermanence of existence.
Sometimes I think: if a person remains exactly the same throughout their entire life, that existence must be incredibly monotonous and dull.
Thinking of the countless people who have lived throughout the long history of humanity, experiencing countless different lives, I felt a sense of panic. Suddenly, I felt that I and my life had lost their weight, becoming insignificant.
Only those who love themselves can love others; only those who are spiritually wealthy can give. Those who bring joy of life to others must themselves be full of the joy of life. A person who does not love themselves is neither lovable nor capable of truly loving others. Carrying resentment toward themselves, they go to others. Even if they are doing good, their resentment will reveal itself in every good deed they perform, causing harm. Is there anything more uncomfortable than receiving kindness from someone who is self-loathing?
Humans dwell on the earth, coming from the soil and returning to it. The earth is the eternal home of man. If there were a device that separated humans from the earth, cutting off their origin and destiny, no matter how luxurious it was, what kind of home would it be?
In human life, some things are dispensable; having them may enhance the experience, but lacking them does not affect the essence. Other things are indispensable; without them, it is no longer life. As to what is indispensable, no one’s opinion matters—Mother Nature is the sole authority. Nature dictates that life cannot survive without sunlight and soil, and that humanity must till the land and reproduce. The most basic contents of life are often the most ordinary, yet they constitute the eternal core of human existence.
