Life Potential
A person fully awakened to the jewel-like dignity of their own life is capable of truly respecting that same treasure in others.
Buddhism teaches that nothing happens by chance. Everything has meaning. Please be convinced that your inner life is already endowed with everything you need. No matter how difficult your situation may be, you are alive now, and there is no treasure more precious than life itself.
Buddhism teaches the concept of “manifesting one’s true nature.” This means to reveal your genuine self, your true inherent potential and bring it to shine, illuminating all around you. It refers to your most refined individuality and uniqueness. When you hold fast to your beliefs and live true to yourself, your true value as a human being shines through.
Each of us must seek to discover the particular theme or motif that will characterize our life. . . . An attitude of intense, undaunted seriousness toward each fleeting moment can open up a whole new life for us.
Everything depends on what is in our hearts. If we decide to our-selves that something is impossible, then, consistent with our minds in thinking so, even something that is possible for us will become impossible. On the other hand, if we have the confidence that we can definitely do something, then we are already one step closer to achieving it in reality.
How aware are we of our own inner life, our spirituality―something so intangible yet so priceless? How much effort do we make to perceive that which is not obvious, which can neither be seen nor heard? I believe the exploration and enrichment of the human spirit is what determines our very humanity. Such enrichment provides an inner compass that can lead civilizations to greatness.
Human beings are inherently endowed with the power to bring out the best possible results from the worst possible circumstances.
Human life possesses a potential deeper than the great wide ocean and vaster than the sky. We may tend to give up and resign ourselves to present circumstances, thinking “There is no way.” But by breaking down these barriers in our minds, we can enjoy vibrant lives, filled with powerful life force like the sun.
If we are only concerned about ourselves, it will be hard to find a genuinely sustaining purpose or goal in life. But if we change our perspective and begin to think about what we can do for others and society, a path forward will open up.
Life contains the capacity, like flames that reach toward the heavens, to transform suffering and pain into the energy of value-creation, the light that illuminates the dark. Like the wind traversing vast spaces unhindered, life has the power to uproot and overturn all obstacles and difficulties. Like clear flowing water, it can wash away all stains and impurities. And finally, life, like the great Earth that sustains plants and vegetation, impartially embraces all people with its compassionate, nurturing force.
Life is filled with potential that is truly unfathomable. At last we are coming to see the enormous power it possesses. That is why we must never write anyone off. In particular, we mustn’t put boundaries on our own potential. In most cases, our so-called limitations are nothing more than our own decision to limit ourselves.
Life’s natural tendency is toward the flowering of potential, toward limitless advance. And faith is the key that enables us to open up the full realm of possibilities within our lives.
One of the fascinating things about human beings is this: Believe for long enough that you are not as smart as others and this will actually lead to intellectual ineptitude. But, confronted with the same doubts, if you choose to believe that your mind is merely dormant for now, lacking in exercise, there are no bounds to what you can achieve once you begin to train it.
True optimism is based on unwavering conviction in our innate human potential.
Unless we live fully, not “sometime” in the future, but right now, true fulfillment in life will forever elude us.
What kind of future do I envision for myself? What kind of self am I trying to develop? What do I want to accomplish in my life? The thing is to paint this vision of your life in your heart as specifically as possible. That “painting” itself becomes the design of your future. The power of the heart enables us to actually create with our lives a wonderful masterpiece in accordance with that design.
When you clearly envision the outcome of victory, engrave it upon your heart, and are firmly convinced that you will attain it, your brain makes every effort to realize the mental image you have created. And then, through your unceasing efforts, that victory is finally made a reality.
Within the heart of every person exists the flame of wisdom that transforms suffering into kindling for the fire of creative energy.
