Compass of the Times 257

To Transcend Conditions

Keiko Takahashi

To Know Possibilities and Limitations

We humans embrace a variety of possibilities.

And yet, it is not always the case that we are fully realizing our potential.

Why is it so? Why are we not able to realize our full potential? The reason is that we humans not only have possibilities but also have limitations that prevent us from reaching that potential.

We live as souls with eternal life while always harboring aspirations. However, while having aspirations that we want to fulfill throughout our lives, we also harbor karma that destroys such aspirations.

Even if we find our soul’s aspirations along the route of life, we are always threatened by the influence of karma. It means that we must not forget that there are always limitations in the shadow of possibilities.

The opposite is also true. Even when karma is about to destroy our lives, there breathe soul’s aspirations that can lead our whole life. If we can tap into our aspirations, we can surely reclaim our lives.

To be aware that we harbor both possibilities and limitations is a powerful resource for striding forward through life.

There Is a Way to Live That Transcends Life Conditions

It is an unfortunate but unavoidable reality that the harsh conditions given to one’s life bring restrictions in life.

If given the conditions of poor upbringing or lack of family affection, the person will be forced to live life with a variety of harsh realities. They will be forced to endure and persevere, and may even accumulate countless things they have to give up on.

In such conditions, it is not unusual for them to be pessimistic and to nurture a mind’s tendency to give up on things quickly.

Conversely, some may perceive their suffering as payback or malice from the world and develop a distrust of the world and other people. They may express wariness about their surroundings or show excessive hostility toward those who disagree with them.

These tendencies and murmurs can stick to their minds as if they are possessed and constrain their lives.

That is not all there is to it, however. There are many people who develop kindness and empathy for those who are in pain and in distress, even in difficult circumstances. Because they themselves have experienced pain, they are able to feel the suffering of those who are in pain and to be compassionate.

In a sense, this is the moment when their great human potential is brought forth, the moment when they break the shackles of the conditions of life.

So far, I have touched on the case of being given negative life conditions, such as poverty and lack of love. However, even desirable conditions, such as being born into a wealthy family or receiving ample love, can constrain one’s life.

Favorable conditions do not always bring possibilities. If we become complacent with our favorable circumstances, content with our happiness and living a peaceful life, or if we consider ourselves special and act superior to others, we, ourselves, are creating our constraints in life.

Because we have been given a blessed environment by the conditions of life, we should live our lives helping and supporting those around us. Only then can we say that we have been able to draw out our true potential from these conditions.

What It Means to Live Out the Possibilities of Life

This month, I hope that you consider what it means to live out the possibilities of your life.

We always face the choice of whether to live the various conditions of life as possibilities or as limitations.

It is not a matter of labeling “good” for positive conditions and “bad” for negative conditions. It is about how we draw forth the possibilities that are hidden in what may appear to be a negative condition, and how we identify and overcome the limitations hidden in what may appear to be positive conditions. Only by accomplishing this can we unlock the true potential that life has been entrusted with.

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