Like lotus flowers

The lotus flowers are in full bloom now.

As you know, they grow out of dirty mud 

and bloom so purely and beautifully on the surface. 

That’s why lotus flowers are known 

as symbols of spiritual enlightenment in various countries. 

Yet, I suppose lotus flowers never need to contemplate suffering

or enlightenment as they grow. 

We human beings can regard the mud 

as suffering and obstacles to overcome in life, 

which make our hearts grow stronger!  

I’d had the idea that there is a long journey to becoming a lotus flower, 

but lately, I have developed a different view... 

There is beauty in the process!

People who shine brightly show smiles, 

even if they are surrounded by difficulty.  

It seems to me that they never regard their difficulties as mud.

They face reality and do their best. 

They seem like lotus flowers already!

I admit it is true that the mud (suffering) makes them grow stronger.

Well, I've learned from lotus flowers 

and people who shine brightly that

we have the ability within ourselves to blossom in a single minute; 

whether we can blossom or not depends on how we view our situation.

So here's another beautiful moment! I'll enjoy it.

I hope you enjoy your shining moments too:)

Sachi

Satori-no-Mado (window of spiritual enlightenment)

October in Japan is in the midst of autumn, when many people look forward to visiting somewere beautiful where they can view the changing autumn leaves.  Where I live, the leaves have just started changing color.  Though it is getting cooler, we can still enjoy the clear blue sky and warm, comfortable sunlight with an obento (box lunch) on sunny days.

The other day I found an advertisement for Japanese National Railways inviting people to come to Kyoto.  They put out the same kind of advertisement every year, and I admit I am always tempted to go.  The ad I found on the train used some symbols of one of the temples in Kyoto, which are vrey famous: the "Satori-no-mado" or "window for spiritual enlightenment", which is circular, and the "Mayoi-no-mado" or "window of the life of person", which is square. The ad really made me feel like spending a day sitting in front of those beautiful windows.  "Satori-no-mado and Mayoi-no-mado"

Especially, in front of Satori-no-mado.  A circular has deep meanings: the universe, wholeness, harmony, and many others.  Perhaps we can create a "Satori-no-mado" in our mind, so that we can find beauty and peace everywhere in this world.

I hoe you all have beautiful, peaceful and happy autumn days.