This is ｍe right now
I try to update the words on this temple bulletin every month, but right now I have absolutely no idea what to write.
The reason is simple: last month was just too busy. On top of our regular autumn equinox memorial service, this year I also had an appearance at the Expo, and the renovation work on the temple residence reached its final stage. With everything happening at once, I hit my full capacity. Honestly, I didn’t even have the mental space to think about the bulletin board message.So, in a twist of perspective, I ended up with this question: “What should we do in a desperate situation?”
My deeds reward me
In a situation like this—with no proper preparation—there’s no way I can produce a high-quality piece of writing. It reminds me of taking a school exam without studying as a child. I used to hope, “Please, let only the questions I know appear!” But reality was never that kind. Well, Buddhism says, “My deeds reward me (jigō jitoku),” which is the same as the proverb “You reap what you sow.”
In Buddhism, however, “My deeds reward me” has a broader meaning: the circumstances of this life are shaped by deeds from past lives, and the deeds of this life shape the circumstances of future ones. It’s a vast view of cause and effect spanning many lifetimes. That may be difficult to grasp, but everyone knows from experience that careless actions in the past often bring trouble later. That, too, is “My deeds reward me.”
Why not just accept it?
We can’t escape the consequences of our own negligence. In Buddhism, negligence is regarded as an unwholesome act, but the consequences themselves are not seen as evil. Once we experience the unpleasant results and accept them, the debt is settled—nothing more, nothing less.
So, if we can’t run from the past, it might be better to face the challenge right in front of us instead of panicking or turning away.
Faced with a test paper, do you submit it blank because you don’t know the answers? Do you try to squeeze out some answers? Or do you turn your reflection into motivation for the next test? There are many ways to face difficulties.
As for this piece of writing—it was born from that very struggle. I decided to at least enjoy being cornered, and somehow, it came together. Thanks to Buddha’s wisdom!
No comments yet.