Daily Guiding Principles
ー Written by Masami Saionji
1.
There is nothing more foolish than deciding you can't do something, declaring it impossible or a failure, without even trying it first. If you make decisions based only on what's in your mind, you can't progress or grow from where you are now. Experiences alone are the challenges necessary for human growth. It's because you haven't experienced or encountered something before that you hesitate. You overthink. You decide within the confines of your own limitations. Therefore, to gain a new experience, all you need to do is take a step forward. Just leap forward. A path will always be laid out. It will open up.
2.
Humans tend to consider what is convenient for them as "good" and what is inconvenient as "evil". Such self-centered judgments of good and evil are not genuine. Having the courage to clearly and correctly say "this is good," regardless of how inconvenient it may be for oneself, is what constitutes a genuine judgment. This can be done when one's heart is sincerely turned towards God.
3.
There are people who constantly lament and grieve over their circumstances and upbringing, trying to gain the sympathy of others by always talking too much about their own problems. Initially, others may offer sympathy and pity, but such kindness will not last forever. People will eventually become annoyed and try to distance themselves from that person. In other words, the person does not realize that their actions are becoming a nuisance to others. It should be keenly understood that everyone is naturally attracted to bright and positive topics, as dark and gloomy stories tend to make one feel depressed, and are essentially not preferred.
4.
This world is swirling with people's desires, and it is rampant with sickness, misfortune, and disasters built upon these desires. It may seem as though humans are merely lumps of fleshly and selfish desires, but in essence, they are children of God, and therefore, their true nature shines brightly. To avoid encountering sickness, misfortune, and disasters, there is no other way but to foster the awareness of being God's children.
Book「日々の指針(Daily Guiding Principles)」(日本語/Japanese) 西園寺 昌美 著