Childlike Heart and the Light of Truth: A Steady Self-Axis That Overcomes Adversity with Laughter

1. Light in Oblivion: The 'Childlike Heart' That Adults Have Lost
When did we stop looking at things directly?

The untainted sense of justice in a child's heart.
A kind heart that genuinely cares for others.
That powerful optimism that turns even sadness into kindness.

All of these are the very childlike heart that we all once possessed.

However, as we live in a modern society where the birthrate is declining, the population is aging, and both economic and human relationships are becoming increasingly complex, we wear various armors to survive.

Afraid of being hurt, sensitive to immediate self-interest, hesitant about the interests of others, and swallowed by the waves of reality, I personally feel that the straightforward sensibility of believing simply that good is good and the pure energy of playing with all one's might gradually become buried deep within the adult heart.

Certainly, the figure of an adult supporting society and working hard for their family is noble.

For that, an adult axis with a steady core is necessary.

But has that axis become nothing more than stubbornness or calculation?

I believe that now is the time for us to stop once more and reflect on our way of life.

Stopping does not mean ceasing to walk.

It is a time for a deeply philosophical self-dialogue to re-examine one's own inner self.

2. Buddha's Law of Causality and the Prescription Called Mistake

None of us can turn our backs on aging, confusion, and sudden suffering.

These are the absolute agonies fated to life: birth, aging, sickness, and death.

The Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, taught that the world moves only by the law of causality, or cause and effect.

Philosophically speaking, no one can change an event (result) that has already occurred.

However, it is possible to change the state of one's own thinking regarding how to accept and interpret that suffering.

This is the only prescription for being liberated from suffering.

Controlling emotions and reflecting on the ego that one has cultivated for many years is not an easy task.

I am not a Buddhist or a follower of any other religion; I am simply a human being.

However, I hold a strong belief that “it is better to conquer oneself than to defeat others.”

To heal the pain and mental suffering of others—that is the true vow I have imposed upon myself.

Yet, even I am not a perfect person.

In the past, I was blinded by the prospect of quick profit and made the grave mistake of falling victim to a scam.

It was a result brought on by my own lack of caution, a true manifestation of the law of cause and effect.

I lost a large sum of money and fell into a situation that, to an outsider, would seem pathetic—scrounging for coins in my pocket to buy a drink from a vending machine—a “doh-ho-ho” moment.

However, in that instant, instead of getting angry, I laughed out loud.

This is because, even with just a few coins, the “stark reality” and “abundance” of being able to buy a cold drink right then and there were present.

3. The True Revival Brought by the Silence of Meditation

Nietzsche said, “What does not kill me makes me stronger.”

For me, that mistake was sublimated into a poignant opportunity for “learning.”

If I were to make a similar mistake in the future, I would surely laugh out loud again.🤣

If you have a strong heart that does not yield to any situation, you can turn even misfortune into the spice of life.

Currently, I have cut off all information, do not watch television, and practice meditation every day.

My partner recommends, “There is a good show on,” but for now, I need this humble practice to train my heart and quiet my thoughts.

Only by eliminating external noise can the “unwavering core” within me be polished.

The existence of this life called “Don-chan” is the greatest treasure bestowed upon me by parents who loved me unconditionally.

Reviving from rock bottom took a corresponding amount of time and effort.

4. Lighting the Childlike Spirit Within the Proud Adult

Where lies the key to turning one's life around and remaining a truly noble adult?

It is nothing other than maintaining that pure “humility, openness, and honesty” of an adult, while simultaneously keeping that untainted “child’s heart.”

To live with a single, sincere heart, harboring nothing to feel guilty about.

To encourage oneself, to not depend on others, and to walk proudly on one's own two feet.

When we harbor the straight gaze of a child at the center of that adult strength, our destiny will surely be transformed by those actions.

No matter how vulnerable I may be or how much I may get hurt, I will continue to sing the joy of living, weave articles, and keep posting.

Until the day that scarred adults can regain their innocent, childlike smiles.

My conviction will be carried through until the very last light of this life fades away.

【Part 2】【Creator Articles】

From here on, this is a corner for some of the articles I have recently purchased. They are introduced in no particular order.

　Photo & philosophy　donchan