Effort to Confront, Effort to Persevere (From Ryuho Okawa's 'Mind Guidance')

Thank you so much for always taking the time to read my articles.

In my articles, I introduce recommended works from the sermons and books of Master Ryuho Okawa.

This time, I would like to introduce the Mind Guidance 'Effort to Confront, Effort to Persevere'!

Master Ryuho Okawa contributed a poem called 'Mind Guidance' to a monthly magazine every month, and each piece has a deep flavor within its simple words, warming the heart every time I read them.

I introduce them from time to time because I want you all to experience the world of 'Mind Guidance' as well.

So, today, I present this to you all with feelings of gratitude.

Effort to Confront, Effort to Persevere

I have always thought that

there are two types of effort.

One of them is

the effort to confront.

It is the fighting spirit of a sumo wrestler

concentrating their mind in the ring,

glaring at their opponent,

and charging with all their might.

That is the fighting spirit.

Indeed, that momentary intensity,

that look on their face,

is something truly formidable.

A power that shatters in just about thirty seconds.

Tremendous concentration and destructive power.

The figure of one who steels their heart to live through a serious challenge.

This is the effort to confront.

However, even that short-term battle,

is decided in the final second.

The strength to fight through that final second,

is the result of daily devotion.

How much practice have you accumulated each day?

To what extent have you strived for self-discipline in your health?

In order not to bring mental worries into the ring,

what kind of mental training have you imposed upon yourself?

Such effort to persevere,

the effort beneath the surface,

determines the light or darkness of that final second of the battle.

(Ryuho Okawa, 'The Mind's Compass' 92)

〈Impressions and Realizations〉

I had never thought about the fact that there are different types of effort, but

the 'effort to confront'and the 'effort to persevere'—when I heard about these, I found myself nodding in agreement! Haha

Effort to confront: The effort to focus all one's concentration and spirit at a critical moment and take on a serious challenge.

Effort to persevere: The power of daily, behind-the-scenes devotion to keep pushing until the very last second of a challenge.

Indeed, they might be forces with different vectors, aren't they!

In my case, I am aware that I am better at the 'effort to persevere'.

This is because I feel I am the type who can face a challenge with more mental confidence if I build up my ability through steady, daily devotion before taking on the main event.

However, on the other hand, the overwhelming spirit and the concentration to engage in a serious challenge in an instant—which are necessary for the 'effort to confront'—are still weak in me.

It feels like I can only muster the strength for the 'effort to confront' after I have accumulated enough 'effort to persevere' to finally have a little confidence.

Even with things like entrance exams, rather than gambling on a lucky guess to pass, I have found that I have had more success by steadily building up my efforts and gaining the confidence that I will definitely pass before taking the test.

Which type do you feel is closer to your own?

I'm sure it's different for everyone, but it would be great if we could consciously work on the type of 'effort' we are weaker at, while also greatly developing the type we are better at!

I, too, want to cultivate the spirit to take on new challenges with courage and to engage in critical moments.

Let's do our best together!

Thank you for watching until the end.

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