Perhaps it’s because Buddhism’s spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, was recently on Larry King Live, but I’m going switch karmic gears here.
A few years ago, I actually e-mailed the Dalai Lama asking for some background information for a story I was writing. Now he may not have physically answered my e-mail – perhaps one of his aides did – but along with the information, I was sent a Tibetan prayer stone as a gift.
I’m not the most spiritual person in the world, but I do like the Buddhist philosophy as a way of living my life—though the only thing Buddhist-like about me in appearance is…hmmm… I’m drawing a blank—does a blank stare count as part of Buddhist philosophy?
Not sure what Buddhist philosophy is? Notice that I call it a philosophy, not a religion, because that’s what it is. It's a philosophy of how to live your life.
I’m going to tell you about a book I recently read called: Something You Forgot ... Along the Way (Stories of Wisdom and Learning) written by a gentleman named Kentetsu Takamori. It's a book that offers insights on how to live your life.
Takamori-san is a Pure Land Budhist teacher, born in 1929 in Japan. He has lectured all over the world on the teachings of Buddhism for over 50 years and has authored several best-selling titles written in Japanese. He is currently the chair of the Buddhist organization Jodo Shinshu Shinrankai which spreads the teachings of Shinran Shonin (1173-1262), the founder of his Buddhist sect.
His latest book, Something You Forgot…Along the Way, offers the reader 65 short stories—each highly entertaining in their own right—but containing a message that will make you go ‘hmmm’. Or at least that’s what I did.
I’m not saying we should all go out and become Buddhists, though I’m sure that Takamori-san would appreciate it if we did—rather, I think there are many lessons contained within the stories that we could put to practical use to not only better ourselves, but those around us. Uh-oh! Better others? That’s a story in the book, but the implication is that by simply being nice or happy, we can affect how others live their life.
Takamori wants everyone to know the message is far more important when it comes to human nature. He cautions us that nothing is permanent… I feel that way often when writing about my wonderful rife in Japan.
Here’s an excerpt from the book:
Tell Yourself You Have Just One Arrow
The Art of Focusing the Mind
As the youth standing in the archery ground faced the target with a pair of arrows, the grizzled old master beside him said bluntly, “You’re still a beginner. Make it one.” To hold two arrows was customary. Why should he, a beginner, use only one? The advice made no sense.
Despite his misgivings, the youth obediently cast one arrow aside. Then the thought struck him, “Now I have only one.” He focused all his mind on it, and successfully hit the target. The onlookers erupted in applause, surprised to see one so inexperienced perform so well. Still, the archer puzzled over the advice he had been given. Finally he sought out the master and asked him for an explanation.
“It’s simple,” said the old man with a twinkle. “Knowing you have a second arrow to fall back on prevents you from focusing on the first. Your guard goes down. Unless you are prepared to stake all on a single arrow, you could have dozens and it wouldn’t be enough.”
Pretty cool, huh?
Having done kyudo (Japanese archery) – future blog – I can relate to the advice on a physical level, and the message within the story on a human nature level.
“Once this reality sinks in,” Takamori says, “we cannot help treasuring each moment of our association.”
The stories contained within focus on such basics as the importance of perseverance, the real meaning of honour, and how success is not gained by chance, but by the fruit of our efforts. The stories aim to give guidance and help the reader see deeper into life.
Individuals looking for answers may find them in Something You Forgot…Along the Way. Those who accept the inevitability of change may have taken their first steps toward a brighter future.
It really is a wonderful read - written in such an easy-to-understand manner that belies the profound nature of the topic.
Released by Ichimannendo Publishing, Inc., Something You Forgot…Along the Way follows on the heels Takamori’s previous self-help bestseller in his native Japan, You Were Born for a Reason.
Translated from Takamori’s Japanese to English by Juliet Winters Carpenter, I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
To purchase it, visit www.i-ipi.com.
Somewhere remembering along the way,
Andrew Joseph
PS: Title is by The Beatles - who could probably provide a song for every blog entry I come up with.
