A Simple Yet Provoking Statement from a Master of Zen

Suzuki Roshi (above) wrote: "Renunciation is not giving up the things of the world, but accepting that they go away."  We work so hard to look young, but our youth will go away;  We work so hard to fight death until our last breath, but death is just nature calling you back;  We work hard to buy expensive cars, brands and big houses, but it just takes one flood, tornado or natural disaster to end it all.  Does it make sense to attach ourselves to such fleeting things?  It's amazing how accepting this definition of renunciation can make all the difference in contentment and happiness.  

This quote has impacted my life greatly.  I am not happy all the time, but overall, my life is changed because of my acceptance and attempts to practice this philosophy in life.  I just thought I'd share.

Some people are just naturally gifted...in the Buddha Mind

I was fretting to my wife that I am turning yet another year older; concerned about how fast time has gone by.  To this, my wife said, "A birthday isn't something to be depressed about no matter how old you get.  Your age is just a number that tells everyone how many birthday cakes you've eaten!"  I couldn't help but smile.  She is so gifted in the Buddha Mind without even trying or being conscious of it.  It just comes to her naturally.  How can you not love this woman?  She is the light of my life.