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微調整 Micro-adjustments : Finding Balance Through Small Shifts
(Bichōsei) — Daily Anchor for Self-Awareness For a long time, I struggled with a persistent numbness in my left leg during zazen. I initially dismissed it as a natural part of sitting for long periods, but as I deepened my practice, I began to pay closer attention. I soon realized that this discomfort wasn’t exclusive…
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対機説法 Responsive Wisdom : Tailoring Your Message to the Listener
(Taiki Seppo) -Buddha Taiki Seppo is a Buddhist concept that describes the art of “responsive teaching.” It suggests that the value of a message isn’t in how much information is given, but in how well it is adapted to the person receiving it. Just as a doctor prescribes different medicine for different illnesses, we should…
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聞くは一時の恥、聞かぬは一生の恥 Ask or Stay Ignorant : To Ask is a Moment’s Shame, Not to Ask is a Lifetime’s Shame
(Kiku wa ittoki no haji, kikanu wa issho no haji) -Japanese Proverb In our journey toward mastery—whether in business or in Zen—we often encounter moments of uncertainty. The ego often whispers that asking a question is a sign of weakness or a lack of intelligence. We stay silent to protect our image, but this silence…
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不安解消 Action for Relief : Solving Worry Through Movement
Stop the cycle of worrying and regain control. Learn why taking a single small step is the only true way to eliminate pressure and find relief from life’s challenges.
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聴く瞑想 Listening Meditation : Finding Zen in the Sounds of the Present
(Kiku Meiso) -Daily Anchor for Meditation Do you find yourself instinctively reaching for your headphones the moment you step outside for a walk or a jog? While there is nothing wrong with losing yourself in a favorite playlist or an insightful podcast, there is a profound power in choosing silence. When we plug in, we…
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シンプルに Keep it Simple : The Art of Living with Less
(Shinpuru ni) — A Daily Anchor for Challenge Humans have a natural tendency to overcomplicate life. Without conscious effort, we often add unnecessary layers to our daily routines. In your professional life, you might find yourself navigating too many steps or approvals that don’t actually add value, making the work feel heavy. When setting New…
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心の主になる Mastering Your Mind: Finding Strength Within
(Kokoro no Aruji ni Naru) — Marcus Aurelius “You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” These words from the philosopher-emperor Marcus Aurelius are a simple guide for a happier life. We often feel stressed because we try to change things that we simply cannot control. This happens…
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最初の一歩 Daring to Begin: The Cure for Difficulty
(Saisho no Ippo) — Seneca The Hardest Part is Standing Still Whenever we face a new beginning—a new project, a new school term, or a change in our daily routine—the “unknown” can feel overwhelming. We often look at the path ahead and hesitate, waiting for a moment when we feel more prepared or less afraid.…
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和顔愛語 The Art of a Gentle Smile and Kind Words
(Wagan Aigo) — Timeless Buddhist Wisdom In our fast-paced lives, we often feel pressured to provide something tangible—results, material gifts, or expert solutions—to be of value to others. We tell ourselves we need more success or more resources before we can truly give back. However, the ancient Buddhist teaching of “Wagan Aigo” reminds us that…
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百尺竿頭更進一歩 One Step Beyond the Top
(Hyakushaku Kantō Sara ni Ippo Susumu) — Chōsha Keishin (Changsha Jingcen) Most of us spend our lives working hard to reach “the top.” It might be a stable job, a happy home, or a personal milestone we’ve worked toward for years. In Zen, this summit is called “Hyakushaku Kantō”—the very top of a 100-foot pole.…
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障害が道となる The Obstacle is the Way: Turning Salt into Strength
(Shōgai ga Michi to naru) — Marcus Aurelius “The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.” — Marcus Aurelius I shared the “Sugar and Salt” of my time at Hosen-ji. We all start the year with the “Sugar”—that sweet, effortless momentum where every goal feels possible and every step…
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砂糖と塩 Sugar and Salt: Defining the Flavor of Life
(Satō to Shio) -Abbot Yoshino at Hosen-ji Kyoto During my recent Zazen training at Hosen-ji in Kyoto, the Abbot shared a profound teaching: “You cannot create a delicious dish with sugar alone. It is the salt that truly defines and brings out the flavor.” Our lives follow the same principle. If we only seek the…
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一歩一境 Each Step Reveals a New Realm
(Ippo-Ikkyō) — A Daily Anchor for Presence Once you have taken that courageous first step through “Ippo-Sokkō” (Immediate Action), the next concept to embrace is “Ippo-Ikkyō.” With every single step you take, a new “realm”—a new vista—inevitably unfolds before you. This is not merely a change in your physical surroundings. Between the moment before you…
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一歩即行 Take the First Step Immediately
(Ippo-Sokkō) — A Daily Anchor for Momentum At the dawn of a new year, we all set our sights on new goals. However, we must not let these intentions remain mere “plans” on paper. If a goal seems daunting or distant, start by reverse-engineering the path to achievement. Clarify exactly what needs to be done…
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