What Matters Is Where You Are Headed, More Than Where You Were Born
Buddhism does not see a person as determined only by the status into which they were born. Whatever conditions we were born into, we can move toward darkness or toward brightness depending on the mind and actions with which we live.
Some people are born in dark conditions and move toward darkness, while others come to their senses even within dark conditions and turn toward brightness. Conversely, even with bright conditions, a person can move toward darkness through arrogance and carelessness.
The best path is a life that goes from brightness to brightness. If we have received good conditions, we should use them even more brightly through compassion, bodhisattva practice, cultivation, and wisdom.
Today, do not be bound by your present conditions. Look carefully at whether your actions and mind are heading in a bright direction.
Some people are born in dark conditions and move toward darkness, while others come to their senses even within dark conditions and turn toward brightness. Conversely, even with bright conditions, a person can move toward darkness through arrogance and carelessness. The best path is a life that goes from brightness to brightness. If we have received good conditions, we should use them even more brightly through compassion, bodhisattva practice, cultivation, and wisdom.
