“Vision, Faith, and the Journey of Life”

“Vision, Faith, and the Journey of Life”

Yesterday is not like today. Tomorrow will not be like today.  

When we bid farewell to the history called “yesterdays,” we carry with us the books of experience to use in our journey along the road called “today,” heading toward the town called “tomorrow.”  

No one can tell us in advance the twists, turns, obstacles, or victories that lie along today’s path.  

Only the language of experience “I went this way yesterday but could not reach the place I intended” is what we clearly know.  

Life is at once a trial and a possibility.  

Trials should not weaken us, and possibilities should inspire us.  

Between the two, what guides us is faith and self-confidence.  

It is the hope that we will reach the town called “tomorrow” that keeps our journey moving forward.  

But are the goals of that journey within reach?  

In striving to reach them, are we unjustly hindering someone else?  

Do we have love and compassion as companions?  

A person’s journey should not be only for personal success, but also for the progress of society.  

Only when personal achievements are tied to social welfare do they become lasting.  

Otherwise, they scatter like dust in the wind.  

By questioning these things, we prepare ourselves for the victory of our faith.  

Self-examination must always continue within us.  

Do all who have vision truly understand everything correctly? That is doubtful.  

What is the true nature of vision? That itself is a question.  

Do we weigh everything correctly based only on what appears before our eyes? The fitting answer is “no.”  

True vision is not merely recording outward appearances, but perceiving the hidden truth behind them.  

Vision begins with the eyes, but it is completed only by the clarity of the heart.  

I wish to share a story I read recently.  

Under a banyan tree sat a Zen monk, well known to the villagers.  

One day, a man came by and asked rudely, “Hey old man! Did anyone pass this way?”  

The monk replied, “No, I haven’t seen anyone pass this way.”  

A little later, another man came and asked, “Sir, did anyone pass this way?”  

The monk replied, “Yes, a man just passed this way asking the same question.”  

After some time, another person came and asked respectfully, “Greetings, venerable one! Did anyone pass this way?”  

The monk replied, “Yes, my lord! First a soldier came, asking the same question. Then a minister came, asking likewise.”  

The king was astonished: “Monk, you have no eyesight, so how did you identify them as soldier, minister, and king?”  

The monk answered, “No eyesight was needed. Their manner revealed their identity.  

The first spoke harshly, with authority and no respect that was a soldier.  

The next spoke with some courtesy and restraint that was a minister.  

You spoke with great humility and respect that is the mark of a king.”  

Thus, vision is not merely recognizing physical features.  

True vision is the decision made with inner clarity, considering surrounding causes and qualities.  

Every moment of life is like a seed. Its growth depends on how it is nurtured.  

Vision, experience, and faith are like water, light, and soil for that seed. Used rightly, the seed becomes a tree, the tree gives shade, and the shade supports many.  

Just as a seed holds within itself the potential to become plant, tree, flower, fruit, and grain, so too humans hold within themselves the power needed for growth of knowledge.  

We plant the seed in the earth and water it; it naturally draws sunlight and grows.  

But we humans blame external circumstances for our obstacles.  

Why?  

Because we fail to recognize the natural power for growth hidden within us.  

If we ourselves cannot identify our inner talents, how can others reveal them to us?  

Others may encourage the search, but they cannot discover where those talents lie hidden.  

We must believe in ourselves and cultivate confidence that we are in no way lesser than others.  

Yet that confidence must not cross its boundary and grow into arrogance.  

The paddy stalk bends under the weight of its grain not out of weakness, but out of humility.  

If we cultivate our minds as fertile fields for noble qualities, no obstacle can prevent us from using our talents for personal growth and social progress.  

I trust that my young people will strive to shine as such a society of wonderful qualities.  

You can do it.  

With love,  

Sakthi Sakthithasan