I love this Zen story. A famous Japanese swordsman disowned his son Matajuro because he considered him too mediocre and undisciplined to ever reach the level of proficiency required to inherit his school. Bent on redeeming himself, the young man headed to Mount Futara to find renowned master Banzo, in the hopes to study with him. When he arrived and…
Tag: spiritual growth

5 Fundamental Tools For Happiness
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What would make me happy?” you’ve likely found different answers to this question at different times. Most people think happiness relies on close relationships, financial security, and a sense of purpose. After all, you could say that life revolves around love and work, since these give our life meaning. But only if they help us…

What Is the Spiritual Cure For Anxiety?
Do you worry about the prospect of events you judge as negative or the possibility of future suffering? How about past events and the way you responded to them? Perhaps your concerns relate more to a current self-perception—in terms of being right or wrong, perfect or imperfect—and how others see you now. You worry about whether your self-images are getting…

How To Develop Mindfulness & Mental Discipline
In a world of constant distractions, mindfulness is truly revolutionary. It transforms your experience of reality by slowing down the ego-mind, thus connecting you to the flow of your life from a place of greater clarity and peace. Being mindful means being fully present in what you do. Whether it’s walking, eating, working, doing dishes, or playing, your presence of…

It’s Time To Grow Emotionally & Spiritually!
When the Sun moves from the Tropic of Capricorn (representing the father) to the Tropic of Cancer (the mother), in mid-January, it marks the beginning of the harvest season on the Lunar Calendar. In India, it is known as Makar Sankranti (see Are You Ready To Hit the Ground Running?). It’s when Mother Nature begins to wake up and things…

Why You Need To Stop Hiding From Yourself
I used to feel invisible. For a long time, my interactions with people left me with the sense that they couldn’t actually see me or understand what I was saying. Especially those I cared about. It was hurtful, confusing, and all around frustrating that the people I loved appeared to speak a different language and refused to see me for…