I have previously shared about Date Masamune, a famous war lord, but today I want to introduce a saying of his that has deeply impressed me.
“If you think of yourself as a guest in this world, you will find no hardship in life.”
As a guest, you wouldn’t complain about every little inconvenience. Similarly, Masamune’s teaching encourages us to live without fussing over minor difficulties. Moreover, viewing life as being a “guest in this world” connects to the idea of being granted life. It reminds us of the importance of gratitude and humility.
In our daily lives, especially in professional settings, things often don’t go as we wish. Reflecting on my own time as a corporate employee, I recall many moments of anger, impatience, and anxiety. Perhaps this was because I was too self-centered in my thinking. When we approach life with a self-centered mindset, frustrations and feelings of unfairness become more pronounced.
However, if we see ourselves not as the center of the world but as guests invited into it, these negative emotions lessen. We become more accepting of reality and are able to act with the courtesy and respect befitting a guest.
Masamune himself overcame numerous hardships and is remembered as a formidable warrior, despite never attaining the highest power. Yet, he lived his life to the fullest, staying true to his path. Embracing the mindset of being a “guest in this world” offers us profound philosophical insights, even in our modern lives.
Comments