Japan

With regard to memory, think of it like this: From the innumerable events that have happened in a person’s past, that person chooses only those events that are compatible with their present goals, gives meaning to them, and turns them into memories. And conversely, events that run counter to the present goals are erased.

Having a place of your very own that is filled with joy is like having a hand warmer in your pocket on a freezing cold day.

It’s simply that it’s scary to take even one step forward; also, that you don’t want to make realistic efforts. You don’t want to change so much that you’d be willing to sacrifice the pleasures you enjoy now—for instance, the time you spend playing and engaged in hobbies. In other words, you’re not equipped with the courage to change your

The rikka style, which means standing flower, was more sophisticated than the Buddhist offerings and more formal in its rules. There were seven branches symbolizing the peak, the hill, the waterfall, the town, the valley, the side receiving sunlight, and the side in the shade. It was built around the Buddhist cosmic view, and because of the

The Japanese have a nice way of putting it: “The day you cease to travel, you will have arrived.”

Even a strong, well-built ship can be blown off course. We have to find a way to enjoy the journey, even when we don’t get the results we hoped for. Sometimes, those surprising, unhoped-for results are a real blessing. Then we realize that life can be worthwhile without us being in control.