Self-mastery

Character can be shaped or etched. It may be true from a medical perspective that our psychological and physiological traits are generally predetermined genetically. Knowing this, however, adds little to our lives. All that matters is how we can better ourselves here and now.

Self-mastery

An envious person does not look at those more capable than him and aspire to better himself; he plots to drag them down to his own level. Jealousy is simply an unwitting admittance of one’s own flaws and failings.

On the flip side of arrogance lies cowardice—a lack of courage to face the truth. Likewise, discrimination and envy are also two sides of the same coin.

So many mistakes are made as the result of that tendency of people to ignore, overlook or disregard those facts that they find inconvenient or unpalatable.

One who has mastered himself is truly free. Freedom lies in the heart of the sage, servitude in the heart of the fool.

People do not grow when their environment is too comfortable, when they are not challenged. It is in the midst of suffering and hardship that strength of character is formed.

If you become passive, you will find yourself restricted, regardless of how free the environment is in which you live. Conversely, if you maintain a positive, proactive attitude, you will find yourself free, no matter how restricted your environment. True freedom is the caliber or spiritual capacity that enables one to cope with any circumstance.

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Despite being imprisoned for 10,000 days for his unwavering belief in human dignity, Mandela never gave in to despair.

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Revolutions have come and gone, but human revolution, a self-directed process of inner change for the better, is the most meaningful transformation there is. If Ikeda’s vision and values are defined by a single tenet, this is it. Read here ...

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Stories of Hope by Daisaku Ikeda

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