Be Enthusiastic about One Thing

It is generally agreed that if we like what we are doing, we will become good at it. In other words, although people may not be good at something when they first undertake it, those who work at doing it because they like it can keep at it for a long time, and as the months and even years pass, they become good at it and that should make them happy.
Even if we do not find something we like to do, by making our utmost effort at one thing, we may be surprised by making a discovery that turns out to be something of a turning point.
During my high school and college days, I studied kendo at a local dojo. That does not mean I was automatically enthusiastic about kendo from the beginning, and although my instructor warned me not to be absent from practice before I had completed the lowest of the senior levels, I still sometimes skipped practice.
When I did so, he scolded me, and even harder practice followed. By continuing to practice while being regularly persuaded to do so and also encouraged by him, I continued at it, and I felt that I was developing strength of character, and then I began liking kendo and actually enjoying practice with my instructor.
This example would seem to suggest that in order to be able to achieve enjoyment, endurance first is necessary. By withstanding a degree of suffering, our spirits can be disciplined.

Reaching a New World

Some people seem to be unable to find joy and a purpose in life in the work they are doing. One method for breaking out of such a situation is to find something that invigorates us and refreshes us mentally and revives us, something in which we can become absorbed, such as listening to music or enjoying a hobby like bonsai culture.
In other words, this means creating a new world in the midst of the reality of our daily life. If this allows us to relieve our tension, feel at ease, and lead a life filled with vitality, then we will naturally begin to enjoy our work.
In the Analects, we read, “Knowing something is not as good as loving it; loving something is not as good as delighting in it.” This tells us that there are spiritual steps to take between knowing, loving, and enjoying.
In a survey among Japanese women on child-rearing not long ago, some 60 percent of the respondents replied that they found child-rearing difficult, yet on the other hand, more than 80 percent replied that they found child-rearing enjoyable. In other words, most mothers felt that child-rearing is difficult but also enjoyable.
As is indicated by the saying, “Joy lies in the realm of suffering. There is no joy in bliss,” it is only because suffering exists that there also is joy. Let us lead our lives with the resolve that our lifetime companions will be joy and suffering.