Everything that exists, whether it be a lot of words or a vine, was created for a purpose.
This is not at all surprising.
Even the sun will tell you this.
“I have work to do here.” Other beings in heaven will also say in unison.
So, for what purpose were you born? Simply to enjoy the world? Do you think such a thought is acceptable? Those who don't know what the universe is don't know where they are.
He who does not know the purpose of the universe cannot know what he is.
Anyone who does not properly understand either of these two cannot even explain why he was born into this world.
So what do you think of a person who seeks the admiration of a shouting crowd or tries to avoid their condemnation without even knowing where he is or what he is?
--- p.19-20

Everything that happens to you was planned for you from the beginning.
In the fabric of cause and effect, the thread of your existence is intertwined with specific events at every moment.
Whatever happens, it all happens for a good reason.
Observe things carefully.
Then you will realize that this is the truth.
In the continuity of events, not only the results exist in isolation, but a just and proper order is inherent, which is due to the providence of God, who gives all things their due rights.

--- p.24

Things that follow are always closely related to things that preceded them, and do not proceed independently and in isolation.
Therefore, it can be said that things follow a rational continuity rather than a simple law of consequence.
Moreover, just as everything that already exists exists in harmony and balance, so too does everything that will be created in the future appear wonderfully in organic connection.
Always keep in mind Heraclitus' maxim: "As earth decays and becomes water, as water evaporates and becomes air, as fire burns because of air, so things continue to cycle."
Time is like a river, flowing ceaselessly through all creation.
One thing appears and then quickly disappears into the past, and even if another thing comes into being, it too easily passes by.

--- p.29

Epictetus said, “Even when you kiss your child, think to yourself, ‘Perhaps you will die tomorrow.’”
When people grumbled that it was too ominous, he replied:
“That’s not an ominous statement at all.
It merely describes an act of nature.
If this is ominous, then isn't harvesting ripe corn also ominous? Death, like birth, is one of the mysteries of nature.
Death occurs when the elements that were combined at birth break apart.
So death is not a shameful thing at all.
Death is not an exception to any existence, and it is never against the providence of creation.

--- p.37

Dying doesn't mean you fall out of space.
It still remains in this world, undergoing change and disintegrating into many molecules.
So again, it becomes a component that forms the universe and you.
In this way, the elements change and change, but they never complain.
Soon you will be nothing, and everything you see will be nothing, along with everyone else who is alive today.
All things are born to change, disappear, and perish, and their empty places will be filled by other things.
Those who fear death are either afraid of losing all senses or afraid of gaining new senses.
Indeed, if all your senses were to disappear, leaving you unable to feel anything, what harm would it do you? But if death brings new senses, you would become a new being, and therefore your life would not end.

--- p.46~47

Consider again how quickly all things, whether existing or to come into being, pass by us and disappear.
All existence is like a river that flows continuously, never stopping, its activities are in perpetual change, and its causes are also infinitely changing.
After all, nothing in this world is stationary.
Right next to us, the infinite past and future boast their majesty, and all things disappear into the deep abyss of eternity.
How foolish it is for humans to yearn, rage, and fret as if life's time were eternal, even in such circumstances! No one would mourn if they weighed less than 300 pounds.
But why do people fret that their lives aren't being extended? Just as you're content with the weight you've been given, be content with your lifespan.
Consider that today the moment of death has come for me and my life has come to an end.
Then, the time given in the future will feel like a special bonus that is not even in the contract.
Live in harmony with nature with that bonus.

--- p.54~55

People sometimes wish to live in the countryside, by the sea, or deep in the mountains.
You probably have dreams like this a lot too.
But such fantasies are futile.
Because you can escape into your own inner world whenever you want.
There is no refuge in this world more quiet and peaceful than the inner sanctuary of one's own soul.
A person who has these resources within him will be able to achieve instant mental peace through meditation whenever he needs it.
Here, peace of mind can be said to be a well-organized mind.
Use retreats into your inner world often to continually renew yourself.
The principles of life should be concise yet encompass the basics.
Just by recalling that principle, all your worries will easily disappear, and you will be able to return to your daily duties without much disturbance.

--- p.64

Remember that what controls our lives is a mysterious force hidden deep within us.
There is a persuasive voice and life in it, so much so that you could even say that it is that person.
However, the body surrounding it, or other organs attached to it, should never be confused with its inner power.
The various organs of the body are merely tools to be used, like an axe in the hand of a carpenter.
The only difference is that it grows by attaching itself to the body.
All these things would be of no use without a power plant to move and stop them.
It is like a loom without a weaver, a pen without a writer, or a whip without a coachman.

--- p.75

Be thoughtful and not reckless in your actions.
Also, do not let the soul be too internally limited or too externally expressed, and eliminate any room for a life of seeking pleasure.
No matter how much criticism people may heap upon us, how can such things possibly change the heart of a person who seeks purity, gentleness, and justice?
Suppose a person stands by a clear, clean spring and curses the spring water.
Even so, the spring will still be gushing out fresh, clean water.
Even if he throws mud and filth into the well, the well will quickly break it down and flow away, and will not become polluted.
So how do you come to possess the eternal spring of your heart, not a well? It is by becoming your own master and protecting yourself in every moment, with all compassion, simplicity, and humility.

--- p.88

Would you want praise from someone who curses themselves several times an hour? Do you think you can please someone who can't find joy in themselves? How can someone who regrets almost everything they do find satisfaction in themselves? While we all love ourselves more than anyone else, when it comes to evaluating ourselves, we tend to place more importance on what others think than our own.
It really cannot be helped that this is a strange thing.
If a god or a wise man were to appear to a man and command him to immediately reveal every thought or intention that occurred in his mind, he would not be able to endure it for even a day.
Yet, we value what others think of us more than how we judge ourselves.

--- p.94

If possible, teach people to be better.
Even if that's not possible, don't forget to be kind to them.
Because kindness is given to you to use at just such times.
Even God is kind to such people, sometimes even generously helping them to obtain the health, wealth, and fame they desire.
You should be able to do this too.
Who can stop that? If someone has made a mistake, gently reassure them and make them realize what their mistake was.
If you still fail to make him repent, you should blame your own shortcomings and no one else.
Humans exist for each other.
So either improve each other or embrace each other.

--- p.105

Consider the human body and what its reality is.
See what happens to it when it gets old, sick, or dies.
How fleeting is the life of those who praise, those who are praised, those who remember, and those who are remembered? What a small corner of this earth do they occupy? And yet, people never know how to reconcile with one another.
No, even putting that aside, it doesn't match with himself.
The entire Earth is just a tiny dot.

--- p.111

If someone points out that I have been thinking or acting wrongly, I will gladly correct myself.
I am seeking the truth, and this truth will never harm anyone.
The only thing that harms others is self-absorbed delusions and stubbornness born of ignorance.
Following and respecting someone who corrects your mistakes never compromises your freedom.
Because such actions are also your own, as they are the result of your impulses, judgment, and will.
Don't be ashamed to ask for help from others.
Your job is to complete the given mission like a soldier in a surprise attack unit.
If you were lame and couldn't possibly climb the wall without the help of a companion, what would you do?
--- p.124~125

Enough with our miserable lives, our constant complaints, our monkey-like antics.
What are you so anxious about? There's nothing new in it, so what is it that troubles you? Is it the form of things? Take a good look.
Is it the substance of things? Take a good look at that too.
Nothing exists beyond form and matter.
Even if you don't have much time left, refine yourself to be more humble and better so that you can look up to the sky without any shame.
Whether it takes three years or a hundred years, digest these lessons until the end.
Stop wasting time arguing about who is a good person and start being one.
Test yourself to see if you have the ability to live a good life.
A good life is one that pursues only the right actions and the path of mercy, while being content with the destiny bestowed upon us by the universe.

--- p.131~132

How have you treated God, parents, siblings, wife, children, teachers, friends, and relatives in the past? In all these human relationships, have you lived up to the poet's adage: "Speak harshly to no one, or act unjustly toward anyone!" Think back to all you've experienced and endured.
And think about the day when the curtain comes down on your life and all the burdens of life are lifted.
Reflect on how many beautiful things you have seen in your life, how far you have shunned pleasure and pain, how much you have neglected honor, and how much care and love you have shown to the marginalized.

--- p.155