Empty and Marvellous, Hidden Beauty, Precursor to Resentment
Existential Espresso Vol. 71
What I’ve been reading:
Empty and Marvellous: Treasure Phrases of Korean Buddhism selected by Master Yeocheon Mubi
This book is, as the title suggests, a collection of phrases, aphorisms, and verses from Korean Buddhism. Each one of them is followed by a commentary by Master Mubi, who tried and, in my opinion, succeeded in bridging the gap between our modern language and way of thinking and the somewhat archaic language in which these gems of wisdom were originally written.
One of the aphorisms, “Why Are We Not Full,” inspired my latest YouTube video, “What is Missing From Your Personal Growth Journey.”
What I was listening to:
John O'Donohue: The Inner Landscape of Beauty - The On Being Podcast
This was not the first, second, or third relistening to one of my all-time favorite podcasts. I've lost count.
I’ll put it like this: If you are a human being who is interested in seeing beauty and depth in even the tragic or mundane aspects of life, listen to this conversation.
What I was thinking about:
Feeling sorry for yourself is the precursor to resentment.
I’ve been asked a lot of times why I end Monday's Existential Espresso and now my YouTube videos by saying, “Never feel sorry for yourself.” I’ve even written about it before.
But last week, I finally managed to put it into a single sentence.
“Feeling sorry for yourself is the precursor to resentment.”
And resentment, as I have observed in my life, is the most poisonous state a human being can be in.
If you want to hear me explain this in more depth, get to know me better, and hear me rant about how rooting for the Joker is stupid, I’ve made a video on Why You Should Never Feel Sorry For Yourself.
Thank you for reading.
As always,
Stay strong, love life, and never feel sorry for yourself.
Free Resources:
My free ebook: The Lost Art of Reading
Paid Resources:
The Art of Showing Up: A Clear and Practical Method for Mastering Consistency
The Gold Pill: Timeless Ideas for a Life Worth Living
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Loved the youtube video. 'Be the beacon of hope for others, in how you deal with your adversity and suffering' - great advise,thank uou