“Enjoy!” This is the Aloha spirit. My eyes are drawn and riveted to a particular spot on the beach. There, from the sand, emerges the figure of a white horse. Who sculpted it? It seems as if it would gallop gracefully away at any moment. I bow with respect and appreciation to the nameless beach artist who created it. …
In the moment something unseen becomes something seen, we discover the mystery of the creative force.
Human beings are works of art created by the universe from the same material as the stars.
This galloping horse, too, was created from the universal elements of earth, water, fire, wind and void. Everything created by nature, including the human being, is a masterpiece. …
If only one has the heart to perceive it, this world is filled with beauty. The waves, the clouds, are great artists.
The Earth calls out to us: “People! Be beautiful, be strong, like me! Give birth! Bring into existence things of value! Be generous! Don’t hold back! Create! Create something wonderful!” …
From among all the worlds that fill this vast universe, we have chosen and come to this Earth to create happiness. So even when suffering approaches, let us ride it like a surfer does a wave and enjoy surmounting it!
When our life force is strong, this world becomes a place to “enjoy ourselves at ease.” We can pull this power from the “emerald sea” that exists inside our hearts. The name Waikiki means “surging spring.”
When we cause our life force to well forth, to surge up like a spring, that time and that place becomes a paradise—a garden of enjoyment!
Pay no mind to trifling matters!
Don’t become a tragic hero!
Overcome the sorrow in your heart!
Let’s enjoy living!
It is for this purpose that we were born.
Adapted from an essay in Our Beautiful Earth: Photos and Essays of My Travels, by Daisaku Ikeda, April 2, 2000, Seikyo Press, Tokyo, Japan.
Listen to the podcast of the essay here.
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