Troubles Are Opportunities! The Key to Living Authentically Lies in Meditation

Wouldn't it be wonderful to live surrounded only by the people and things you love? However, reality doesn’t always work that way.

At some point, everyone has likely struggled with interpersonal relationships, whether it's dealing with a difficult colleague at work or not knowing how to interact with someone they dislike.

Today, we introduce one of the content features of the meditation app GASSHO, called "Casual Talks."

In this segment, the chief priest of Kongozanmai-in, a World Heritage temple on Mount Koya, offers advice on how to navigate relationships with people you dislike. Additionally, he explains the role of meditation in this process.

A sneak peek into the GASSHO "Casual Talks" video

Let’s take a look at a video where the chief priest provides guidance on interpersonal challenges.

It’s remarkable to have a respected priest listen to and advise on these concerns. His gentle voice and calm demeanor bring a sense of peace to the listener.

Concern: How Can I Learn to Like Someone I Dislike?

Many people have likely faced this dilemma at some point. In response, the priest shares insights, incorporating the practice of meditation:

"By meditating, you cultivate a broader, more accepting mindset. As a result, you grow to love the people you already like even more, and the ones you dislike start to feel less unpleasant."

Some may feel hesitant about meditation, associating it with religious practices. To ease such concerns, let’s first explore what meditation truly is.

What is Meditation?

Meditation is defined as "calming the mind and becoming thoughtless, relaxing without thinking about anything, praying to a deity with a peaceful mind, focusing on something, or closing one's eyes and engaging in deep and quiet contemplation."

While meditation is often associated with Buddhist training, the spread of mindfulness—where Buddhist elements have been removed—has made meditation feel more accessible to many people.

A basic meditation technique is breathing meditation, which involves focusing on one's breath. By concentrating on breathing, one can ease mental tension and achieve relaxation.

When in a relaxed state, stress is reduced, sleep quality improves, and there are many positive effects on both the mind and body.

Why Does Meditation Make the Mind More Open and Accepting?

Why does meditation help cultivate a broader and more accepting mindset? The chief priest explains, "Meditation allows you to regulate your emotions."

By practicing meditation and reaching a relaxed state, one can release stress and negative emotions. It is believed that meditation enables individuals to focus inward and develop a stable, unwavering mind.

Becoming More Attuned to One’s Own Body

Meditation helps individuals become more aware of even the smallest changes in their mind and body. In breathing meditation, attention is directed toward how one breathes, fostering self-awareness.

In the video, the chief priest shares the following insight:
"If you realize that you are still feeling fatigued, take a moment to listen to your body. Even just closing your eyes and regulating your breath can be beneficial. Through repeated meditation sessions, if you experience a moment of comfort, simply acknowledge to yourself, 'That felt good.'"

By focusing on the mind and body, one becomes more aware of their present state. Hearing these words makes one appreciate the signals their body is sending and fosters a desire to take better care of their mind and body.

Ajikan Meditation

In the video, the chief priest mentions "Ajikan," which is considered the most important form of meditation in the Shingon school of Buddhism. This practice, taught by the Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi Kukai, involves focusing on the Sanskrit character "A" as a way to refine and elevate the mind. It is a meditation method accessible to anyone and serves as a practice for strengthening one's mental state.

Let's Find Ways to Refresh Our Minds

The chief priest advises, "Find a solution that clears your mind so well that you forget about unpleasant things." What do you do to refresh yourself?

・Go to karaoke
・Get plenty of sleep
・Take a walk
・Eat something sweet
・Declutter your space

Feeling stuck in unpleasant emotions can be really tough and painful. It would be great if we could recognize when we’re feeling down and quickly shift our mindset.

I was reminded of the famous line from the anime Ikkyu-san: "Don’t worry, don’t worry, take a break, take a break."

Focus on Your Mind and Body with Meditation – Enjoy a Lighter, Brighter Life

In this article, we introduced a video from the Casual Talks series on the meditation app GASSHO, where the chief priest of Kongozanmai-in, a World Heritage temple on Mount Koya, offers advice on interpersonal challenges.

No matter where we are, relationship troubles are inevitable. However, instead of spending time worrying about people we dislike, wouldn’t it be more meaningful to focus on doing what we love?

Why not start by practicing breathing meditation to help you relax? It might be a small step, but it can lead to a lighter, more peaceful heart.

Thank you for reading until the end.