Seven hardships are when you are born, and old age, and sickness, and death. And to have too much energy [laughs]. So that is why you don't eat strong stimulating food in the monastery. And even though you expect something, almost all the expectations will not be fulfilled in this world because by nature we expect too much. So, it is impossible to appease your desires. And to depart from someone who you love. And to be with someone you do not like [laughs, laughter]. These are the hardships we have in this world. But if you have a joyful mind, all people will be your friend. And the more healthy you are, the more you can enjoy your life. And birth and death should be happy occasions. In this way, all those seven hardships, all at once, when you have joyful mind, change into happy mind or happiness. —Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture - 67-12-06-A - as found on shunryusuzuki.com edited by PF. Go to instagram.com/cuke_archives for Shunryu Suzuki lecture excerpts - with a photo.
