Being Alive Itself Is a Series of Events

[진영]

In Korean 국문 번역
https://m.cafe.daum.net/enlightenment-k/dcM5/384?svc=cafeapp

살아있다는 것은 이벤트의 연속이다.

Sam Houston Statue at Hermann Park in Houston, TX, USA 🇺🇸

■ Being Alive Itself Is a Series of Events

In December 2024, during a family trip to Houston, USA, I attended my son’s graduation and wedding vow ceremonies. Through these events, I reflected on the fleeting emotions that passed in each moment. When my two sons were young, I used to drive them around, taking them wherever they wanted to go and feeding them what they wanted to eat. But now, I find myself quietly following behind them.

It’s not intentional—it’s simply easier and more convenient this way.

First of all, I lag far behind in terms of information-gathering ability. Haha. Moreover, their situational awareness, judgment, and quick decision-making far surpass mine.

Now that I’m pushing 70, it’s funny to realize I’ve officially joined the ranks of senior citizens. haha
At the same time, it’s kind of comforting.

During this trip, due to a system issue with American Airlines, we experienced about 4 hours of in-flight delays, waited 8 hours in line at the airport to reschedule, spent a night at a hotel, and finally boarded a flight back to Korea early the next morning. However, our luggage did not arrive with us. After days of disappointment, worry, waiting, and patience, the bags finally arrived after two days.

Anyway, here are my scattered reflections, written out below.


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■ Life Is

"Life is a series of events."

Big and small things happen constantly.
Without these events, life would be lifeless.

"Life is a series of waiting."

Humans can not see even one step ahead.
If we lack patience and act hastily,
life becomes harder,
and eventually, we end up hurt.

"Life is a series of endurance."

Life is a mixture of good and bad, love and hate, conflict and reconciliation.
Love stays within us through patience,
and hatred is overcome with understanding and consideration born from patience.

"Life consists of blessings (fortunes) and misfortunes brought by Inyeon(인연)."

Life moves forward through mutual interactions with everything we encounter while breathing in this body of ours to the end.

Nothing we encounter is truly random; everything has a reason.
These occurrences only appear coincidental because we are unaware of their underlying causes.

Where there is blessings in Inyeon(인연), misfortunes also in that Inyeon(인연) inevitably follows.

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In these processes of life:
"Continuous events" are driven by strength and passion,
which are created by the energy of the mind.

"Waiting" is considered a virtue.
An immature mind can not grasp the philosophy or aesthetic of patience.

"Endurance" is what guides a mature mind down the right path.

"The blessings(복) and misfortunes(화) of Inyeon(인연)" are the results of our mindset how we treat all things in every encounter.

Depending on the flowers of goodness or evil that bloom within us,
blessings (fortunes) and misfortunes are already growing in our minds.


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Conclusion

Living depends on each individual’s mind, and being alive itself is a series of events.


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Therefore, "those who are prepared in advance" will:

Struggle less,

Face fewer difficulties,

Experience less pain,

Live more leisurely,

Enjoy greater abundance,

Lead a better life before returning to nature.


The principle of returning is simple and clear.
It’s just that I can not always follow it as I should.


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December 30, 2024
After a family trip to the U.S.
Kim Jeong Seong

☆ The definition of 인연(Inyeon)
in Korean

"인연(Inyeon)" can be translated into English as "fate" or "destiny." This term signifies events or human relationships being determined by chance or destiny.

"인연(Inyeon)" often implies a deeper connection beyond mere coincidence, where a person's or object's relationship occurs naturally and influences it with special meaning or value.