How to Live Each Day

~Part Five from 《The Six Paramitas 》

(The Six Perfections)

　

In Chan, we say, Everyday is a good day. We should strive to live each day to its fullest. If we fulfill this goal today, and continue to do so month after month, we will be able to live a fulfilling life year after year. How do we live each day to its fullest? I have four suggestions:

1. Speak thoughtful words everyday.
       How many thoughtful words do you speak to others every day? There was once a well known Buddhist practitioner in ancient China named Yuan Liaofan. He designed a chart on which he recorded both his thoughtful and thoughtless behavior. By doing so, at the end of his day he had an honest evaluation of his beneficial and harmful conduct. Everyday, when we encounter people, we can practice thoughtfulness by saying, Good morning! How are you today? or thank you! Or I am sorry. We can ask, Is there any way I can be of assistance? I’d like to help you. While visiting a family, we can always find honest ways to praise their home, their children, and their hospitality. Should we encounter a student, we can praise his or her teacher or school. When we meet a professional, our kind words may be directed toward his or her colleagues or supervisor. Establishing the habit of praising others with thoughtful words will make everyday a beautiful day.

2. Perform thoughtful deeds everyday.
      How many thoughtful deeds do you perform every day? If we see a mess, will we willingly pick it up and maintain a clean environment for others? If we encounter congested and chaotic traffic, will we help give direction and maintain safety? Wherever we go, there will always be ways to help people. The daily practice of performing thoughtful deeds is living life to its fullest.

3. Practice self- examination everyday.
      An ancient Chinese saying tells us, we should practice self-examination three times a day. We may ask ourselves: How many beneficial or harmful deeds did I perform today? Did I speak thoughtful and appropriate words today? Was I friendly and considerate today? Have I harmed others in any way? If we examine ourselves frequently, we can transform wrongful behavior into goodness.
      One who holds fast to right living is unlikely to change the basic principle of his or her conduct, and therefore will not be troubled by the perpetual and unsettling feelings of fear that arise in daily life.

4. Be more joyful everyday.
       If we are constantly worried and sad, this misery will show on our faces and each day will be difficult. However, if we can have pleasant feelings and live more joyfully while eating, sleeping, or visiting others, we will enjoy each moment of life. When we live each day with more joy, we can easily have a pleasant day.

Therefore, the four suggestions about how to live each day are:
1. Speak thoughtful words everyday.
2. Perform thoughtful deeds everyday.
3. Practice self-examination everyday.
4. Be more joyful everyday.