I am an ordinary retired monk in my 80s (born in 1941, during the Showa era). My grades during elementary, middle, and high school were all average, but by fate, I encountered Zen writings at the age of 19.
The content of these Zen writings mainly revolves around stories of practitioners overcoming hardships and breaking through difficult challenges. I was deeply moved by the stories of people entering deep meditation and suddenly attaining great enlightenment. Forgetting my foolish self, I wished to become a monk and, at the age of 28, by a fortunate connection, I was able to become one.
When I was young, the generation born in the Meiji and Taisho eras was still active, and there were still old-fashioned monks around. Out of admiration for these individuals, this is a record of my reflections. (Graduate of Ritsumeikan University)
