in b4 pls untiong
Sharing a Story
At Hong Kong’s Ocean Park, there was a giant whale that could leap 6.6 meters out of the water and perform all kinds of acrobatics. When the trainer shared the secret to training it, he said that in the very beginning, they placed a rope just below the surface of the water, forcing the whale to swim above it. Each time it passed successfully, it received a reward. Gradually, the trainer raised the rope—but only by a very small amount each time, about two centimeters—so the whale didn’t have to exert much effort to leap over it and still earned a reward
As a result, this whale, which was constantly rewarded, happily accepted the next round of training. Day after day, the height the whale cleared increased bit by bit, until eventually it could jump an astonishing 6.6 meters!
The trainer concluded: The key is to make the whale improve just a little each time. It is precisely these seemingly insignificant small steps, accumulated over time, that lead to real progress.
Reflection
If we can truly understand ourselves, then we can grow and improve. How do we achieve this? It starts with the “Six Selves”:
- Self-questioning (toward others): Other people are like mirrors to us—we can see ourselves reflected in them. We should ask: Is he better than me? Am I better than him? In what ways is he better than me? In what ways am I better than him? If we can recognize others’ strengths and admit our own weaknesses, that is progress.
- Self-awareness (toward principles): Most truths in the world are told to us by others. But if we can understand principles on our own—know how to act and explain why—that kind of self-derived understanding is very valuable.
- Self-learning (toward knowledge): As the saying goes, “Life has limits, but knowledge is limitless.” Knowledge doesn’t always depend on teachers—we can learn on our own. Many experts and scholars became who they are through self-study.
- Self-awakening (toward skill): Some people are naturally gifted, while others seem clumsy. But skill also comes from mindful practice and awareness. If we can awaken our own awareness, elevate our inner clarity, then we can become skillful in all things, beyond what teachers alone can teach.
- Self-shame (toward the heart): Most people notice others’ faults but ignore their own. That is why Confucianism emphasizes self-reflection, and Buddhism emphasizes shame and humility. If we can feel ashamed of our lack of ability, of insufficient compassion, of narrow-mindedness—this self-shame brings us closer to the wisdom of sages.
- Self-remorse (toward the world): Our parents gave us life, our teachers educated us, society nurtured us, the nation protects us. What have we given back? What have we done for our family, for our community, for our country? If we can feel remorse for not giving enough, then we will turn inward and demand more of ourselves: I must be worthy of society; I must be worthy of family and friends.
Gentleness
Self-questioning, self-awareness, self-learning, self-awakening, self-shame, and self-remorse—these are the driving forces of self-improvement and the foundation of personal achievement. If we always depend on others, our achievements will be limited. If we always demand more of ourselves, placing ourselves in the context of the vast universe, we can truly grow and fulfill our potential.
The Avatamsaka Sutra says: “I vow to save all beings of my own nature, to cut off all afflictions of my own nature, to learn all Dharma doors of my own nature, to accomplish the Buddha path of my own nature.” Yet in reality, very few people truly recognize themselves—most only notice others’ strengths and weaknesses. That often blocks their own growth.
Therefore, progress must begin with a gradual change of mindset. There is no need to rush—just improve a little each day. If we can cultivate our character to be as soft and adaptable as water, that itself is a true success.
