Exploring the Wisdom of Ryokan Ara through Adversity and Choice

While browsing the internet, I stumbled upon quotes attributed to Ryokan Ara (1928-2019), a notable figure as an archbishop of Tendai Buddhism. One particular quote immediately captured my attention: “It doesn't turn out the way you thought, but it turns out the way it was done.” This quote, in essence, encapsulates the profound nature of life. Individuals are born and nurtured in diverse circumstances as guided by fate, yet, in most instances, each person is granted the same opportunity to shape their destiny through their choices and actions. Life rarely unfolds as planned; however, the outcomes tend to be equitable for everyone who takes action. Intrigued by this renowned quote, I felt a desire to delve deeper into Ryokan Ara's life and teachings.

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