Be like the promontory that the waves crash against but never move. The waves keep coming, but the promontory remains firm, taming the fury of the water.
When something difficult happens to you, don’t think, “How unlucky am I?” Instead, think, “How fortunate I am, because I remain free from distress — I’m not overwhelmed by the present or fearful of the future.”
Such things can happen to anyone, but not everyone would remain unshaken.
Why should this be seen as misfortune when it can be an opportunity to show virtue and resilience?
Does something become a misfortune just because it’s unpleasant or difficult? Not necessarily. As long as it doesn’t violate our nature, we can still act with wisdom, justice, temperance, and courage.
Remember, whenever you feel upset, remind yourself: it’s not the event that’s the misfortune, but how you bear it that defines whether it’s a good or bad fortune.
