Winter

Do not battle against the trials, stock up on provisions

December 19th 2025
Imagine someone thinking that they could defy winter or prevent it from coming. They would soon have to admit that winter was much stronger than they, and that they would just have to endure it. Well, this illustrates how most people behave in relation to the events of life: they think that they are the stronger, and they end up becoming victims! In contrast, aware that winter is bound to come, a disciple says, ‘I’m going to stock up on firewood, coal and warm clothes, and with that, may winter be welcome!’ In this way both the winter and the disciple are content.
This is how we can solve the problem of winter: not by battling against the trials that destiny sends us, but rather by storing up a good supply of fuel, food and warm clothing—that is, reserves of wisdom and love—so that when difficulties come, we may face them with lucidity and courage.*
* Related reading: 
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