The Meaning of "Aging"! What Is the Essence of Growing Older?
Introduction: The Universal Theme of Aging
When you hear the word “aging,” what emotions come to mind?
Many people may feel “anxiety” or “fear.”
This is often because aging brings with it inevitable physical changes and the awareness of “death” as a reality.
However, aging is not merely a physical decline; it is also an important process that deepens the quality of our lives.
In today’s video, we’ll explore the essence of aging through the teachings of Kūkai, known as Kōbō-Daishi, and uncover the growth and wisdom that can be found within it.
We can choose to see aging not as something to fear but as an opportunity for growth that we should embrace.
A New Perspective on Aging
Aging is an inevitable part of life.
While many people view it negatively as “declining physical health” or “losing youth,” Kūkai’s teachings offer a completely different perspective.
Kūkai regarded aging as a process of “maturing the mind” and “spiritual growth.”
Just as physical changes are unavoidable, spiritual growth is also inevitable.
How we accept and live with this reality can transform the course of our lives.
The Value of Wisdom Found in Aging
In our youth, we often find our understanding of things to be shallow.
This is not merely due to a lack of knowledge but because we lack the “insight” to grasp the essence of things, which comes with experience.
Kūkai made a clear distinction between “knowledge” and “wisdom.”
Knowledge is external information that anyone can acquire, whereas wisdom is the “ability to perceive the essence of things,” gained through introspection and experience.
For example, in youth, you may have focused only on achieving results. But as you age, you begin to understand the importance of the journey and the context that leads to those results.
This kind of insight and wisdom can only be attained through the passage of time.
Beyond the Relationship Between Aging and Death
In Kūkai’s teachings, life and death are inseparable, unified aspects of existence.
Fearing death can often lead to wasting the present moment.
“Death” is not the end but a transition to the next stage.
In the same way, aging should be viewed as a step toward further growth, according to Kūkai.
By embracing aging, we can prepare our hearts for what lies ahead.
This preparation does not merely mean accepting death but letting go of fears and anxieties, thereby fostering spiritual maturity.
Embracing Impermanence and Change
In Buddhism, the teaching of “impermanence” is highly emphasized.
Everything is in constant flux; nothing remains the same forever.
Aging, too, is part of this impermanence and should be accepted as a natural process.
For instance, the goals or ideals you once clung to in your youth may shift as you grow older.
This change is not a failure but rather a testament to your personal growth.
By accepting impermanence, you can adapt to changes flexibly and maintain inner peace.
Aging is not merely a decline; it is an opportunity for spiritual growth, offering new perspectives and deeper understanding.
Cultivating Inner Beauty: The Aesthetics of Aging
In youth, external appearance and social validation often hold significant value.
However, as we age, we come to recognize the importance of “inner beauty,” such as emotional maturity, compassion, and kindness.
Kūkai’s teachings emphasize internal growth over external achievements.
The richness of the heart and a broadened perspective deepen as we age.
By appreciating the inner beauty gained with age, aging becomes less of a burden and more of a process to be cherished.
Preparing the Heart and Enjoying Change
To embrace aging and enjoy its changes, daily practices of introspection and meditation are incredibly beneficial.
By calming the mind and taking time to reflect, we can ease the fears and anxieties associated with aging.
Moreover, practicing the teaching of “non-attachment” helps us let go of ego and accept aging as a natural part of life.
As a result, we can free ourselves from the pressures of appearance or age and focus on the spiritual maturity that makes aging enjoyable.
Conclusion: Transforming Aging Into Something Valuable
While aging is an unavoidable reality, Kūkai’s teachings offer a way to view it through a new lens.
Instead of seeing aging as mere physical decline, we can embrace it as a process that enriches our lives with deeper wisdom and personal growth.
Through aging, we can discover “new values.”
These values include the simple joys of life we may have overlooked in our youth and the profound inner beauty that comes with maturity.
As Kūkai wisely taught, we are always capable of growing.
Aging is not an end but a new opportunity for learning and discovery, bringing inner peace and happiness.
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