We describe the size and qualities of a human being’s capacity as a ‘bowl.’ People often say that luck or opportunity that exceeds the size of one’s bowl is rather harmful. That’s why people advise you to either seize the luck and opportunity that fit your bowl or make your bowl bigger. So, how do you determine the size of the bowl? Congenital conditions may also influence it, but acquired experiences and self-reflection are factors that shape the size of the bowl. Since I can’t force myself to create luck and opportunity, all I can do is develop my judgment and have the courage to accept or reject. The key to judgment is to avoid underestimating or overestimating yourself. Ultimately, it is most important to understand your own identity properly to make a true bowl. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”
Jesus taught, “If you got slapped your right cheek, turn the other cheek.” One of the actions that the Jewish Qumran community denied and forbade was “pointing with the left hand.” Violations of this rule brought sanctions from the community. To hit the right cheek means the opponent strikes with an unclean left or right backhand. This cheek slap is deliberately insulting and humiliating rather than merely a pain-inflicting action. Therefore, this teaching of Jesus, “turn the other cheek,” suggests not allowing oneself to be struck by the back of the hand and can signify not being helpless but being active in nonviolent resistance without seeking revenge or retaliation. Perhaps this teaching carries a frightening meaning. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”