Cultivating the Heart

Aug 16, 2026

The Most Difficult Instrument to Conduct: The “Second Instrument”

A reporter once asked Leonard Bernstein, the world-famous conductor: “Maestro, what is the most difficult instrument to conduct?” Bernstein answered thoughtfully: “The second instrument. Without a second instrument…

Aug 15, 2026

Knowing and Doing

“Knowing” and “doing” are inseparable, like the two wheels of a cart. Without knowledge, it is difficult to act; and without action, even what we know gradually grows…

Aug 14, 2026

Mr. Praise and Mr. Criticism

As a traveler was passing through a small farming village, he noticed an unusual sight. Rice was being harvested in two fields facing each other across a narrow…

Aug 12, 2026

Gold and Seeds

A passenger ship lost its course in a violent storm and was wrecked on a deserted island. No matter how much the passengers discussed the situation, they could…

Aug 10, 2026

Lowering Ourselves

Grasses have chosen to lower themselves as a strategy for survival. Because their growing points are located so low that they almost touch the ground, even when grazing…

Aug 9, 2026

A First Attempt

In the 16th century, the French judge Montaigne wished to express his thoughts in writing. Before he turned forty, he left his career as a judge and made…

Aug 8, 2026

Breaking the Habit of Procrastination

“Right now I’m busy with many things, so I’ll do it later.” “I work harder and get better results when the deadline is near.” “I’ll do it once…

Aug 7, 2026

Where My Strength Comes From

May the first thought that rises in my mind every morning be endless gratitude. May I dream of wandering through a brilliant world of stars, even when I…

Aug 5, 2026

How Good It Is

On a journey taken together, one person’s bag is bursting, filled with everything they insist will be needed, while another carries only the bare essentials. One eagerly stops…

Aug 3, 2026

What Made the Journey Difficult

Reporters eagerly asked a man who had returned after completing a long and difficult journey across the desert alone: “What was the hardest part of crossing the desert?…

Jul 31, 2026

The One Who Knows Me Best

People with a green thumb—hands skilled at growing plants—can quickly tell what a plant needs simply by touching its leaves or the soil. They move it from place…

Jul 29, 2026

To Empathize

Wanting to empathize with someone, I said: “Why don’t you try thinking a little more positively?” “I don’t think those thoughts are good for you, either.” “You should…

Jul 27, 2026

Putting a Plan Into Practice

In the 1981 Boston Marathon, Japanese long-distance runner Toshihiko Seko won first place after defeating many competitors. His training plan for the marathon consisted of just one thing:…

Jul 26, 2026

A Valuable Choice and the Reward of Life

A man arrived at the airport for an overseas business trip. He usually raced against time to catch his flight, but this time he arrived early and had…

Jul 25, 2026

Come Soon

With deep empathy and a heart of respect, they cared for their brothers; even on days worn out by the burdens of life, they welcomed their sisters with radiant…

Jul 22, 2026

The Reason to Forgive

“Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” Lk 6:37 “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Mt 18:21–22 “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each…

Jul 20, 2026

Courage

Offering warm words that give strength Apologizing when I have done wrong Laying down the desire to be exalted Letting go of old wounds Embracing others even when…

Jul 19, 2026

Even Without Words

The One who knows my heart even when I do not speak. The One who gently covers my mistakes. The One who rejoices more than I do when…

Jul 18, 2026

The Diderot Effect

In the 18th century, the French philosopher Denis Diderot once received a gift from a friend: a soft, red robe. After replacing his old robe with the new…

Jul 17, 2026

Strengthening the Soil

When we think of autumn, the idea of harvest naturally comes to mind. That is why gathering crops such as rice or barley is called harvesting. However, farmers…

Jul 15, 2026

A Father’s Heart

The older child was speaking to the younger one, who had done something wrong. “You need to do what is right. Otherwise, Dad won’t love you.” Hearing this,…

Jul 13, 2026

Conviction and Reality

In 1973, Princeton University professors John Darley and Daniel Batson conducted an experiment with seminary students. The students were divided into two groups. One group was asked to…

Jul 12, 2026

When We Love

Waiting becomes a joy. We recognize the person instantly, even from a distance. Everything about them seems beautiful. Joyful moments become even more joyful. Sorrow is transformed into…

Jul 5, 2026

Giving Time to Save Life

A three-year-old son of a man living in Germany had leukemia. The man had to go to the hospital for his son’s treatment, but he could not quit…

Jun 28, 2026

How to Overcome a Tsunami

When a tsunami is generated, where should a ship escape to if it is already out in the sea? People generally think the ship should quickly go toward…

Jun 21, 2026

When Do You Give Up?

Someone asked a famous salesman, “Does someone like you get rejected by a customer, too?” “Certainly! I haven’t had a day of rejection since I started work.” “Then…

Jun 15, 2026

Match of Faith

In most sporting events, it is difficult to predict victory or defeat until the final whistle blows. A team outscores the other in the beginning, but it might…

Jun 5, 2026

Liebig’s Law of the Minimum

There is a law called Liebig’s Law of the Minimum. This was announced by Justus von Liebig, a German chemist. It states that the growth of plants is…

May 31, 2026

Organizing Skill

There are many objects and lots of information around us. However, do we need all of them? If we think about this matter carefully, we can easily realize…

May 24, 2026

A Boat Waiting for High Tide

Steel King Andrew Carnegie kept an old painting in his office. The painting he treasured was neither a masterpiece drawn by a famous artist nor an antique that…