Mother-love is not necessary for a soul to fulfill its destiny. But mother-love can carry a child toward its destiny, as on the back of a great white, furry tiger. A teacher once told me that one had five things to be thankful for: the heat of the earth (not the sun), the love of the mother, the sting of the scorpion (the positive effects of enemies and obstacles), the ability to think and beauty.

Unfortunately, life has its disturbing aspects, as well. There is death of loved ones and ourselves, illness, aging, incapacity, illusion, the ill-regulated, unrestrained and negative emotions of ourselves and others, and the mystery of sexuality. At present, many people also suffer from the injustices, inequalities and iniquities of an economic system created by thieves.

And yet, nothing on earth can prevent a soul from fulfilling its destiny, as long as the person expands and expresses the affections of the heart and obeys its calling.

The call to many people is simply this: Regardless of what you do, work more toward perfection than completion.

– Raphael O’Suna   Haiku