I've come to believe that how we choose to live with pain, or injustice, or death....is the true measure of the Divine within us.

God didn't give man wings; He gave him the brains and the spirit to give himself wings. Just as He gave us the capacity to laugh when we hurt, or to struggle on when we feel like giving up. I've come to believe that how we choose to live with pain, or injustice, or death...is the true measure of the Divine within us.

In their different ways, art and philosophy help us, in Schopenhauer's words, to turn pain into knowledge.

In the gap between who we wish one day to be

Pain or damage don't end the world.

One man watches a river flow by. If he does not wish it to flow, to change ceaselessly in accord with its nature, he will suffer great pain. Another man understands that nature of the river is to change constantly, regardless of his likes and dislikes, and therefore he does not suffer. To know existence as this flow, empty of lasting pleasure, void of self, is to find that which is stable and free of suffering, to find true peace in the world.

At that time I told myself that I didn't want to fall in love ever again. But that night while praying for your happiness Nana, I thought that despite all the wounds and all the pains it could cause I wanted to dream again, and love someone with all my heart.

Nana acts like a stray cat, wild, free, and proud.... ...But inside her heart, she houses a wound. Dense as I am, i thought that. This trait of hers was a part of her charm as well. ..but she never realized how much pain it brought her.... -Nana Komatsu

The truth is I always loved him. From the first time I saw him he was so great. But that time I was hurt. I might have been selfish but I was so hurt. I was afraid I would feel more pain. Now I remember every time I was with Shouji I felt better. You hugged me secretly with your heart, didn't you? Now I want you to embrace me with all that warmth, with all your strength.

In serving the wicked, expect no reward, and be thankful if you escape injury for your pains.