Live at the center of life

 　　During a casual chat at a friends' gathering, the topic of South Korea came up, instantly igniting a wave of excitement. Their faces and hearts shone with a sense of wonder and anticipation. The allure of Korean dramas, intertwined with childhood dreams, stirred a longing in their hearts, and they vowed to fulfill their aspirations in South Korea. This sight brought a sense of contentment and joy. In youth, one often yearns for distant lands, hoping to experience the unique landscapes of foreign countries. However, upon closer examination of the journeys of those who came before, we find that many who traversed mountains and rivers ultimately found their hearts still yearning for their homeland. The reasons for this are twofold: firstly, their homeland accompanies the joys and sorrows of their short lives, recording unforgettable family ties and footprints; secondly, perhaps it is the resilience of a heart hardened by trials that finally discovers that the romance of autumn leaves dancing in the air exists not only in distant scenic mountains and forests, but also subtly adorns every ordinary street and riverbank of their hometown.

　　A thousand rivers reflect a thousand moons; scenery is interconnected, and so are people. In youth, we always felt that great people were only a distant dream, idols unattainable. But as the years passed, we suddenly realized that beneath the halo, humanity is inherently interconnected. The traces of those people and their character could be found within a few steps. What we once yearned for was more the radiance and fame floating above beauty. Confucius said, "Is benevolence far away? If I desire benevolence, it is at hand." Although we may be far from the fame and glamour of others, we are very close to the kindness, wisdom, and beauty beneath that fame.
　　In our search for happiness, caught up in the relentless tide of materialism, we discover that in the ordinary streets and alleys, there are people who are genuinely happy. Perhaps it's just a glimpse of our children's innocent charm amidst a busy day, or a smile exchanged with a familiar face on an ordinary day; in our search for success, we often look to the triumphant airs of the wealthy and powerful, frequently ignoring the lifelong dedication and unwavering kindness and love of our parents and teachers, who successfully influenced our character and provided us with a lifelong, inheritable strength and energy. In our pursuit of kindness and wisdom, we often cast our admiring gaze upon those great figures at the forefront of history, yet we can find the selfless love, fearless courage, and indifference to fame found in these individuals in our daily lives. Numerous biographies and records also reveal that many great figures were once ordinary, approachable people in our lives. In the long journey of life, when will we suddenly realize, "Looking back, I find that person in the dim light"?
　　The Analects of Confucius states: "In a town of ten households, there must be someone loyal and trustworthy. " The *Shu Er* chapter states, "When three people walk together, one of them will be my teacher." The ancients said, "Within ten steps, there will be fragrant grass." Su Shi also lamented, "Where on earth is there no fragrant grass?" Along the way, we discover that loyalty, teachers, and fragrant grass are not far away. The differences in human nature are not fundamentally different; an individual's height is the height of humanity, an individual's depth is the depth of humanity, and an individual's suffering and achievements are humanity's suffering and achievements. Every ordinary life, while fulfilling itself, also bears the journey and mission of humanity. Looking back and forward, the course of life often has similar and interconnected points, and the understanding of human nature often shows striking similarities. Seeing a single falling leaf tells us that autumn has arrived. Unconsciously, every leaf and every person is at the center of life, experiencing the nourishment of its source. Legend says that Buddha incarnated in billions; perhaps each of us is a perfect embodiment of the source of life.
　　Those who are self-aware find complete fulfillment in this moment, in this place, in this environment, and in this feeling.