Polishing the Mirror.

There are times in our life when we are reluctant to face new challenges because our mind has become so full of doubt, finding our inner potential becomes difficult. Nichiren Dishonin used the analogy of a mirror to explain how we can dispel our illusion and replace it with new awareness.

"When deluded, one is called an ordinary being, but when enlightened, one is called a Buddha. This is similar to a tarnished mirror that will shine like a jewel when polished. A mind clouded by the illusions of innate darkness of life is like a tarnished mirror, but when polished, it is sure to become like a clear mirror, reflecting the essential nature of all phenomena and the true aspect of reality. Arouse deep faith, and diligently polish your mirror day and night"

There is no difference between a Buddha and an ordinary being because of our inate Buddha nature, therefore we all have the ability to change our lives and some times it only needs small changes to change the negative into the positive.

Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter

I am not sure how many I have seen this film but every time I see it, it is like seeing the film for the first time. Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter follows the story of two Buddhist monks, a Master and his young student who live in a small temple that floats on a lake in the mountains some where in Korea surrounded by a forest. The monks have to row ashore in a boat and seem to spend most of their time roaming through the forest collecting herbs for medicine, observing nature and learning deep and meaningful lessons about life.



The seasons are analogous to the different stages we pass through as we grow. In springtime the young monk is a 5-year-old boy growing up and discovering the world. The summer represents the teenager discovering latent sexual urges. Autumn represents the 30 year old man having committed murder and in trouble with the law. Winter our man is in his mid-life whose innocence has been corrupted. After paying for his sins over the course of many years, the monk finds inner peace and is reborn.


The film is superbly shot and the scenery stunning complemented by a very moving soundtrack the combination make this film a joy to watch, and its story is rich with messages about forgiveness and inner peace.



The Film Stars:
Oh Young-Su,
Lom Ki-Duk,
Kim Young-Min,
Seo Jae-Kyunc,
Ha Yeo-Jin

And is directed by:
Kim Ki-Duk

Sony distributed the film and there is an exclent website at:

• http://www.sonyclassics.com/spring/