Ikigai (生き甲斐, lit. "reason for being") is a Japanese concept of an individual's definition of the meaning of one's own life [1]. It can be finding a sense of purpose in life [2, 3] as well as holding it as a source of motivation [4]. According to a study by Michiko Kumano, feeling ikigai as described in Japanese is usually the sense of accomplishment and fulfillment that follows when people pursue things they're passionate about [5]. Activities that generate the feeling of ikigai are spontaneous and undertaken willingly, not imposed on an individual, making them personal and dependent on a person's inner [6, 7, 8, 9] sense of an internal locus of control. According to Japanese psychologist Katsuya Inoue, the concept of ikigai consists of two aspects, "sources or objects that bring value or meaning to life" and "a feeling that one's life has value or meaning because of the existence of its source or object." He classifies ikigai into three categories: social, non-social, and anti-social ikigai... More
Kaizen(改善, "[micro] improvements") is a Japanese word that has been adopted outside of Japan as a concept that asserts that significant positive results may be achieved due to the cumulative effect of many small (even trivial) improvements. It is put into action by continuously improving. It is about consistency, not perfection. Kaizen also applies to processes, aiming to eliminate waste and redundancies. It may be referred to as zero investment improvement (ZII) due to its utilization of existing resources [2], a Japanese philosophy frequently applied to business operations. More
Hara hachi bu (腹八分目, actually hara hachi bun me) is a Confucianism-inspired [1] teaching that instructs people to eat in moderation -- only until they are 80 percent full [2], never 100%. The Japanese phrase translates to, "Eat until you are eight parts (out of ten) full" [2] or "belly 80 percent full" [3]. There is evidence that following this practice leads to a lower body mass index (BMI) and increased longevity, and it might even help to prevent dementia in the elderly. More
Ganbaru (頑張る, lit. "standing firm," Romanized gambaru) is a Japanese word that roughly means to slog on tenaciously through tough times [1]. The word is often translated as "doing one's best," but in practice, it means doing more than one's best [2]. The word emphasizes "working with perseverance" [3] or "toughing it out" [4]. Ganbaru means "to commit oneself fully to a task and to bring that task to [its culmination]" [5]. It can be translated as persistence, tenacity, doggedness, [hanging in there like a kitten on a motivational poster], and hard work. The term has a unique importance in Japanese culture [6]. More
Wabi-sabi ("the art of imperfection")? In traditional Japanese aesthetics, wabi-sabi (侘び寂び) centers on the acceptance of transience and imperfection [2]. It is often described as the appreciation of beauty that is "imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete" [3]. It is prevalent in many forms of Japanese art [4, 5]. Wabi-sabi combines two interrelated concepts, wabi (侘) and sabi (寂). According to the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, wabi may be translated as "subdued, austere beauty" and sabi as "rustic patina" [6]. Wabi-sabi derives from the Buddhist teaching of the Three Marks of Existence (三法印, sanbōin), which are impermanence (無常, mujō), disappointment (苦, ku), and not-self/emptiness, the impersonal nature of all things, devoid of self-nature (空, kū) [7]. Characteristics of wabi-sabi aesthetics and principles include asymmetry, roughness, ruggedness, simplicity, economy, austerity, modesty, intimacy, and the appreciation of natural objects and the forces of nature. More
The "secret" to gas prevention and elimination is proper food combining.: Eat the right things together, and do not mix foods that digest differently in the same meal. The "secret" to excellent vegan (plant-based) nutrition is food complementing. Wait a few hours for the complementary amino acids and nutrients. For example, as long as beans and rice (or amaranth, corn, sorghum, quinoa, or any grain) are eaten within 24 hours of each other, the body will get a complete protein. But if eaten together (a bad combination), the meal will result in poor digestion. Eat greens with all meals. Avoid sugars, heavy salting, or drinking while eating. Eat fruits (which are of two kinds, starchy and non-starchy) fresh, seasonal, and by themselves; they contain their own enzymes for digestion. Nuts mix well with beans for a complete protein if avoiding grains altogether, which is a good idea to avoid "grain damage" from gluten, gliadin, and other chemicals made by plants to protect themselves from being eaten. A full-spectrum vegan digestive enzyme is also good for strong digestion and for healing and repair after surgery or strenuous activity. The younger we are, the more we have the ability to make enzymes to break foods down with proper chewing and unstressed eating.
(Foodora Quest) Every bean explained: Some can feed nations, poison, change the way we eat
Like the sound of our mission or program? Then... ⤵️
👉 book a 1-1 discovery call to see if we can help you get healthy today: go.mattylansdown.com/book...
▶️
(The Daily Show) Jon Stewart says Trump throws Gatsby Halloween Party in Trump's Palace as SNAP funding is left to expire to increase food insecurity in America, Trump makes it rain on Argentina, bombs Venezuela, and threatens Nigeria, Africa.
CIA/Trump's War Plans for the Americas
(The Sun) Inside Trump's secret blueprint for full invasion [of an uncooperative nation state, being blamed for running a "gangster's paradise" when he's really a democratic ruler of Venezuela] | Battle Plans
Victoria's Secret Fashion Show is BACK to hot women after failed rebrand, with The Fifth Column
(Megyn Kelly) Oct. 16, 2025: Megyn Kelly is joined by [effeminate boy team] Kmele Foster, Michael Moynihan, and Matt Welch, hosts of "The Fifth Column," to discuss Victoria’s Secret’s failed rebrand with Megan Rapinoe, the company’s return to its original Fashion Show featuring “hot” models, and more.
Are you physically attractive? - That depends; whaddya mean by "physical attractiveness"? - It is the degree to which any person's physical features are considered beautiful, that is to say, aesthetically pleasing.
In that case, probably not. But who's to say really? - The term often implies sexual attractiveness or desirability. - In that case, definitely not. - But it can also be distinct from either. - Oh, tell me more.
The New Age of Sexism
There are many factors that influence one person's attraction to another, with physical aspects being only one of them [probably the most important one to males].
Physical attraction itself includes universal perceptions common to all human cultures such as facial symmetry [5], sociocultural dependent attributes, and personal preferences unique to a particular individual [6]. More
The case of South "K-Pop" Korea
Korean Beauty Expo, Vietnam: spreading mania
South Korean beauty standards have become a well-known feature of South Korean culture. In 2015, a global survey by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons placed South Korea in the Top Ten of countries who had the highest rate of cosmetic surgeries [1][2].
Korean beauty standards prioritize maintaining a youthful [even infantilized] appearance rather than looking mature.
A combination of clear skin, an even skin complexion, a slim V-shaped jawline, and pronounced puffy Aegyo-Sal (fatty, bag-like, deposits under the eye which are common in children and rare in adults) contribute to the desirable youthful aesthetic and personal presentation.
The increase in influence of South Korean media, such as K-pop, Korean dramas, and advertisements throughout South Korea presents this softer appearance to the public as the desirable norm.
Even in men, this softer and more androgynous appearance is preferred in both romantic interests and are shown more in media, as compared to men with traditionally masculine features.
A study from 2008 determined that 20 percent of young South Korean girls have undergone cosmetic surgery. This is significantly above the average rate in other countries [3].
A recent survey from Gallup Korea in 2015 determined that approximately one-third of South Korean women between 19 and 29 have admitted to have had plastic surgery [4]. More
Fortunately, we don't have these problems in the West, where everyone is treated on her or his own merits and judged by the contents of his or her character and inner beauty.
We have advanced to an Enlightened society, free of sexism, misogyny, homophobia, racism, ageism, influence of mass media, product sellers who make TV commercials, and other extraneous factors out of a person's control. If only the world would catch up to our advancements and example.
Standup comedienne Dawn Wong; BabyMetal "Gimme Chocolate"; I. Rony, CC Liu, Ananda (Dharma Buddhist Meditation), Wisdom Quarterly Wiki edit
Mardi Gras (lit. "Fat Tuesday" or Pancake Day) is a Christian holiday, celebrated mainly by the Catholic variety. It is a popular cultural phenomenon that dates back thousands of years to pagan European spring fertility rites.
Also known as Carnival like the cruise line, Carnaval in Brazil, and Karneval in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, it’s celebrated in many countries around the world — mainly those with large Roman Catholic populations — on the day before the religious fasting season of Lent begins.
Brazil (Rio), Italy (Venice), and North America (New Orleans) play host to some of the holiday’s most famous public festivities, drawing tens of thousands of tourists and revelers every year.
Holy ash (bhasma, vibhuti) ash is the sign that adorns the forehead of Hindus (and Catholics at the start of Lent). Used by Shaivites and the others used to mean God appearing as a supreme flame, now reduced to a cross or X. Naturally, this holy symbol was appropriated by the religion of "universalism" (catholic in its original meaning) for world conquest, which went around the planet taking all manner of symbols and customs, depositing them in Rome, putting them on display in the Vatican as a sign of worldwide conquest, and then celebrating them and imposing them on others like patriarchal and strictly hierarchal religion. India is also the source of the Holy Rosary (rudraksha), the 108 or 54 wooden bead mala used by meditators doing japa (repetition of a God's name, or mantra recitation, or a prayer to steady the mind). templesinindiainfo.com
Mardi Gras is traditionally celebrated on “Fat Tuesday,” the Tuesday before holy Ash Wednesday (the day Catholics get tilakas (forehead ashes) like good Hindus, and the start of Lent, when we fast and get tempted by Satan like Saint Issa (Jesus) did that time in the desert. So if we fast and behave well, the Devil will come to tempt us like he did in the Judean desert.
In many areas, however, Mardi Gras has evolved into a week-long festival of excess and debauchery.
Mardi Gras 2025 will fall on Tuesday.
That's March 4th this year, which is Gina Marie's birthday, when she marches fourth along with everyone else because she didn't march first, second, third, or so on.
Mardi Gras is a tradition that dates back thousands of years to pagan celebrations of spring and fertility, including the raucous Roman festivals of Saturnalia and Lupercalia.
When missionary Christianity arrived in Rome, religious leaders decided to appropriate and co-op these popular local pagan traditions into their new imperial faith, an easier task than trying to abolish them altogether.
If the authorities tried that, they would have to deal with religious revolts, Bacchanalian backlashes, violent uprisings, and widespread scofflaw celebrations alongside destruction of churches as seen in Norwegian black metal vandalism. It would be like trying to put an end to American tailgate parties and post-game riots and football hooliganism in the U.S.
As a result, the excess and debauchery of the Mardi Gras season became a prelude to Lent, the 40 days of fasting and penance (atonement for sin) between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday.
Along with Christianity, Mardi Gras spread from Rome to other European countries, including France, Germany, Spain, and England. More
Associated Press (video), March 3, 2025; History.com edited by recovering Catholics who became Buddhists at Wisdom Quarterly
Japanese Hotei (known in Chinese as Budai) is one of the Shichi Fukujin, or "Seven Shinto-Gods of Luck." He is the "god of happiness, laughter, and the wisdom of contentment" and the patron of the weak and of children, fortunetellers, and bartenders.
The term "Shinto" derives from the combination of two Chinese characters -- shin (神), which means "spirit" (kami, supernatural entities, possibly heavenly ETs coming to this dimension) or "god," and tō (道, tao), which means "way," "road," or "path" [45]. Shintō (神道) is therefore "the Way of the Gods" (or Spirits, the shapeshifting kami at the center of the priestly religion). It was a term already used in the I-Chingor Book of Changes, referring to the divine order of nature [46]. Around the time of the spread of Buddhism in the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE), the term was used to distinguish indigenous Chinese religions (shamanic or magic-based traditions) from the new imported religion. Ge Hong used it in his Baopuzi as a synonym for Taoism [47]. Shinto is animistic and polytheistic with priests who deal with the unruly shapeshifting monsters/gods known as the kami. The Chinese term 神道 (MCzyin daw) was originally adopted into Japanese as Jindō [48]; this was possibly first used as a Buddhist term to refer to non-Buddhist deities [49] or spirits. More
Budai points at the Moon
Hotei is distinguished by his [fat] body, which is of generous proportions with a round belly exposed beneath loose robes. This big jelly belly is a symbol of happiness, luck, and generosity.
On his back he carries a huge linen sack, containing candy, precious things, and gifts of good fortune, including children.
He also holds an uchiwa, a flat fan of Chinese origin used by ancient chieftains as an emblem of authority and wish granting.
Hotei may sit in an old cart drawn by boys, as the Wagon Priest, and can be compared with the BuddhisticMi-lo-Fo.
Chinese backstory
I am the big Friendly One. Here's some candy!
In Chinese Buddhism he is known as Budai, the "Loving or Friendly One." He was a wandering Chan Buddhistmonk who lived in the 9th century.
At his death between the years of 901 and 903, he recited a poem that revealed to the world that he was in fact the BodhisattvaMaitreya in disguise.
Maitreya, Chinese Mahayana Buddhists believe, is the Future Buddha, who will return to the world and bring innumerable individuals to realization (bodhi) and salvation (nirvana).
This concept of hope for all those who suffer, combined with Budai’s pleasing (always kind and smiling) human features, made him a most popular Buddhist deity (deva).
Good Luck Budai honored in Thailand
It was not until the 16th century that he was canonized as the sixteenth and last Chinese Bodhisattva.
According to Chinese legend he carried a sack of candy to give to children. He is sometimes worshiped as a god of good luck and prosperity.
He is always represented as very stout (fat), with breasts and upper abdomen exposed to view. His face has a widely grinning, joyful, or laughing expression, so he is also known loosely as "the Laughing Buddha" even though he is NOT a buddha.
[EDITOR'S NOTE: Even "Maitreya Buddha" is actually not yet a buddha as his name would suggest but rather a bodhisattva, that is, "a being striving to become a supreme buddha" (samma sam buddha) in the future.]
He stands in the first hall of Buddhist monasteries. Because of his constant good nature, he has become the symbol of philosophical contentment. Source
The Laughing Buddha Story | Joy of Enlightenment | Zen Buddhism
(Narrative Dreamscape) This short Zen story follows the tale of Hotei (Budai, Putai), a Chinese Buddhist monk who attains "enlightenment" [satori or kensho, an epiphany or spiritual realization] after hearing a child's laughter. He then wanders the land being called the "Laughing Buddha" [Bodhisattva], spreading joy and showing that enlightenment [a realization] can be found by embracing the humor and impermanence of life. This lighthearted and inspirational Zen tale reminds us not to take life too seriously but to greet each moment with childlike joy and presence. Let this [Fat Happy] Laughing Buddha story bring a smile to the face and warmth to the heart.
All materials on this site are submitted by editors and readers. All images, unless otherwise noted, were taken from the Internet and are assumed to be in the public domain.
In the event that there is still a problem, issue, or error with copyrighted material, the break of the copyright is unintentional and noncommercial, and the material will be removed immediately upon presented proof.
Contact us by submitting a comment marked "private."
Do not follow this journal if you are under vinaya or parental restrictions. Secure protection by Sucuri.
Wisdom Quarterly: American Buddhist Journal is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License. Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at creativecommons.org/about/licenses.
_et_apr%C3%A8s_(en_bas)_une_bl%C3%A9pharoplastie_d'Asie_de_l'Est.png)
