Illustration by Miki Howenstein
​                                                         (From page 146 of the book “Jumbo Jumble”)
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…….. The exploration of different paths in moving towards these universal ideals in such a multi-cultural world can be frustrating and stressful. Yet, when you approach the search with a sense of curiosity, and share your ideas and learn from others, you are humbled by your own ignorance of the diverse ways of life around the world, which can also be a source of great delight. And, in the process, you become much wiser towards learning new ways of living in unity that you might have never before considered.

Author’s Comment: Belief in a set of universal ideals which are held by humanity as a whole provides a foundation for the believer on which to build her life. Yet, understanding that these ideals often are colliding with each other can lead her to see how others balance these conflicting ideals and search out ways to best harmonize them in her own life. This never-ending struggle may, at times, be difficult to carry out, yet living more and more in accord with these ideals blesses her with a sense of confidence and integrity which is a shining light to those around her. 

                                                                            Illustration by Miki Howenstein
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……. Both within the self as well as in the physical world, the opposite of non-violence, i.e. violence, diffuses bitterness and creates a threatening environment that necessitates an aggressive spirit. It drives living beings (or the variant aspects of the self) apart, and is most often caused by the lack of empowerment ... 
(From page 114 of the book “Jumbo Jumble”)

Author’s Comment: When violence is seen as the result of a lack of empowerment and, let me add, an infringement on people’s dignity, we can see that empowering and respecting others is something any of us can do in our everyday lives to create a more non-violent environment. The violence being perpetrated by countries and militaries around the world, and the fear being instilled by authoritarian figures seeking to increase their power can make you feel overwhelmed, but creating more nourishing relationships (through empowering & showing respect) and, thereby, a more peaceful community makes you an agent for peace, much needed in today’s world.

                                                                             Illustration by Miki Howenstein
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……. These reflections help in developing more sensitivity to yourself and others, realizing that all of us are doing what makes sense to us, based on our unique pasts and personalities. And in becoming so, you discover the true enrichment of your own spirit and the world around you by the power of love..….　(From page 80 of the book “Jumbo Jumble”)

Author’s Comment: Understanding your own story, and the reasons that you do what you do is key to loving yourself. And doing the same for others, listening to how they came to be who they are, will grant you an understanding which can grow into love. This isn’t to say you will agree with what he is doing, but it does allow you to see that he has a reason for acting as he does. Then, by putting yourself in his shoes, you can feel your spirit expand and a seed of love for him, however, small, has been planted. 

                                                                          Illustration by Miki Howenstein
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……. Being more consciously aware of the good things around you, and the countless miracles of this mystery called life, can only make you feel mesmerized with this magical place called Earth…. (From page 52 of the book “Jumbo Jumble”)

​Author’s Comment: Regularly appreciating for the countless miracles, seen and unseen, which surround our everyday existence (the gift of breath, the teeming life in the soil which makes our existence possible and on and on)  instills your life with an inner joy. Granted that in times of trouble and sickness, this is harder to do, but in “normal” times, during your so-called mundane existence, reflecting on these wonders of life on Earth nourishes your bodily temple and, in turn, that inner light shines on those around you.

                                                                          Illustration by Miki Howenstein

……. This kind of self-reflection is the beginning of the most significant education of your life. In coming to know yourself (understanding how your past has brought you to this point and what is beneficial for you to keep and what is best to discard), you can subsequently move towards what you wish to learn outside of yourself—specifically, the things which actually peak your interest and excite you to learn. When education becomes enjoyable, you naturally wish to continue with it progressively.  (From page 18 of the book “Jumbo Jumble”)
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Author’s Comment: Schools are thought of as the main centers of education. However, the most important, meaningful (for life) education comes from self-reflection and living out what is learned therein. Knowing your true self takes a lot of time and discipline and, when done correctly, can bring you a lifetime of contentment and excitement in learning more about your deepest passions.

                                                                                Illustration by Miki Howenstein

​….. When you become confident that you can bring your deep-down desires to life, your whole being shines bright and beckons others to do the same.  (From page 378 of the book “Jumbo Jumble”)
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Author’s Comment: The first 11 months of the book (Jumbo Jumble) takes the reader through a search to realize her deep-down desires (not to be confused with ephemeral desires) and develop a confidence to fulfill them, to the betterment of herself and the living beings around her. This is truly THE JAMBO SPIRIT, and fits in well with the spirit of this incredible season. HAPPY HOLIDAYS wherever you may be!

                                                                 Illustration by Miki Howenstein

…….. When you take action, your hopes become embodied in physical reality. While fear has often bound you in the past, you now find that the best remedy to fear is to take action. There are bound to be failures along the way, yet each failure simply points to other ways that may bring success. (From page 346 of the book “Jumbo Jumble”)
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Author’s Comment: Many of us get inundated with information through the news, social media, TV, commercials, etc. This often causes our spiritual condition to be jerked about uncontrollably since we have little if any capacity to influence these people, companies, and events. It is only through action that our spirits are appeased and we can feel that we are making a difference in our own lives and beyond. Without action, we drown under the never-ending waves of life, but with action, our hopes become embodied and rise to the surface, becoming a life raft  for ourselves and others.

                                                                           Illustration by Miki Howenstein 

​…….. A primary ingredient towards building a better future is faith (and hope), strengthened with a sincere belief that such a future is possible. Such hope can be nurtured by moving towards a higher version of yourself by doing good works and being open to life in all its forms. Faith is cultivated through a consistent effort to move towards others striving to do the same, while being constantly on guard against ideas, people, and actions which destroy your faith…….(From page 312 of the book “Jumbo Jumble”)
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Author’s Comment: To be most effective, HOPE IN A BETTER FUTURE MUST BE EMPOWERED WITH ACTION, AND ACTION MUST BE INSTILLED WITH HOPE. As you build your faith, put it into practice and feel it grow and energize you. Otherwise, it remains as a dormant seed which isn’t nourished, and eventually loses all potential of beautifying the world. Ask yourself “How can I beautify the world?” And do it!

                                                             Illustration by Miki Howenstein 

What is this mystery called life? Most often, it is defined as all things having the spirit of breath and carrying out continuous processes whereby they relate to the outside world through giving and taking therefrom—in other words, all animals (humans included) and plants that constitute nature. In this sense, spirit and nature are one and the same..,…. (From page 284 of the book “Jumbo Jumble”)

​Author’s Comment: How fortunate we are to be granted this mysterious treasure called life! And how unfortunate that many of our fellow creatures (human and other) endure such deep suffering that they are unable to appreciate this incredible miracle. There is no greater gift you can give than to create conditions which reduce suffering while increasing the joy of being alive. And this is one of the missions of JAMBO.

                                                                                  Illustrated by Miki Howenstein

​…… It is believed by some that they must reach perfection before acting. RUBBISH! Not only does this never happen, but such a belief leads to making the perfect become the enemy of the good.,…. (From page 246 of the book “Jumbo Jumble”)
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Author’s Comment: As an English teacher in Japan, I find that many Japanese want to be confident in saying something (in English) perfectly before making the attempt to speak. I often share this true story. When I first came to Japan, I went to a social dance with several “respected elders.” I’d learned the word for “exercise” in Japanese (un-doe) and wanted to show off during the dance, saying “This is good exercise.” However, I accidentally said “This is good POOP.” (The word for poop is un-koe). Strangely, this connected me more to the good folk around me, as they came to realize if it’s OK for a teacher to make such a faux pas, it’s OK for them to do so too. Simply do what you can with as much integrity as possible, and move on.