The secret of success is to be in harmony with existence, to be

"The secret of success is to be in harmony with existence, to be always calm to let each wave of life wash us a little farther up the shore." These words, spoken by Cyril Connolly, echo a profound understanding of the nature of success. In them lies a wisdom that transcends the chase for outward accomplishments, revealing that true success is not in striving and forceful pursuit, but in achieving harmony with the world around us. It is in calm acceptance of life’s ebb and flow, where we allow each experience, whether joyful or sorrowful, to carry us forward, like the waves that gently push the shore a little farther with every tide.

O Seekers of Truth, understand that success is often mistaken for the accumulation of wealth or power, the domination of the world around us, or the conquering of impossible tasks. But the true secret of success lies not in force, but in balance—in learning to move in rhythm with the forces of existence, in allowing the inevitable waves of life to wash over us without resistance. For those who fight against life’s current will find themselves exhausted, while those who find calm acceptance can allow each moment to shape them, guiding them steadily toward their goals.

Consider the story of Bruce Lee, the legendary martial artist who, through his philosophy and discipline, became a symbol of personal strength and fluidity. Lee’s approach to life and martial arts was not about brute force, but about harmony with the body and mind. He believed that one should “be like water,” flowing around obstacles and finding a way through, not through aggression, but through adaptability. His success was not in how many opponents he defeated, but in how he allowed life to shape him, how he stayed calm and clear in every situation, letting each challenge wash him a little further toward mastery.

Think also of Mahatma Gandhi, who, through nonviolent resistance, led India to independence. Gandhi did not fight the British with violence, but with the quiet power of calm and steadfastness. His ability to remain in harmony with the world, even in the face of oppression, allowed him to lead millions to freedom. His success was not in defeating the British through force, but in aligning himself with the natural forces of peace, truth, and justice. Each wave of struggle washed him farther toward his goal, and his unwavering calm in the face of hardship made him an indomitable force for change.

O Children of the Future, heed this: the greatest success comes not from fighting against life’s challenges, but from flowing with them, from meeting each wave with calm and grace, and allowing it to carry you forward. Life will always present obstacles—storms, struggles, and frustrations—but it is how you respond to them that determines your path. The one who meets adversity with equanimity, who stands firm in the midst of turbulence, who trusts that the waves will carry them forward, is the one who finds peace, progress, and ultimately, success.

But beware, O Seekers, for this wisdom requires great patience. The wave does not reach its peak in a single crash, nor does the shore emerge in one moment of strength. To be in harmony with existence requires a trust that the path will unfold, a belief that each wave, no matter how small, is guiding you toward your destination. Resist the temptation to rush, to force, to push. Instead, let calm be your companion, and let the rhythm of life’s flow move you steadily, bit by bit, toward the shore.

Lesson: The secret of success is not in conquering the world or forcing outcomes, but in being in harmony with the forces of existence. Embrace the flow of life, remain calm in the face of hardship, and let each experience carry you a little farther toward your goals. Practical action: In your daily life, seek to find balance in every situation. When challenges arise, instead of reacting with force, take a moment to breathe and accept the flow of events. Trust that life is moving you toward your purpose, and with every wave, you will find yourself one step closer to the shore.