What does “surpass your limits” encourage?

‘Surpass your limits’ encourages us not to decide immediately, when we encounter a difficulty, that this is as far as we can go. Are we still willing to learn, train and take another step forward? I like the phrase because it encourages people to keep looking for opportunities to break through.

When discussing Black Clover, we mentioned a scene in which members face an opponent far stronger than themselves. Their captain reminds them that there is only one way forward: to surpass their own limits. It is like having an ability level of ten while the opponent is at one hundred. Even when we see that gap, we still need to think about how to improve. The scene in this anime expresses determination in the face of difficulty very powerfully.

Spiritual practice also means continually learning and progressing. I have shared the direction Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva taught me: focus on moving forward rather than continually being delayed by other people and circumstances. If all our attention goes to the people and things obstructing us, we stop advancing and may even decline. So this phrase also reminds me to put my efforts into progress.

This progress includes developing a broader outlook. When I speak of moving toward a state ‘beyond the human,’ I mean that we should not stay confined to people’s short-sighted concern for immediate gain. From a higher position with a clearer view, we may judge fears and troubles differently. Spiritual practice should develop both our abilities and our perspective on things.

Continuing forward also requires taking good care of ourselves. I used to work throughout the year without stopping. As I grew older, I truly found it too exhausting and arranged regular rest. In my own experience, meditation, scripture recitation, spirit movement and exercises can all nurture energy. Sleep is also a very good way. Caring for ourselves gives us the strength to continue our work.

In a special recording for listeners, I also used ‘surpass your limits’ to encourage people not to abandon hope before reaching the end. However, this is meant to help us find strength. It does not mean promising other people that we can definitely do something when we clearly do not know how.

I have also reminded people that, when we cannot do something, we should clearly explain why instead of taking it on regardless. If we do not yet understand a situation, we can ask others and learn about it before acting. Willingness to make a breakthrough and an honest recognition of our present ability can go together.

Sometimes we are afraid because we do not yet understand something or lack the ability. Surpassing ourselves then means first understanding what frightens us, then finding ways to learn and practise so that we gradually gain strength where we previously could not manage. In the same discussion, I also said that people need sleep and need to care for their health. There is nothing wrong with recognising those needs. Do not call out ‘surpass your limits’ while denying yourself all the care you truly need. With strength, we are better able to move forward.