Every phenomenon we can observe has a cause and is not eternally unchanging. Not knowing the cause does not mean it doesn't exist. If it were uncaused, then that would pose a problem because we wouldn't know how to eliminate it, as it wouldn't establish a causal relationship. If it were eternally unchanging, that would also be problematic because by the time you perceive it, your association with it has already become an eternal part, making it impossible to escape. In reality, there is no such thing as "without reason" or "eternally unchanging." Our lives will eventually pass away, and anything you perceive as "eternally unchanging" ceases to exist for you. From your perspective, there is no longer anything "eternally unchanging." Any connection you perceive as "without reason" cannot be re-established once you pass away. Therefore, in reality, this "without reason" is precisely due to your existence.
Thus, emotions are the result of value judgments, and negative emotions are the result of extreme value judgments. Faced with all phenomena, since they neither arise without reason nor remain eternally unchanging, we must ultimately rely purely on logic, which supports their existence based on various conditions. This is the underlying logic behind managing emotions: all phenomena exist temporarily depending on various conditional factors. This is the principle of "emptiness" - nothing possesses an inherent, eternal attribute worth clinging to; all existence is temporarily manifested, it comes in and eventually will go away.
Facing what "I like," one should think objectively and rationally:
Is it a genuine need of mine, or just an impulse driven by emotions?
What objective conditions are necessary for me to obtain it, and do I possess them?
Since it's "not eternally unchanging," I will eventually lose it. Essentially, I cannot truly obtain anything, not even my life. Therefore, life should not be wasted on negative emotions such as "desire but not obtaining" and "worrying about gains and losses."
Facing what "I don't like," one should think as follows:
It didn't appear without a reason.
The causes I create now may lead to even more dreadful situations in the future.
I should correct my current unfavorable behavior, maintain a positive and optimistic attitude, and cultivate various conducive conditions. There is no need to worry excessively about gains and losses.
When we combine these thoughts with Zen Meditation, you will notice that your emotional impulses weaken. You will begin to observe your mind's value judgments towards things objectively and rationally. By persisting with this practice, you will attain genuine inner peace and joy.
When you plant a garden, butterflies will come. When you reclaim a wasteland, the food you need will come. See that? What you need to do is to rationally dominate Karma, not blindly following the emotions.
You dominate Karma, you dominate your mind, you dominate your emotions.
