“Character is destiny.” 

While the above quote feels like something the Buddha might have said, it was actually articulated by the ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus. What is character? Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines character as “a composite of good moral qualities typically of moral excellence and firmness blended with resolution, self-discipline, high ethics, force, and judgment.”

If that’s character, then that’s what we too need to develop!

Character clearly rises above belief systems. For instance, it could well be what is referred to as the “good men and good women” we read of in the Amitabha Sutra.

With character, we will be honorable, disciplined, diligent. And wise. We will firmly set ourselves on a path that far surpasses the ones where we all too often meander habitually along—the path of self-centeredness and personal convenience.

With character, we will determine our destiny, a better future.

Not just for us, but for all those we care about, have cared about, and will care about in the future as well.