Life is not about living in the past which is but a memory; nor is it about living in the future, which only exists in our dreams. We can only grasp the opportunities of the present, and become masters of our own destiny.

As each of us journey through life, we all play different roles at different stages; sometimes as the lead, sometimes as support; and at times just as a spectator. As we develop spiritually, and if we desire to chart the direction of our future, we must take charge of our lives and be the master of our destiny. We then become our own master. If we let fate control our lives, we become its servant.

On our long journey in life, we must seize the appropriate moment to play our role of either master or servant to enable us to perform with great enthusiasm and splendid competency. "To be of service to others is the ultimate vision in one's life" or "To be able to help others is the essence of joy". This also means that "I am for others and others are for me" should characterise all interpersonal relationships. It is imperative that we possess this spirit of service to others with a caring attitude towards their needs. We must know how to aptly match our role in relation to others, at times needing to play the role of servant. This is similar to two people performing a Lion dance. One must be the Lion's head while the other its tail, both of which must move in a well-coordinated manner. Similarly, the master-servant relationship must be  played well  in one's  life to achieve excellence.

Let the pure heart becomes one's true master

In life, being of service to others would still be insufficient; we must know how to be the master of our intellect. Although the auto-pilot is able to plot the correct direction of the aircraft, without the teamwork of the pilot and co-pilot, the plane would still not arrive at its destination. Likewise, if we just play the role of a servant, we may forget that we must also be the master of our destiny. And if we lack strength, wisdom, and direction of a master, we may become disoriented

A virtuous heart is a master; a sinful heart, a servant. The master deploys the servant to carry out benevolent actions. If the roles are reversed and the servant acts as the master, then the master becomes subjugated by the servant and "The sinful is deemed virtuous". Therefore the heart must neither be perverted nor be influenced by circumstances. During good times, one must not be intoxicated by the trappings of success. Similarly, during times of adversity, one must not assume the depressive gloom of despair. We should enjoy the privilege of success, but not be overwhelmed with mindless uncontrolled ambition. If we are able to do such, then the master reigns over the servant. We must learn to moderate ourselves in an appropriate manner: "At times when the heart seems affected, it must remain steadfast and not succumb to enticements." When the moment of challenge has passed, things would return to normal, thus the saying: "When the front foot moves forward, the back foot is lifted." Let a virtuous heart become one's true master.

The mind is truly the master of the body

The mind is the master; the circumstances, the servant. If the mind is not affected by the circumstances, then it reigns over the servant. On the other hand, if the mind is manipulated by the circumstances, then the servant dominates the master. Once we understand the master-servant relationship, we must either "let the mind control the circumstances" or "let the circumstances control the mind"- comprehend this with distinct clarity. We must therefore clearly understand the interchange of the master-servant role. This is similar to taking a mobile phone with the capability of roaming overseas. It automatically selects the appropriate frequency to function smoothly without our intervention.

The mind is the master; the body its servant. If this servant, in its youthful vigour and exuberance, is without a decisive direction from its master, then it can only result in an unsatisfactory outcome. The master must possess the necessary capability and wisdom to command the servant, even though the latter may be weak and incapable. So long as the master has the resoluteness and wisdom needed, the family will still be kept whole and in order. The mind and body are the members which make up the family. If there is disunity within the family, then it could be expected that the external circumstances like the community would similarly be chaotic. Our achievements at work and at home are made possible with the smooth and orderly workings of the family. With this, the master of the family which is our mind, must be constantly maintained in its optimum condition. As such, the mind can effectively control the body, keeping speech and movement in harmony. The mind is truly the master of the body.

Utilise gossips to our advantage and benefit

"The body conforms not to the mind" means that the body refuses to allow the mind to be its master. It's as though that the Lion's head is unable to control its tail. As such, the resultant effect would be anarchy and chaos. This is akin to a lighthouse without a beacon, or a body bereft of spirit. The interchange of the master-servant role can leave our lives in a quandary, regrettably. When mind and body act as one, then there is harmony. The mind and body relationship allows the master and servant role to complement each other. Consequently, it makes possible to live a life of ease and propriety.