I rapidly learned about the land and its inhabitants. I was assigned a rigorous training program, for I was taught that one's success is measured by their power. All I did was train: all day, every day. From group training, to one-on-one drills with my master. I consumed more beef each day than a barbarian does in a week! Furthermore, I was sustained by intoxicants. The pipe became my best friend, as it kept my body going, and I turned to rice wine for the pain. I sat at the edge of my bed at night studying spell-scrolls, while my master bandaged my raw feet. "Drink deeply young one, for your training does not end until you are the most powerful spell-caster in the lands," he said as he poured more wine down my throat. And I woke each morning to resume my training. I grew quite powerful, indeed, very quickly.

I had lived just one Yuri in the kingdoms when my master was taken away. He was arrested for attempting to steal a flameblade in the marketplace. Also, it was discovered that his business was scamming people to get their expensive items. This was my master? The one I had learned everything from? As a healer, my morals were sound. I no longer wished to be powerful at all, or successful for that matter. I migrated to Koguryo.

It took a few days of wandering about the city for me to notice a Monk sitting under a tree. He spent most of each day meditating under his tree, absolutely content with life. I introduced myself to him and told him my story, and he became my new teacher. I was enthralled by his teachings of Buddhism. This is how I was first introduced to the eightfold path. This was my new life.

It was by a strange fate, that my teacher and I both developed troubled minds at the same time and for no apparent reason. I had already been out of contact with my teacher for some time when I suddenly felt the pull of the wilderness path. I had to get away. I traveled north, wandering aimlessly through the woods, until the first winter forced me to settle down.

I remained there, in complete isolation, for many more winters. My stay was uneventful for the most part (for another time perhaps). I spent my days admiring nature, practicing meditation, and practicing Right Livelihood. I had been taught the eightfold path, the path followed in the quest for inner peace and the cessation of suffering. I had made much progress in the path, and it was now the perfect time to master Right Livelihood.

Right Livelihood, to me, is separate from Right Actions, in that it doesn't involve individual actions and choices affecting karma. It is broader and involves your "livelihood" and business, practices, and who you are. But it is still important how it effects others, and all living things. Also important, is to stay along the middle path and to not veer towards the extremes.

Now I apply these rules to my life. Concerning my body: I have given up the pipe, wine, and all intoxicants. I don't consume more than I need to. I lived a minimalist life in the wilderness, but kept good nutrition. I eat and exercise enough to stay in good health. I no longer train excessively. In order to avoid excessive training, I now only do so when asked to. I have just recently returned to the kingdoms, and I remain neutral, with no permanent residence. I stay busy and productive, but spend much time meditating and I get plenty of sleep. My lifestyle doesn't directly harm other living things. My possessions are very modest, but aid me perfectly. I know better than to brag, and certainly to not take advantage of people! I don't have much to give, but I love to help people with whatever quest or path they may be on. I try to avoid desires, but rather to enjoy the things I have, such as each hot meal and each priceless nap. My lifestyle has helped me forget desires, and therefore has taken away much suffering.

I believe that, after much hard work and perseverance, I have experienced Right Livelihood. I have recorded this story so that you may please determine if I have, indeed, experienced it. Thank you so much for reading!

hiroshi