Good Luck Or Bad Luck?

Last week, our People Matters team was in Japan just as the cherry blossoms started to bloom. On our last day, in the heart of Tokyo, nestled within the bustling streets of Asakusa, we visited the ancient Senso-ji Temple, a beacon of tradition and culture amidst the modern cityscape. This temple, renowned for its rich history and spiritual significance, offers visitors a unique glimpse into Japan's past and a chance to engage in one of its most intriguing traditions: the drawing of omikuji, or fortune slips.

The ritual of omikuji at Senso-ji is both fascinating and mysterious, beckoning travelers from around the globe to try their luck. As you approach the temple, amidst the devout and the curious, you find a small, unassuming stall filled with wooden boxes. Each box contains a myriad of sticks, each bearing a symbol. You shake the box, allowing the sticks to clatter and dance, until one makes its way into your hands. This symbol corresponds to a drawer, within which lies your fortune.

Imagine the anticipation as you open that drawer, the world around you pausing for just a moment. As my colleagues are looking at me in anticipation. I unfolded the paper, eyes scanning the characters, and there it was: "Daikichi" - great, good luck. A wave of exhilaration washes over you, but then you pause, pondering, "What does this truly mean?"

What does "good luck" even mean? This moment of reflection brings to mind the age-old Chinese parable of the farmer and his ever-changing fortunes, a story that teaches us the impermanence and duality of luck. The farmer's story, with its twists and turns of fate, mirrors the unpredictability of life itself, reminding us that what we perceive as good or bad luck is often just a matter of perspective.

Similarly, the children's storybook "Mala suerte o buena suerte" ("Bad Luck or Good Luck"), that we use to read to our children when they were small, about Rita's seemingly unfortunate day missing a zoo trip, only to discover that sometimes, what seems like misfortune can lead to unexpected happiness. The fairy Menta shows Rita, and us, that luck is not always what it seems at first glance.

And then there's the wise Master Oogway from "Kung Fu Panda," with his profound understanding that "There is no such thing as good luck or bad luck," except, humorously conceding, in the case of Tai Lung's escape. His wisdom echoes through the film, challenging the notion of luck and encouraging a deeper understanding of fate and self-determination.

These stories, each in their own way, teach us about the paradoxical nature of luck. They invite us to see beyond the immediate, to question our quick judgments of good and bad, and to find the hidden gifts within our experiences. Viktor E. Frankl's profound insight from "Man's Search for Meaning" takes this understanding even deeper, highlighting the ultimate freedom we possess: the ability to choose our attitude in any set of circumstances.

“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of human freedoms — to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” Viktor E. Frankl

Drawing an omikuji and receiving a fortune of great good luck is a moment of joy, but it's the journey of reflection that follows that offers the true treasure. It's a reminder that acceptance of what lies beyond our control, awareness of our emotional responses, and the freedom to choose our next step, always.

In the end, the ritual of omikuji at Senso-ji Temple becomes more than just a quest for fortune; it's a gateway to deeper wisdom, compassion and courage.?

And before we wrap up this exploration of luck's paradox, I have one more invitation for you!

Share your story, a moment that initially seemed like a stroke of bad luck, a setback, or a disappointment. But now, as you look back, you see it as a gift, a turning point that brought unexpected blessings or lessons into your life.

How did this experience change you? What did it teach you about resilience, perspective, gratitude or compassion? Looking forward to your stories!?