On a daily basis, Wan’s favorite pastime is pondering “Wan-sheng”—a concept that’s probably akin to the very definition of life itself: What did I do yesterday? What am I doing today? And what can I do tomorrow?

As a bowl, my bowl’s life is probably... It can bear anything—handle delicacies from mountains and seas as easily as it can swallow wild vegetables and coarse grains; it can hold centuries-old fine wines just as readily as it can drink plain, cool water.

Yesterday, today, and tomorrow—I’m always bearing the weight that people simply can’t afford to carry. My very purpose is to ensure that everyone can enjoy a good meal. Only when people have enough to eat and stay warm can they truly lead a fulfilling life.

Bowls inevitably get bumped and scratched, and cracks are bound to appear. People inevitably face setbacks and have flaws. Maybe you’ve just gone through a breakup, are struggling at work, or are going through a tough time—no matter what’s going on, please make sure you eat well. Only by taking good care of yourself will you have the energy to tackle even more challenges.

There’s nothing a bowl of rice can’t fix— if one bowl isn’t enough, have two! When you hit a setback, don’t give up on yourself. The harder the going gets, the more you must remind yourself: Your life will never let you down. Every wrong turn you’ve taken, every tear you’ve shed, and every drop of sweat you’ve poured—all of it has helped shape you into the one and only you.

When you have too many bowls, they’re bound to bump into each other, and cracks and chips are inevitable. Life is a long journey, and among the many people living in society, only those who learn to be inclusive and cultivate tolerance can coexist peacefully and work together harmoniously.

There’s no such thing as a perfectly flawless bowl, and certainly no such thing as a perfectly flawless life. While being true to yourself, you should also keep others in mind. This is a very profound kind of wisdom. It’s also a very noble virtue!

When you encounter trouble, try to see things from the other person’s perspective. By understanding others, you’ll no longer feel angry over their mistakes. Treat others with a tolerant heart and view all things with an open-minded and generous attitude. With this mindset, you’ll never get lost in the vast sea of humanity, and your life will become even happier and more fulfilling.

There’s no pain that a good meal can’t ease. Eat well, reflect deeply on your life’s journey, and you might just find hope and discover your path forward. Thinking carefully before taking action is the wisest approach. So please, start by enjoying a satisfying bowl of rice.

Life should be like a bowl—open and honest, with nothing hidden. Whether you fill it with golden beans or silver beans, the bowl merely serves to hold them for you. When you need them, it will return every single bean to you, without leaving a single one behind.