MANILA, Philippines?People who join competitions and tournaments often get disappointed when they don?t win. From a young age, people are told, ?Beat everyone, and go for the gold! Show them you?re the best. Make your family proud!?

Great sages don?t get disappointed. They?re aware of simple truths that make life peaceful and happy. Some insights:

?The body can perform extraordinary feats. But, what?s more valuable is what is in the heart and mind. Medals are often not given for reasons of sincerity, compassion and love.?

?People are born with limitations. Just do your best and be at peace with them.?

?We always struggle to be number one even when there?s already the Supreme Being who?s the best in all fields. Accept our subservience to him.?

?Medals give fleeting joy, just like a thrilling roller-coaster ride. It?s better to aim for higher gains that can?t be lost or tarnished!?

?In competition, you?re a hero today and a loser tomorrow. Everyone will end up losing because someone better and younger will eventually come along.?

Humility

?If winning boosts pride, it?s better to lose and, along the way, gain humility.?

?There?s no gain in beating others just as there?s no joy for someone to beat his brother or best friend. Brothers don?t relish beating each another.?

?A sage doesn?t think he belongs to one small family. He works for the good of all living beings. He sees the bigger picture.?

?There are no perfect players and judges, and perfect competitions don?t exist. So, there?s no reason to be frustrated if you don?t come out on top.?

?There?s another world where people work hard, not to become the No. 1 player, but to render loving service to the Supreme. In this place of happiness and fulfillment, there?s room for everyone!?

?In love, no award or rank is necessary. There?s only cooperation, not competition. There?s no frustration, just satisfaction.?

?Worldly honor and glory fade away. If you receive them, be ready to let them go. It?s always better to have lasting security!?