Ilchi Lee Images & Peace Quotes

Filmmakers who have been active for a long time often display a personal development over their entire body of work, where fans can chart an evolution in how they see and perceive the world. That's definitely true of the filmmaker, writer and actor Woody Allen, one of Hollywood's most prolific directors.

Ilchi Lee says "What life story will you write today? We make a new chapter every day. When you know that you are writer, director, and lead character, true creation begins." The celebrated creator of Dahn Yoga is speaking figuratively, but one could say that this literally applies to Allen. He is one of the rare figures in Hollywood to step both behind and in front of the camera, a trait that makes his films intensely personal.

A great example is his 1976 film Annie Hall, generally regarded as a modern masterpiece. The film – written, directed and starring Allen – chronicles the relationship between himself and Annie Hall (Diane Keaton). Making the film even more personal is the fact Allen and Keaton were actually in a relationship for several years before the film was made.

Over the years, Allen would go on to chronicle his thoughts and ideas in a wealth of other movies, working at a blistering pace and sometimes releasing multiple films per year. Sometimes Allen himself acts in the film, while other times he enlists others to play the "Woody" role – notable actors such as John Cusack, Kenneth Branagh, and Larry David. While not all the films are winners, one thing is for sure – watching these films is a perfect way to gain insight into one of the funniest and sharpest minds in Hollywood.
 

In the history of film, perhaps no group of characters has personified the mind-body-spirit balance than the Jedi knights of Star Wars. These holistic and spiritual warriors go on adventures across the galaxy, but it's their personal philosophy that resonates with many filmgoers today.

In many ways, things said by the wise Jedi masters of the film correspond with some of Ilchi Lee's teachings. For example, Yoda warns about fear, anger and hate as being tools of the "dark side of the Force." Compare that with Ilchi Lee's own teachings: "Negative thoughts and emotions such as sorrow, anger, hatred and resentment are all illusion. They are just information without essence."

There are other similarities as well. Much of the flashy combat in the movies comes from the Jedi's training in martial arts. Yet they also engage in meditation and growth as they explore the varied worlds of the Star Wars setting. In the original trilogy, Obi-Wan Kenobi is presented as a wise old master who is completely in tune with his own spirit. The prequels show Kenobi as a young man – and moviegoers can definitely see that he grew as a person over time.

Overall, the Star Wars series is a great way to experience science fiction with a healthy dose of philosophy. Those who haven't seen them should start with the original trilogy, then move on to the prequels if they so choose.

Ilchi Lee believes that health is the key to living a full and rounded life, but that sometimes our mental and physical limitations can get in the way. He often discusses the importance of letting go of these aspects of existence.

"All your worries, concerns and diseases are simply what you're holding on to. Until you let go of them, they can't disappear," he says. "If you have difficult emotions or memories, let go of them right now. Lighten yourself by cutting the root thoroughly with one stroke."

This theme is readily apparent in the 2002 romantic film, A Walk To Remember, which is based on the 1999 novel by Nicholas Sparks. It starts by matching bad boy Landon Carter (Shane West) with a more traditional girl, Jamie Sullivan (Mandy Moore), in an afterschool drama club. They slowly fall for one another, and it's revealed that Sullivan is suffering from terminal leukemia.

Despite this, Sullivan lives her life to the fullest. Carter and she marry, which was Sullivan's number one wish, and then she passes away – leaving a mark on Carter that has transformed him forever.  

When things get difficult in life, many people have a tendency to simply act like nothing is wrong. By avoiding their problems, they think that they will go away. However, Ilchi Lee says that there are few better ways to address an issue in life than attacking it head on.

"When facing a challenge, just face it and do it, trusting in the infinite power of life moving vibrantly through you," he said. "Expand your limitations infinitely!"

By addressing life problems forthrightly and honestly, a person may experience many benefits. First of all, it makes it easier to deal with the issue. However, the reasons for approaching problems this way go deeper. An active approach to challenges can be inspiring and help an individual to see their path for positive personal development.

When action is taken, it can build confidence and make a person see that they are capable of handling challenges that life presents them with. Therefore, problems that arise in life should be considered opportunities rather than hindrances. This approach can lead to satisfaction and fulfillment.
 

Ilchi Lee believes that brain education is especially important for people who are trying to find their way in life and that over-analyzing things can often make it harder to grow. 

"Live only in this present moment, and then every moment becomes a new beginning and opportunity," Lee often says. "Live now, right this moment."

Jeff Kinney's 2007 book Diary Of A Wimpy Kid communicates a similar ideal, because it details the story of Gregory Heffley as he enters his first year of middle school and frantically tries to fit into the right crowd, but ends up almost losing his only friend due to his constant over-thinking.

The conflict begins when Heffley tries to draw a comic for the school newspaper, but loses faith in it and lets his friend, Rowley, complete the strip instead. It becomes a success and instantly garners Rowley some fame around the school, but he doesn't give Heffley any credit for the work.

"Kinney does a masterful job of making the mundane life of boys on the brink of adolescence hilarious. Greg is a conflicted soul: he wants to do the right thing, but the constant quest for status and girls seems to undermine his every effort," writes reviewer Kim Dare of Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia.  

Ilchi Lee believes that peace is for everyone to open up their heart to the people around them. One who is at peace can then help others through volunteering and support. 

"Those who know how to comfort themselves can comfort others, and their heart is big enough to comfort the world," he tells his supporters.

Karen Perkins of Carthage, Missouri, is a woman whose "second family" embodied this principle wholeheartedly. When Perkins was diagnosed with breast cancer, she credits other survivors for helping her through the difficult time, and ultimately beating the disease, according to The Carthage Press.

She has now been clear of the condition for seven years thanks to repeated rounds of chemotherapy and the continuing support of both her family and fellow cancer survivors, who often provided Perkins with guidance and advice when she was feeling lost.

"When you have cancer it is like you join another family," she told the publication. "You find [fellow survivors] every day. They know what you're talking about."

Every year, more than 192,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with breast cancer. It is the second-leading cause of cancer-related death.  

It may seem paradoxical, but author and philosopher Ilchi Lee says that a person's weaknesses may also be a source of strength for them. He says that through admitting frailty and limits, individuals may be able to experience spiritual growth that brings greater fulfillment to their lives.

"To grow through your faults, don't hide or make excuses. Face your weaknesses and move forward," Lee said. "Don't lament your weaknesses. Make those the places where you grow your strength."

The most important of admitting weakness may be to remember the importance of moving on afterward. Too often individuals find faults with themselves and are never able to see past these. However, this habitual thought process can be destructive and may stand in the way of an individual's spiritual growth.

Rather than brooding on faults, people should identify weaknesses, put in an effort to change these characteristics and move forward with their lives. This is the most productive way that a person can use their faults as a springboard for growth without getting bogged down in a cycle of self-loathing.
 

It is often hard to know one's true self, and this problem can sometimes lead to doubts and mistakes in life. Motivational stories can sometimes inspire others to search themselves – which Ilchi Lee says is the key to becoming a better person. 

"To know the brain is to know oneself, and to understand the essence of life," Lee tells his supporters. "Without knowledge of your brain, you cannot truly know yourself or your life."

Some people who have endured additional hardships can acquire knowledge at an early age and use it to break through barriers in their daily lives. Such is the case of 17-year-old Marisa Mccray, who lost the use of her legs in a sledding accident when she was 11, according to NBC affiliate WLBZ 2.

While this has restricted Mccray's ability to do many things, driving – as of last week – is no longer one of them. The teen got her learner's permit after taking a written test and using specialized machinery to operate the vehicle. After another 35 hours of driving experience, she will be eligible for her license.

Mcray told the news provider that the first place she wants to go when she earns her driving certificate is the mall.  

Dwelling for too long on past regrets not only causes negativity to pervade the brain, but Ilchi Lee says that it also could result in individuals missing new opportunities that present themselves. This could lead to future regret and disappointment and hamper spiritual growth.

To remedy the situation, Lee recommends that individuals live as much in the present moment as possible. This may help them avoid lingering over disappointments and sadness from the past and enable them to take advantage of the present as much as possible.

"Live only in this present moment, and then every moment becomes a new beginning and opportunity," Lee said. "Live now, right this moment."

Out of a focus on the present may spring many opportunities to increase happiness or pursue spiritual growth. However, these chances seldom arise for individuals who endlessly brood on their past.

Living in the present may be a challenge for most people. The average person spends most of their days thinking of either the past or the future, while spending little time in the moment. However, those who are able to focus their thoughts on the present may find many rewards.