Shiku hakku in Japanese means to endure, an expression that originates in Buddhism. This collection links Terry Watada's past and present while acknowledging the fundamental suffering of human existence—in birth, aging, illness, and death—and the suffering endured in daily living—common frustrations, desire, separation. But at the same time it celebrates love, and in the end seeks an enlightened state of acceptance. Rise above life's hardships and rejoice in the state of life is the overall theme of this collection.