I listened to Zen lectures via podcast on my way back from Marawi and learned about the ”It’s okey” mantra being popularized by this American Zen master and thought about what might pass for a similar saying in Filipino.
And I figured it might just be the notion of “ayos” for the following reasons:
- “Ayos” could mean “okey” (”Kumusta ka?” “Ayos lang!”) and could stand for equanimity amidst turmoil and change.
- It sometimes refers to “pag-aayos” — to sort things out and to get them in order. To reckon with what is through investigation, and to come to terms by way of understanding and acceptance.
- It could be caustic (”ayos ka lang?” or “ayos ah!”) but skepticism is not a bad thing in the face of too much stimuli and pretense.
- “Umayos ka nga” could be an exhortation to get centered, seek balance and to avoid extremes.
- A well-earned “ayos!” is a celebration of things going well, and with further cultivation of one’s inner resources could lead to inner peace.
Ayos ba? 
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