This blog includes family interest in Japanese culture, plus four lists of practices for the West.
Five years later, a monk from San Francisco gave me a copy in 1972 during my years in Thailand of a new book out titled Zen Mind, Beginners Mind by Suzuki Roshi, a Japanese Zen master,
Other Western monks, like myself, received a copy to our immense appreciation. A meditation, itself, the book expressed profound truths in simple language. Despite social/ personal issues in the country, Japan has developed a culture of knowing subtle depths of consciousness for harmony and wellbeing.
The values of the Buddhist tradition have a significant ongoing influence on Japan’s cultural heritage.
The art of meditation practice, mindful living and Japanese culture convey a way of life to nurture social harmony.
Three current examples in my family of the influence of Japanese culture
- I appreciate a number of Japanese films (movies), read Japanese novels, watch Japanese television (NHK) and documentaries, as well as on YouTube.Here are three of my favourite Japanese films. Such films give much attention to visual/audible detail and symbolic communication to the audience for insights and inspiration for the audience.
Departures 2010. Oscar winner. Academy Awards for Best Foreign Film. A cellist leaves the city for his rural hometown and gets himself a job as a ‘Nokanshi’ – one who prepares bodies of the deceased. His meditative approach offers a teaching to all of us.
Watch on YouTube.
Perfect Days. 2022. Prize winner at Cannes Film Festival. A toilet cleaner lives his daily life mindful and respect from waking up to sleep. He reveals to us the art of simplicity and contentment within an ordinary existence. He enlivens every day through his interest in the fullness of the day, plus playing insightful rock songs in his council vehicle to and from work.
Trailer.
Drive My Car. 2023. Nopminated for Academy Award for best picture. The wife of an actor suddenly dies. He moves to Hiroshima starting a new life as a theatre director of Chekhov’s beloved play Uncle Varna. A 23-year-old chauffeur drives him to and the theatre and back to his hotel. The two engage in conversations on life and loss as the chauffeur shares her experiences of loss.
Trailer.
Japanese Documentaries, such as In Praise of Shadows. A YouTube Documentary. On Japanese/Buddhist aesthetics in the home. See review in earlier Substack Post. 30 December 2024. Available on YouTube.
Japanese Books. In Praise of Shadows. Junichiro Tanizaki (1886-1965). Review of this magnificent 80 page book in my Substack Post of 21 December 2024.
Japanese Novels by Junichiro Tanikzaki and Haruki Murakami. Regarded as one of the world’s finest authors, Murakami was born in Kyoto in 1949. Wrote the 40-page short story Drive My Car, which inspired the film.
- Japanese Head Spa. Nshorna, my daughter, undertook a training last year to offer Japanese Head Spa treatment in her wellbeing centre in Hertfordshire, 25 minutes north on the train from London. She gives a range of treatments according to need. Nshorna tells me most of of her clients come for the depth of relaxation and wellbeing that emerges. She also offers a therapeutic experience designed to improve scalp health, enhance hair quality, as well as develop harmony of the whole being. Designed for different kind of hair/scalp issues, the treatment blends traditional Japanese practices, using organic shampoos in an aesthetically pleasing environment with clients resting in the horizontal posture.
See Japanese Head Spa link on Nshorn’s website home page https://www.thewiselotus.com/
- Anime. Joziah, 9-year-old grandson. My grandson loves Anime, a creative style of animation originated in Japan. The style characterises colourful graphics, vibrant characters, and the fantastical.The animations of Anime reveal a distinctive style of animation. It is characterised by vibrant and colourful graphics, engaging characters, and fantastical plots.Stories cover a range of themes: action, adventure, romantic, drama, for adults and themes with a moral message. Some Anime films can run to 24 episodes for children and adults offering complex and thoughtful narratives unknown in Western cartoons.Anime has grown into a global phenomenon and a multi-billion dollar industry with a huge number of viewers from five years to senior citizens,Joziah tells his mum regularly he wants to go to Japan for a holiday this year. He took it upon himself to google the cost of flights to Tokyo.
Nshorna’s income currently does not fall into the category of a holiday for two in rather expensive Japan, even though Joziah would love to attend an Anime convention in Tokyo.
We will see what Father Christmas brings. We are already in February!
Tips on Japanese Practices
Readers with experience of the Buddha-Dharma and the long cultural heritage of the Buddhist tradition will see the obvious influence in many of the practices listed below.
- Read mindfully through the four lists.
- Take a note of what you wish to explore further.
- Use online resources from articles, to podcasts and YouTube.
- Start to apply as soon as possible.
- Experience the benefit in due time.
- Share with others to inspire them.
Japanese Practices for the West 1
1. Zazen (Sitting Meditation): This Buddhist practice emphasizes posture, breathing, and focusing on the present moment. It can help reduce stress, improve self-awareness, and enhance mental clarity.
2. Shinrin-yoku (Forest Bathing): This involves mindfully spending time in nature among trees, engaging all senses. It can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, boost the immune system, and improve overall well-being.
3. Kansha (Gratitude): Daily expressions of gratitude. This includes thankfulness and appreciation for the happiness of others.
4. Sonkei and Keigo (Embracing Respect and Politeness): These values incorporate into daily interactions. Sonmkei and Keigo foster harmonious social relationships, improve emotional well-being, and support a healthy social environment.
5. Miyabi: Aesthetics of Space and Form in the home: This practice extends beyond tidying up physical spaces. Application develops harmony between items and space. This promotes mental clarity and emotional well-being. It supports a tranquil mind in a tranquil environment.
6. Ofuro (Bathing Ritual): This end-of-day practice of soaking in a steaming bath or shower focuses on cleansing, healing, and relaxation, potentially improving sleep quality and reducing stress.
7. Mindfulness: Turning everyday tasks like cooking, walking, or drinking tea into meditative practices. This practice invites health and happiness into daily life by increasing present-moment awareness.
8. Hara Hachi Bu (Eating Until 80% Full): This practice of moderate eating can aid in weight management, improve digestion, and promote overall health.
9. Hanami (Flower Viewing): This tradition of appreciating nature’s beauty, via flowers, encourages outdoor activity, and recognition of change and transition revealed in flowers.
Incorporating these practices enhances mental and physical well-being, foster community connections, and would promote a mindful and balanced lifestyle for people in the West.
We can develop several of these practices through watching clips, reading online texts without having to pay an expert.
Japanese Practices for the West 2
- Kakeibo: The Art of Financial Mindfulness. Kakeibo is a Japanese budgeting method for financial awareness and mindful spending. It involves keeping a detailed journal of income and expenses. Categorising spending into four main areas: necessities, optional, culture/education, and unexpected. The art includes setting monthly savings goals, reviewing progress regularly and reflecting on spending habits.
- Kintsugi: Embracing Imperfection. Kintsugi is the art of repairing broken pottery, highlighting the cracks rather than hiding them. This practice embodies the philosophy of finding beauty in flaws and imperfections.
- Ichigo-ichie: Treasuring the moment. This concept emphasises savouring each moment as a unique, unrepeatable experience. It encourages mindfulness and appreciation..
- Hansei: Reflection. Hansei is a practice of honest self-reflection.
- Osoji: Annual Deep Cleaning. Osoji is a ritual involving thorough house cleaning. This is a way to start afresh and teach children about cleanliness and harmony.
- Ikigai: Finding Purpose. Ikigai is the concept of discovering one’s reason for being, aligning passion, skills and benefits.
- Kaizen: Continuous Improvement. Kaizen emphasizes ongoing, incremental improvements in all aspects of life.
- Shoshin: Beginner’s Mind. Shoshin encourages approaching situations with an open, curious mindset, regardless of expertise level.
- Forest Bathing: This practice involves immersing oneself in nature to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
Japanese Practices for the West 3.
1. Wa (和) – Harmony. Wa is the concept of maintaining social harmony and avoiding conflict. Japanese people tend to prioritise group harmony over individual desires.
2. Kanso (簡素) – Simplicity. Kanso refers to the appreciation of simplicity in life, favouring minimalism and a clutter-free environment, including homes.
3. Gambaru (頑張る) – Perseverance. Gambaru means to do one’s best and persevere. It’s a cultural emphasis on hard work and resilience.
4. Shokunin Kishitsu (職人気質) – The Artisan’s Spirit. This is the pursuit of mastery and joy in one’s work, whether it’s a traditional craft or a modern profession.
5. Omoiyari (思いやり) – Consideration for Others. Omoiyari refers to the deep sense of empathy and consideration for the feelings and needs of other people. Japanese people practice small acts of kindness.
6. Seiketsu (清潔) – Cleanliness. Cleanliness is highly valued in Japan, both in public spaces and in personal environments. The practice of regular cleaning and maintaining hygiene is a part of daily routines, reflected in the clean streets, orderly public spaces, and personal grooming habits.
7. Miyabi (雅) – Elegance and Refinement. Miyabi refers to the pursuit of elegance and beauty in life, often seen in the Japanese attention to aesthetics, from clothing to food presentation.
8. Itadakimasu (いただきます) – Gratitude for Food. Before meals, Japanese people say “itadakimasu,” which means “I humbly receive,” showing gratitude for the food and the effort it took to prepare.
9. Hansei (反省) – Self-Reflection. Hansei is the practice of reflecting on one’s actions, especially mistakes, with the aim of learning and making changes.
10. Nemawashi (根回し) – Building Consensus. Nemawashi is the practice to foster a culture of mindfulness, respect, and continuous personal and collective improvement.
Japanese Practices for the West 4
2. Kaizen (改善) – Continuous development/improvement. Kaizen is the practice of continuous, incremental improvements in all areas of life or work.
3.Omotenashi (おもてなし) – Hospitality. A deeply rooted tradition of hospitality, where hosts take great care of guests and their needs without expecting anything in return.
4. Mottainai (もったいない) – Reducing Waste. Mottainai conveys regret over wasting something valuable, encouraging sustainability by reducing waste, industries. Special, seasonal meals prepared and shared during significant times of the year, especially for the New Year.
5. Chado (茶道) – The Way of Tea. Chado, the Japanese tea ceremony, is a ritualistic practice of preparing and drinking matcha tea, promoting mindfulness and tranquillity.
6. Inemuri (居眠り) – Power Naps. In Japan, taking a short nap (inemuri) at work or in public is often seen as a sign of dedication and hard work.
7. Tsundoku (積ん読) – Reading Habit. Tsundoku refers to the practice of love of reading and book ownership.
These practices can contribute to a mindful, community-centred, and sustainable lifestyle in the West.