文化財は平和の証

先年、カナダ人某大学ジェフリー・ミラー教授を南禅寺に案内しました。

ミラー教授

「この襖絵は400年の間、何処に保管していたのですか」

吉富

「400年間、襖としてここにありました」

ミラー教授

「その間に襖絵の修復をしたのでしょうか」

吉富「

最近これらは修復しましたが、そのほかに修復記録はありません」

ミラー教授

「信じられない。カナダには400年前の絵画はありません。日本の若者は、もっと自分の国の文化を誇りに思うべきです」

吉富

「400年の間、襖絵がここにあるということは、その間ここで争いが無かったということです。争いがあれば襖絵は傷つきます。文化財は平和のシンボルです。この建物（国宝・清涼殿）は御所の建物を移築して400年経っています。御所以来600年経っています」

ミラー教授

「長い時代にわたって続いたのだから、もっと先の時代に続かなければならない。これからの時代がたいへんだろう」。

〇　The cultural heritage is a testament to peace.

Years ago, I guided Professor Geoffrey Miller from Canada to Nanzen-ji Temple.

Professor Miller: 

"Where was this fusuma painting stored for the past 400 years?"

Yoshitomi: 

"For the past 400 years, it has been here as fusuma."

Professor Miller:

 "During that time, was the fusuma painting restored?"

Yoshitomi:

 "Recently, these have been restored, but no other restoration records exist."

Professor Miller: 

"Unbelievable. Canada doesn't have paintings from 400 years ago. Japanese youth should take more pride in their own country's culture."

Yoshitomi: 

"The fact that the fusuma painting has been here for 400 years means there has been no conflict during that time. If there were conflicts, the fusuma painting would have been damaged. Cultural heritage is a symbol of peace. This building, the Seiryoden, is a national treasure relocated from the imperial palace and has been standing for 400 years. It has been 600 years since the imperial palace."

Professor Miller: 

"Since it has endured for such a long period, it must continue. The coming times will be challenging."

翻訳: OpenAI ChatGPT

坐禅会　毎週土曜日午前6：25～8：00　
久留米市宮の陣町大杜1577-1　圓通寺　
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Buddhism and Women

One notable aspect for women in Mahayana Buddhism is the 35th vow of Amida Buddha's 48 vows, known as the "Vow for the Rebirth of Women." In Japan, 80% to 90% of temple visitors are women. It is safe to say that women support Japanese Buddhism.

Empress Kōmyō (701-760) is a contributor to Japanese Buddhism. She said she assisted Emperor Shōmu in constructing Tōdai-ji Temple and personally carried soil for the foundation work. She established a "Dispensary" to provide medicine to the sick and a "Field of Compassion" for the less fortunate.

Hokke Temple in Nara was established as a nunnery by Empress Kōmyō's father, Fujiwara no Fuhito. It is said that the Eleven-faced Kannon (Goddess of Mercy) at this temple was made in the likeness of Empress Kōmyō. Since then, Japanese Buddhist statues have been made in the image of mothers. Japanese people understand the teachings of Buddha by relating them to a mother's love for her child. Buddhist statues in the form of women are unique to Japan. It can be said that Japanese Buddhist statues express maternity.

翻訳: OpenAI ChatGPT

坐禅会　毎週土曜日午前6：25～8：00　
久留米市宮の陣町大杜1577-1　圓通寺　
初心者歓迎　参加費無料　詳細は電話でお問い合わせください。
℡0942-34-0350
初回参加のみ千円。二回目以降つづけていただければ無料です。
●学校やクラブなど団体研修 坐禅申し込み随時うけたまわります。
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Confucianism and Buddhism

Buddhism originated in India and spread across the Tibetan mountains, absorbing Chinese culture, passing through the Korean Peninsula, and reaching Japan after 1,200 years of Buddha’s period. Therefore, it was transmitted while assimilating the local cultures. Notably, it is said to have been greatly influenced by Confucianism, a Chinese philosophy, and ancient Taoism. Here, let's consider the compassion of Buddhism and the benevolence of Confucianism.

Originally, "compassion" and "benevolence" were different words. "Compassion" is said to have come from the Pali word "Mitra," which means "friend" (as mentioned in the "Nakamura Hajime Bukkyo Go Daijiten," a comprehensive dictionary of Buddhist terms), representing true friendship. "Benevolence" is said to have originated from the Sanskrit word "karuna," which means "suffering," representing empathy where "your suffering is my suffering, and your joy is my joy."

The Confucian virtue of "benevolence" means "sincerity and compassion" (as described in the "Super Daijirin," a comprehensive Japanese dictionary). Confucius admired the political system of the Zhou Dynasty and aimed to govern the country not through military power but through traditional culture. Confucius led a life of travel but later became a private tutor, had excellent disciples, and Confucianism developed thereafter.

The number of disciples of Buddha in his later years exceeded 1,200. There is a legend that during the reign of the righteous king Kushinagar in India, the era was peaceful due to virtue-based politics. Buddha respected the righteous king. Despite the differences between Buddhism and Confucianism, it is essential to acknowledge their shared values.

翻訳: OpenAI ChatGPT

坐禅会　毎週土曜日午前6：25～8：00　
久留米市宮の陣町大杜1577-1　圓通寺　
初心者歓迎　参加費無料　詳細は電話でお問い合わせください。
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God(s) and Buddha

When a foreign tourist in Kyoto asked, "What is the difference between kami (gods) and buddha?" I answered, "Kami are external entities, while Buddha resides within oneself." He said, "I'm surprised." My answer was unexpected.

Buddhism originated within the polytheistic culture of India and was influenced by the polytheistic traditions of China and Japan, developing within those contexts. Therefore, Buddhism does not negate gods, and Shinto shrines can be found within Japanese temples. Japanese Buddhism has coexisted with Shinto.

Buddhist temples and pagoda gates in Sri Lanka resemble Japanese Shinto torii gates. In Japan, torii gates have two horizontal bars, while in Sri Lanka, they have three. Interestingly, torii gates were originally gates of Buddhism, but at some point, they became gates of Shinto shrines.

Gods and Buddhas should coexist. It is said that Buddhism in India had its foundation in worshipping deities before the time of Buddha. Japanese Shinto also has various lineages, but shrines such as Tenmangu are based on the worship of deities.

翻訳: OpenAI ChatGPT

坐禅会　毎週土曜日午前6：25～8：00　
久留米市宮の陣町大杜1577-1　圓通寺　
初心者歓迎　参加費無料　詳細は電話でお問い合わせください。
℡0942-34-0350
初回参加のみ千円。二回目以降つづけていただければ無料です。
●学校やクラブなど団体研修 坐禅申し込み随時うけたまわります。出張も致します。費用はご希望に応じます。宿泊はありません。

There is a seed to everything.

One of Buddha's early disciples was named Assaji. When he was begging for alms within the grounds of the castle in the country of Magadha, Shariputra observed him from afar. Shariputra was a practitioner of Brahmanism and was training under a leader named Sanjaya. Impressed by Assaji's dignified appearance as he walked begging for alms, Shariputra decided to talk to him.

.

Shariputra asked, "Who is your teacher?"

Assaji replied, "Buddha."

Shariputra asked again, "What kind of teachings does Buddha preach?"

Assaji replied, "I am a novice and not qualified to tell you the details of Buddha's teachings, but Buddha often teaches that 'there is a seed to everything.'"

Shariputra said, "I have been practicing for many years, but I have never heard of such a teaching. I do not understand the meaning of 'there is a seed to everything,' but I wonder if Buddha will accept me as his disciple, even though I am such as I am."

Assaji replied, "We practice day and night without a shelter to protect us from the rain. Would that be all right?"

Thus, Shariputra entered the Buddha's path with his friend Moggallana and 250 young disciples. The Buddha's community, which had been less than 50 people until then, proliferated. The Buddha's community underwent a significant expansion thanks to the entry of Shariputra, Moggallana, and others. In this way, Buddhism developed through the efforts of excellent disciples.

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"There is a seed to everything" means a cause, condition, and result governs everything. This is called the law of causality, or dependent origination, and it is beneficial not only in Buddhism but also in politics, economics, physics, chemistry, medicine, human relationships, and other fields. For example, even molecules and atoms are particles or seeds.

.

In fact, Newton regarded light as particles. The research of Professor Masatoshi Koshiba, who received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2002, also revealed that neutrinos are particles. Buddha's teachings are universal.

翻訳: OpenAI ChatGPT

坐禅会　毎週土曜日午前6：25～8：00　
久留米市宮の陣町大杜1577-1　圓通寺　
初心者歓迎　参加費無料　詳細は電話でお問い合わせください。
℡0942-34-0350
初回参加のみ千円。二回目以降つづけていただければ無料です。
●学校やクラブなど団体研修 坐禅申し込み随時うけたまわります。出張も致します。費用はご希望に応じます。宿泊はありません。 

What are the scriptures?

There are over 8,000 volumes of Buddhist scriptures called "Tripitaka". In Zen, nature is also included. The sounds of birds, insects, and the wind are all said to be voices reading the scriptures. Such teachings are unique to Zen.

Recalling a question often asked during lectures: "The Christian scriptures consist of only one Bible and can be understood as they have been translated into modern language. However, Buddhist scriptures are vast in quantity and difficult to understand. Are there any easier scriptures?" 

When asked this, my answer is: "Although Zen scriptures are difficult, if we consider that the sounds of birds and insects are the teachings of Buddha, there may be no more accessible scriptures than this.

" Emperor Reigen (reigning from 1663 to 1687) asked Reverend Reiku for an easy-to-understand scripture, and he recommended the "Ten phrases Kannon Sutra," which was found within the Tripitaka. Without this background, this scripture would not be as well-known as it is today. Zen’s scriptures mean: "To be one with what one sees, hears, and knows."

Around mid-June, fireflies appear in the Philosophical Path and around the Kamigamo Shrine in Kyoto. Only in Kyoto can you see fireflies in a significant city in Japan. However, their numbers have decreased in recent years. It may sound like a mere rationalization to say that the sounds of birds and insects are the teachings of Buddha, but if you sit quietly and calmly, you should be able to feel this way. Zen's teaching emphasizes the importance of valuing one's own experiences.

坐禅会　毎週土曜日午前6：25～8：00　
久留米市宮の陣町大杜1577-1　圓通寺　
初心者歓迎　参加費無料　詳細は電話でお問い合わせください。
℡0942-34-0350
初回参加のみ千円。二回目以降つづけていただければ無料です。
●学校やクラブなど団体研修 坐禅申し込み随時うけたまわります。出張も致します。費用はご希望に応じます。宿泊はありません。 

Memorable Words from elderly persons

1. The current siren commemorative the end of the war. Gassho. - Mr H, 76 years old, Kurume City.

2. I experienced the war’s end in Miyazaki Prefecture, Miyakonojo. We were a unit preparing for a possible mainland decisive battle. After the war ended, a colleague said, "If we just leave the military horses tied up, they will starve to death. It's pitiful, so let's take them home with us," and brought the horses back to Omuta. I said, "Be careful. You might get attacked by wild dogs. Here, takes this Japanese sword for self―defence." That colleague safely returned to Omuta after a week. - Mr. M, 85 years old, Kurume City.

3. My husband enlisted the day before the end of the war. But since his military uniform was not ready, he cancelled his enlistment. The next day was the end of the war. Without military uniforms, there would have been no war. We have lived in a sound era. What will happen to Japan from now on? - Mrs E, 80 years old, Kurume City.

4. I raised my eight children on sweet potatoes. They all grew up healthy. At that time, there were only sweet potatoes to eat. Thanks to that, none of them were lacking in nutrition. My eldest, second, and third sons received the draft notice and went to war, but all three returned home. - An 88-year-old woman from a particular temple in Kagoshima Prefecture.

5. My mother didn't teach us arithmetic or science, but she taught us the importance of working hard. As a Buddhist priest, I understand that it's also good to experience poverty. - Mr. S, 85 years old, Kurume City.

6. "Do your best seriously. You have to be serious" was my grandfather's (father's) favourite phrase. - Mr. I, 62 years old, male, Kurume City.

7. The doctor told me, "There is nothing more we can do for your wife." All we could do was wait for her to pass away. It was a tough time. So, I read the Heart Sutra at her bedside. My son said, "Dad, it's too early for her to hear the sutra." I told him, "This is the only thing I can do for your mother right now. Just sit there quietly and listen." Was that the right thing to do? - Mr. R, 73 years old, Kurume City.

8.  "I was told by the doctor that I have a tumour in my head. But I think it's good to know. Now, I live each day as if it's precious. K-San, a 72-year-old woman from Ogori city."

9.  "Since my wife is hospitalised, I've been talking with my daughters about life and death. 　　I also have a sickness, so I think about various things. Living is tough. T-San, 70-year-old man from Kurume city."

10.  "The husband told the wife who cares for him at the hospital, 'I won't eat that.' The wife answered, 'Don't be selfish. This is not our home.' Then, after a while, the husband became very ill, held the wife’s hand, and said, 'Come with me. Come with me.' The wife replied, 'I can't leave you alone. I'll follow you later.' The day before he passed away, the husband held my hand and said, 'Please take care of the rest.' Mr and Mrs T, the 85-year-old couple from Kitano-Cho."

11. "It was my first outing in a long time after being discharged from the hospital. My husband and I went to see hydrangeas in Soshi-cho. They were very beautiful, wet with rain. I deeply felt that it was good to be alive. Y-san, a 63-year-old woman from Kurume city."

12. "The old lady in the neighbourhood underwent surgery for rectal cancer. The doctor told her that she might have to have a colostomy bag. She kept it a secret because she thought her son would worry. The doctor called her son in and knew about it, but he kept it a secret from his mother because he thought she would worry. It's a heartwarming story that they both kept it a secret. S-san, 92 years old woman from Hisayoshi City."

13. "I would have regretted not being able to do anything as a child if my mother had passed away as she was. It's been 20 years since she entered the hospital. Now, I think I've done some things a child should do for my mother, at least a little. So I think it's good this way." A San, 53 years old woman from Kurume city.

Editor's note:

I have transcribed the words spoken by neighbours and temple members. I have used initials for their names as I have not received their consent. Do you know that Buddha statues have big ears? It represents his teaching, "Listen carefully to what others say." We must listen carefully to the words of those with experience. -Editor, Giken Yoshitomi

坐禅会　毎週土曜日午前6：25～8：00　
久留米市宮の陣町大杜1577-1　圓通寺　
初心者歓迎　参加費無料　詳細は電話でお問い合わせください。
℡0942-34-0350
初回参加のみ千円。二回目以降つづけていただければ無料です。
●学校やクラブなど団体研修 坐禅申し込み随時うけたまわります。出張も致します。費用はご希望に応じます。宿泊はありません。