A Journey through My Diverse Perspectives

The Japanese concept of "DOU ( 道 )" is a way of life that seeks to master the essence of existence, focusing on one's own specialty and striving for a higher level of humanity. To achieve mastery in this concept, one must embrace a spiritual state of nothingness, engaging in a lifelong learning process that involves practical trial-and-error and internal introspection. While this approach may not always appear rational, it is time-consuming and lacks a definitive answer book. Nonetheless, when aiming for unprecedented levels of achievement, this seemingly irrational process becomes essential.

A daily morning walk helps me become aware of my physical condition each time. Depending on my condition at the time, I usually adjust the number of steps I plan to take. Since my condition today was just as good as usual, I chose a paddy field walking course where I can observe the growth of paddy plants up close. Perhaps due to the unusually hot weather lately, rice grains have already begun to grow faster than usual. The newly harvested rice season will arrive before long. I sense that all living things on this planet are interdependent.

Acquired knowledge becomes truly worthwhile only when it is conveyed to others or put into practice. In other words, inputs can create genuine value only after being transformed into outputs. This transformation process often involves a form of relearning, which can be more significant than the initial acquisition of knowledge itself. Therefore, knowledge represents a state of potential that must be harnessed for specific purposes.

In my retirement, I have been spending more time on social media, and it has reminded me of its wonderful aspects. It is incredibly easy to connect with people from different backgrounds and with varying thoughts and expertise across borders. This exposure to diverse perspectives has broadened my own outlook. I have  also come to realize that this process is, in itself, a journey of self-discovery. The key here is to proactively engage with others, even though it might require a bit of energy and courage to dive into a completely new online world.

In a market economy, the prices of goods and services are predominantly determined by the interplay of demand and supply. As a result, it is easy for us to fall into the trap of assuming that a higher price corresponds to a higher value for everyone involved. Nevertheless, upon reflection, it becomes evident that these set prices do not consistently align with the personal scale of values held by individuals. Unquestionably, people attach varying degrees of value to different things. Suppose we shift our focus towards evaluating the significance of items based on their impact on our lives. By doing so, we can recognize that many items, whether seemingly inexpensive or invaluable, possess remarkably high levels of importance. In this light, cultivating a value-centered mindset empowers us to develop a greater sense of gratitude for the things in close proximity to us. This shift in perspective can ultimately contribute to a more enriching and fulfilling life experience.

The universe is made up of elementary particles, which possess the principle of wave-particle duality, as described by quantum physics. Therefore, effectively managing wave-like traits such as rhythm, balance, and resilience is highly significant for human beings, who are an integral part of the universe. This enables us to live vividly and harmoniously while interacting with everything amidst the constantly changing circumstances of the universe. As a result, our six senses may logically function to properly manage these aspects, even if we are not consciously aware of the underlying waves at play.

The concept of "Wa," which symbolizes a state of perpetual peaceful unity and conformity, has deep roots in Japan, dating back to the ancient Jomon period (13,000 B.C. - 300 B.C.). Over the ages, this value has been carefully passed down from one generation to another, becoming an integral part of traditional family values and society as a whole. While I don't consider myself an idealist, I can't help but indulge in occasional fantasies about the immense potential of "Wa" to make a significant contribution in addressing the destabilizing issues faced by today's international societies. Thus, the pursuit of understanding and disseminating this concept could prove to be highly worthwhile.