Great Construction

Japan, Psyche, Wood


    This subject is not very well known, so I will write about it in a general way. What I want to discuss is the point that Japan has been designated as a nation of spirit, and that foreign nations are of body, substance.
     On this distinction, I will list several examples that occur to me. The first is architecture. In Japan, the primary material for construction is wood, while in foreign nations, for the most part, stone or what might be called artificial stone, that is, cement is used. Even an imitation of natural stone has been created. Musical instruments are the same. In Japan, the main instruments are the koto, samisen, and the flute which are made either of wood or bamboo, and abroad, metal-based instruments predominate. With the human voice as well, Japanese take after the singing of birds and those in foreign countries resemble the roaring of animals. In the interior of structures in Japan, life is spent upon tatami that is fabricated from reeds, whereas interior living in foreign nations takes place upon stone, cement, or carpet formed from animal hair. Thus, when we say that Japan is a nation of ki (psyche [homonymous with ki (wood)]), the psyche stands for spirit. Foreign nations represent substance, the body, the physical. The psyche is fire, and because it is yang, masculine. The opposite of this is the physical which is water, and as it is yin, feminine. That is why since ancient times, men in Japan have been arrogant and have swaggered about, putting on airs, while women have been docile and placid. Another rather peculiar example is that the Japanese primarily eat rice where the shape of one grain is like that of the male genitalia, and foreigners eat primarily wheat whose grain has the shape much like the female genitalia.
     There are several other examples I could give, but I think the overall idea has been conveyed. What is important, though, is that as we approach the world of Miroku, the two extremes will meet, vertical and horizontal will be joined and form Izunome. Once this is understood, what is going on now in the world becomes clear. Japan is actively introducing the material American culture, and at the same time, the United States has begun to vigorously introduce Japanese culture. This is the fusion of Eastern and Western culture. Even this one point, although not perceivable,  should be sufficient to convince that divine economy is steadily advancing.

Eikō, Issue 203, April 8, 1953 
translated by cynndd


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“Nihon wa Ki no Kuni,” which was originally published in Eikō, Issue 203, April 8, 1953, and, once more while Meishu-sama still alive, reprinted in the teachings anthology for ministers Goshinsho: Shūkyō-hen (Divine Writings: Volume on Religion), March 25, 1954, page 439, has previously appeared in translation. Citation is given below for reference.

“Japan Is a Land of Ki,” Foundation of Paradise, 1984, page 441.