385 The Yamato Spirit

“The Yamato Spirit”

Before Buddhism and Confucianism entered Japan,
A unique spiritual culture called Shintoism existed.

The austere rituals and temples of Shintoism,
Evoke a sense of awe toward it’s many deities.
The beauty and refinement of these rituals,
Conjure reverence toward the high heavenly realm.
Although the origin of Shinto is unknown,
The unique religious outlook of Shinto is apparent.
Shintoism dates back to the Jomon period.

The ancient ruins from that period,
Display no traces of conflict.
No marks of trauma have be found in what remains.
This suggests there was no conflict.

Artist Taro Okamoto was astonished upon seeing the Kaen-gata earthenware.
Designated a National Treasure, the shape of the earthenware,
Shows the free and bold spirit of its creator.

Originally, there were no battles in Japan.
People lived in peace in a fertile land,
Respected the gods, were flexible and free thinkers,
Had a spirit of what it meant to live.

The Yamato Spirit is a spirit of generosity, freedom, and tolerance.
Lies and deceit are abhorred while honesty and integrity are honored.

Our spiritual culture is unparalleled in this world,
It is because of the Yamato Spirit and the wisdom of our ancestors.
It is a world heritage that must never be lost.