Motoori Norinaga says that “mono no aware” is the aesthetic sense of the Japanese people. “Mono no aware” refers to the feeling of understanding the human condition and one’s own fate through everyday trivial events.
It is the heart that feels the invisible truth and mysterious world hidden behind the slight signs and changes in nature.
For example, knowing autumn by seeing a single falling leaf, or not being able to walk three steps while carrying one’s mother due to her lightness, or hearing the sound of the bell at Gion Shoja and feeling the impermanence of all things.
It is in the casual gestures of a woman that her beauty and charm are revealed.
True beauty lies not in outward appearance but in the inner cultivation and character that exudes from within.
Therefore, there is a focus on the lining.
Even if the outer fabric is ragged, the lining is made of bright silk.
By slightly revealing this lining, it evokes a sense of hidden beauty.
The truth is hidden in places that are not visible.
By looking at the constellations, one feels the universe.
From small changes and things, one feels the grandeur of the world and the mysteries of the universe.
And the Japanese people value the heart that feels and do not unnecessarily delve into the mysterious world.
They cherish the heart that feels the sadness of others and do not deeply intrude into the sadness of others.
Knowing that there is nothing that can be done, they limit themselves to resonating and empathizing.
That is considered refined.
It is considered boorish to intrude into the heart of another with dirty feet.
Takeshi Umehara says that human values include truth and falsehood, good and evil, and beauty and ugliness.
Many countries focus on good and evil, or truth and falsehood.
There are few countries that focus on beauty and ugliness, but Japan does.
The country may not win (truth and falsehood).
Conflict is bad (good and evil). However, abandoning the country and fleeing here is ugly (beauty and ugliness).
Therefore, they sacrifice themselves for a great cause, trust their children, and die beautifully. That is the Yamato spirit.
It is the value of the Japanese people.
That is why the Japanese people love cherry blossoms.
They bloom beautifully and scatter quickly.
This is also connected to wabi-sabi.
They cherish the heart that feels eternity in this moment, this very moment.
They live with all their might.
They live with their lives on the line.
When Buddha realized the truth of this world, he said he would not regret dying.
Though the colors are fragrant, they will eventually scatter.
Who in our world is forever unchanging?
Today, I will transcend the deep mountains of existence and not be intoxicated by shallow dreams.
Therefore, they put everything into the short sentences of 5-7-5.
They compose a death poem and die.
That is the way of the samurai.
It is refinement and taste.
Thank you. Mutual help, mutual respect, and greetings of gratitude.