The word 'wa' is often used to describe Japan itself or something traditionally Japanese such as wa-shi (Japanese paper), wa-fuku (kimono) and wa-gashi (Japanese sweets), making 'wa' itself a Japanese cultural concept. In addition to meaning something traditionally Japanese, 'wa' also means to soften, or harmony and peace. In Japanese philosophy and culture, 'wa' is seen to symbolize Japanese spirituality.
Since around the 7th century, the people of this far eastern island have identified this land as 'Japan' and 'wa' and since then the spirit of 'wa' has been cherished. It is well known that the first article of Japan's first codified law, the Seventeen-Article Constitution, enacted by Shotokutaishi in 604AD, states that "harmony is precious". It is believed to teach that "the most important thing is for people to get on well with each other and live in harmony."
The word 'wa-shin', when translated as it is, can be read as 'to soften the mind' or 'a harmonious mind'.Ordinarily, the word can be taken to indicate that people's minds should be in harmony with each other, as Shotokutaishi said.From a Zen perspective, I believe that 'wa' means to be in harmony with one another, and that this is not limited to human beings.
In other words, I understand 'wa-shin' to mean that through zazen we become convinced of the fundamental equality of the world, respect the differences that exist in the world and live in the reality that we are one with everything in the world.
The word 'wa' has been at the core of Japanese thought for more than 1,000 years, as a word that expresses the very essence of the country itself.
At the start of a new year, I would like to reaffirm this word in my heart. Tosei Shinabe
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