The second clients that Nurse Iwamoto took me was a 93-year-old WWII veteran, who had spent his youth as a POW in China. While the fellow POW's had been dying of starvation, he had survived the captivity because of his farming background and industriousness. As an appreciation for his diligence, Chinese farmers had allowed him to eat some harvests. In addition, he had had the knowledge of edible weed. After he shared the painful memories with me, this war survivor repeated to me, "There is nothing good about wars. You got to swallow your discontent, and put your efforts in getting along with one another." 『戦争なんて、何もいいどごね。我慢して、みんなで仲良く生きねば。』
We often hear the word "gaman" in Japan. It means endurance or to put up with the situation. If everyone pushes his/her ways, peace will never be achieved. Instead, do "gaman" and find the ways to live peacefully with one another. His pleading is still echoing in my heart.
3 Comments
Mary Anderson
10/16/2011 03:28:38 pm
Yoko, Thanks for sharing your experience in Japan! It is lovely, and I am eager to hear of your enlightened journey. Indeed peace is the goal, and finding understanding to our collective thoughts is the key. I am just reading The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran, and hoping to find insight for my journey, as well. Good luck to you! ~ Mary
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Yoko
10/17/2011 09:04:56 am
Mary, thank you very much for your feedback. Also, thank you for your last email. Your support expressed so beautifully in words in the email is now a treasure to me. On the way back home after the visit with the 93-year-old man, I time and again reflected on his advice. How could I have done differently at the Co-op? Should I have had more perseverance? Yes, the goad is peace. How could I have worked for a peaceful solution there?
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Mary
10/17/2011 01:23:01 pm
Yoko, yes I often wonder that about Breadroot, too, but sometimes it is best to step back and get a fresh perspective when a situation become super-charged or unhealthy. There are so many ways to invest your positive energy, and changing direction can bring inspiration and creativity to stuck energy. Look at all the good you are harvesting in your current pursuits. When we look back some day, it will be so clear; have faith that you acted in the utmost respect and integrity, and that the favor will be returned to you (and the world) many fold. I am looking forward to your Blog - someday I will get on track with one...Wishing you the Best, Mary
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