I have mainly discussed the concept of ‘shame’ in relation to ‘Why Japanese is polite?‘. This time, I would like to talk about the influence of ‘Wa no Kokoro’.
I would like to explain this point by incorporating my own views along with the answer I received from ChatGPT.
I will add this.I am not an expert in this field. I am an ordinary Japanese person.so I might unintentionally say something that could be perceived as an attack on a specific religion, but that is not my intention.
Wa no Kokoro
I asked ChatGPT, ‘What is Wa no Kokoro?
“Wa no Kokoro” refers to the spirit of harmony, mutual respect, and cooperation, which is deeply rooted in Japanese culture. It emphasizes maintaining peaceful relationships, valuing group cohesion over individual interests, and showing consideration for others through politeness and humility. This concept plays a significant role in Japanese society, influencing daily interactions, business etiquette, and traditional practices.”
The concept of “Wa no Kokoro” is rooted in several key aspects of Japanese history, philosophy, and social values:
- Confucianism – Emphasizing social harmony, respect for hierarchy, and proper behavior in relationships.
- Buddhism – Teaching inner peace, mindfulness, and the avoidance of conflict.
- Shintoism – Promoting a deep connection with nature, purity, and the idea of living in harmony with the world.
- Samurai Ethics (Bushido) – Valuing loyalty, humility, and self-discipline.
- Agricultural Society – Encouraging cooperation, group unity, and mutual support to maintain stability.
These influences have shaped Japan’s strong sense of collectivism, politeness, and a preference for consensus over confrontation, which are central to the spirit of Wa no Kokoro.
JiHi
I would like to discuss the influence of Buddhism in this context. As I mentioned in ‘Religious Views of Japanese People‘, I believe that few Japanese people consciously study the teachings of Buddhism. However, because Buddhism has been present in Japanese society for a long time, I think its teachings have naturally become ingrained in the Japanese people. One such teaching is compassion.
When I asked ChatGPT about ways to achieve inner peace in Buddhism, here is the response I received.
For cultivating loving-kindness, you can begin by silently repeating phrases such as “May I be well, may I be happy,” and then extending those wishes to loved ones, to acquaintances, and eventually to all beings.
I asked ChatGPT about the meaning of the Japanese word ‘慈悲’ and it gave me two interpretations. However, either interpretation would work in the context of the above passage.
“Loving-kindness” can be considered a translation of “慈悲” (Jihi), but it has a slightly different nuance compared to “Compassion.”
- Compassion refers to the awareness of others’ suffering and the sincere desire to alleviate it. It focuses on empathy and the willingness to help those in distress.
- Loving-kindness refers to a mindset of unconditional love and kindness toward all beings, regardless of whether they are suffering or not. It is closer to the Buddhist concept of “慈 (Ji)” (Metta in Pali), which emphasizes spreading love and goodwill rather than just relieving suffering.
In Buddhism, “Jihi” (慈悲) consists of two elements:
- “Ji” (慈, Loving-kindness) → The wish for others to be happy.
- “Hi” (悲, Compassion) → The wish to relieve others from suffering.
So, while “Loving-kindness” corresponds to “Ji” (慈) and “Compassion” corresponds to “Hi” (悲), together they form the full meaning of “Jihi” (慈悲).
The essence of Wa no Kokoro
I am currently studying Buddhism and cannot explain it in detail, but when I practice praying for others’ happiness to gain inner peace, I indeed find that my own heart becomes peaceful. I feel that I may not have had much compassion, but many Japanese people naturally acquire this compassionate heart while living in Japan. Having a compassionate heart (a heart that treats others with kindness) ultimately leads to inner peace, and I believe this is a powerful motivation.
My conclusion is that the essence of ‘Wa no Kokoro’ lies in having a compassionate heart.”
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