Compass of the Times 183

Opening Up a Canal

Keiko Takahashi

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A Canal That Can Rejuvenate Barrenness in Nature

The cultivation of barren and deserted lands in nature and plowing such rejuvenated fields can be described as the challenge that human beings have repeatedly taken on throughout history. In particular, the idea of creating a canal to irrigate paddy fields has been a great undertaking that has influenced the future of many people in multiple eras.

Let me give you an example of Japan during the Edo period. In a year of prolonged bad weather such as drought or floods, the crop yield dropped significantly and caused a problem in the paying of tax in the form of rice. Some of the poor feudal governments were immediately faced with financial difficulties. The powerless farmers were routinely left to bear the burden. Many villagers died from starvation and those who could not pay agricultural tax fled the village. Such tragedies were frequently repeated in those times.

One important attempt to solve this problem was the development of paddy fields. By creating canals and drawing water from distant water sources, such as rivers and ponds, people were able to develop vast areas of land into paddy fields. When they succeeded in their irrigation projects and developed extensive paddy fields by dealing with  a violent  untamed  nature, the yield of rice would drastically increase. It would not only improve the financial situation of feudal governments but would also stabilize farmers’lives. The core of the project to develop a paddy field is to open up a canal. It creates the path to draw forth the potential of the earth that was once dormant and crystallizesit in the form of nature’s blessings.

Barrenness of Mind without Order

Our mind also resembles barren and deserted lands in wildnature. If it is left untouched as we were born and raised, it resemblesa deserted land with scattered rocks and stones. In such conditions, we can neither plant seeds nor grow crops. Evenif we try to realize our wishes or goals, or to create something, it is unavoidable for us to face many difficulties. If left as is, it is impossible to draw forth hidden possibilities no matter how grand they are.

By removing buried rocks and stones from the ground one by one, and clearing bushes and pulling weeds, the land can be prepared so it is ready to be cultivated.

Our minds also require such a process of cultivation.

We do not know anything about our own minds if we have been left untouched as we were born and raised. To beg in with, we do not even know that our mind exists, or even if we do, there is no way of knowing how it works. Although some may have given some thought about the mind, it will only be a few who are aware of its function.

Most people will merely let the mind function as it pleases, not being aware of its every-day operations.

When a painful stimulus or an unpleasant incident comes to us, we become dispirited and tormented by anxieties and worries that drive down our energy. Conversely, when a comfortable stimulus or a pleasant incident comes to  us, we become elated, driving up our energy. Depending on the type of stimulus that comes to us, our mind can change drastically, being swayed by the energy stirring within us. This is how humans are.

Canal of the Mind Creates Structure and Flow to Generate Destination

The Study of the Soul1 is what brings order to the barren land of the mind. Order and structure create the flow and generate the canal that irrigates the mind. Furthermore, this path generates a destination to which we should exert our energy.

The function of the mind is difficult to  comprehend.  However,  it can be grasped by Ju-Hatsu-Shiki 汽 that is perception (immediate feeling and perception), response (thoughts and action),  and reality. Moreover, we can categorize our Ju-Hats-Shiki into four types of tendencies 汽 namely , Pleasure-Recklessness, Pain­ Recklessness, Pain-Lethargy, and  Pleasure-Lethargy.  This process enables us to clearly see the  pathway  to  be  taken that will enable us to be free from such tendencies.

“The true entity of human beings exists as a soul that possesses the soul’s aspiration4 and karma5. The soul meets flesh when we are born and takes on the three streams of influence汽 whic  h is the     condition of the world on earth. By so doing, we begin our life’s journey from the Cave of Karmic Destiny, through the path of Reversal of Destiny, and reach the Horizon of Mission7.” The Study of the Soul gives us the power to see through such a path in life.

As a result, the order is brought forth to  the energy  flow that was once in a disordered state, and a canal is created that leads us to our destination. When this happens, we will not respond recklessly to stimuli that come from outside of us, but we will be able to accept them as given conditions and obtain the pathway that leads us to our destination. The canal of the mind leads us and brings forth the inherentpower we possess in our minds.

As the Joint Seminar is scheduled to be held at Yatsugatake this month, I recommend you think again about the significance of pursuing the Study of the Soul and applying it to your daily life.

2019.5.27