Is everyone in Japan a warrior?
In feudal Japan, “Samurai” referred to a “retainer;” that is, someone who accompanied a Lord, had pledged fealty to that Lord, and served that Lord in close attendance.
It means, essentially, “to wait upon the Lord.”
The Hagakure is a Japanese book that captures this warrior code of the samurai. It is a practical and spiritual guide for the warrior. It has been said of the Hagakure that it is Japan; that it captures the heart of all that truly matters to their culture.
So ... is everyone in Japan a warrior?
Well, no. But everyone is, in their world view, either a Lord or a Retainer. There are few Lords and many Retainers. A book delving into what makes one the ideal retainer could easily be the heart of the culture. It’s enough to make me wonder what it is about this book —on the surface about warriors— that makes it the cultural guide for almost everyone in the country.
What, then, is this warrior code of the Samurai?
As with many things in life, it’s simple: everyone, from the most skilled to the least, can hold a place of honor in the culture. To quote the Hagakure: "...even a person who is good for nothing and exceedingly clumsy will be a reliable retainer if only he has the determination to think earnestly of his master."
If only the slothful (frightened?) servant in this week's Matthew 25 selection had been able to access the Hagakure. Perhaps if he had been keeping his mind fixed on what was best for his master, he would have made a better choice concerning the talent he had.
The lesson for us?
When we stop focusing on what could go wrong, and instead focus on what God intended for us to do with our talents, we should be able to make the wise choice.
We need only think earnestly of our master.
_________________________
PHOTO: Steve Orr
Considerably different versions of this reflection appeared in 2014 and 2017.
_________________________
Some interesting reading about Japan’s most popular (fictional) Samurai, “Lone Wolf and Cub”: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2016/10/08/books/book-reviews/lone-wolf-cub-japans-greatest-samurai-manga/#.WhDHL2hMGEc
More about the Hagakure: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/277950.Hagakure
_________________________
Lectionary Breakfast is a fun and interesting way to start the weekend. We dig into the scriptures for the coming Sunday, ask questions and seek their relevance for our lives. Join us Friday morning on ZOOM at 8:00 for an hour like no other.
Let me know ahead of time if you want to attend. I will send you the Zoom link and alert our gatekeeper to let you in.
Find (and print) them here: https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu//
No comments:
Post a Comment