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Grateful of old, grateful of new
99.10.11/ Temperature: 12C/ Weather: Rain/Wind Direction: SW
Start: Nibutani, Biratori/Latitude: 42 37 42 N/ Longitude: 142 08 55 E
Destination: Kasuga, Mukawa /Latitude: 42 35 00 N /Longitude: 142 00 00 E
Distance Traveled: 27 km (6 in the wrong direction)Mr. KAIZAWA Kaoru calls himself 'just a regular bed and breakfast owner; this may be so. In his 'regularity' he is also very knowledgeable about the nature and Ainu culture of the Nibutani Valley. I had a chance to speak with him last night.
Mr. Kaizawa sat back relaxed in his chair; his wife sat on the floor peeling chestnuts. Mr. Kaizawa has come up with new ways to deal with the changing world as well as maintained the Ainu beliefs gained in his childhood.
"Treating nature importantly is key for our future," said Mr. Kaizawa outright. He continued, "When an environmental asked me what kind of life I lead, I told him that I live a modern life and that I only use what I need. The real question is how can we be resourceful in this modern world." Mr. Kaizawa went on to raise a few specific examples, "Nuclear power, this is a huge environmental problem. We use electricity, but not so much that we need nuclear power. We leave lights off that don't need to be on. This is one way to save energy. If everyone saves a little bit, we won't need nuclear power. Another big problem is packaging. Everything that is wrapped eventually becomes trash. When I go shopping at the store I don't take the plastic bags. I've gone so far as to think of all of these things," he mentioned proud of the way he treats the environment.
Though saving electricity and decreasing garbage are very important, it is Mr. Kaizawa's heart behind this that touched me most. He has adjusted his behavior and practices according to combined values; those of what he calls the 'modern world' and the values of his Ainu tradition. His heart reflects the Ainu cultural beliefs gained in his childhood.
"You can't discuss Ainu culture without talking about nature. Ainu culture lived off of the wealth of nature for generations," said Mr. Kaizawa. "In Ainu culture, kamui (gods) reside in all things. In our daily lives we show our gratitude to the kamui through various means," I was told. Yesterday I was able to witness this when we went to the mountain (see Wisdom report #?). Mr. Kaizawa showed me how he expressed his gratitude by offering sake to the mountain and river gods. Not only did he make an offering but also asked permission for us to play in the mountains. This was not merely a ceremony but one way of expressing gratitude for mother nature that Mr. Kaizawa has kept alive in his daily activities.
"Live in nature and feel that you live from its riches. Then, naturally treat it importantly. Also, have gratitude when you talk about treating nature importantly,he said. "This will be important for our future." This is the basis of the Ainu culture Mr. Kaizawa grew up with and has adapted to his "modern lifestyle."
Just thinking about there being spirits in all things and showing gratefulness to all of the spirits that make life possible is a new exercise for me. I think the kind of gratitude Mr. Kaizawa expresses toward nature may be something important for all of us to think about.
Visiting Mr. Kaizawa in Nibutani has given me hope that we can draw from traditions or beliefs to meet the needs of mother nature as well as of our current living.
Greg
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