Article 1.
Having harmony, this is precious; not having a
defiant (attitude) this is the principle. Everyone has a group, and
there are few that are able to grasp the truth. Because of this, one
does not follow one’s parents, and even neighbors have differences.
However, if the high were to soften, and the low were to become
agreeable, if they were to get together to discuss matters in concord,
then solutions will spontaneously arise. What is then not possible?
The passage that I just read is taken from the 17
article constitution of Japan that was written in the early 7th
Century. This document was written by Prince Shotoku, the person that is
usually credited with making Japan a Buddhist country.
Article One of this constitution is based on the
Buddhist principle of interdependence, and does this by talking about
harmony. When we are not in harmony, when we see groups of
"us" versus "them," we become capable of great
destruction. We only need to look back in history 50 years to see how
this can escalate. We only need to look at our inner cities to see it
happening now. In the process of creating us versus them,
we fail to realize that "us" is "them," and that
"them" is "us."
However, when we are able to find the harmony that
Article One of the constitution speaks of, when we are able to see the
interdependent nature of all things, even the unthinkable becomes
possible. What is happening here during fleet week gives us inspiration
and gives us great hope because the unthinkable has become a reality. We
can find inspiration and hope because if two nations1
that were once in discord can meet with their great ships and sail
peacefully side by side in harmony, then we are forced to ask ourselves
"What else is possible?"
NAMO AMIDA BUTSU
NAMO AMIDA BUTSU NAMO AMIDA BUTSU
1As
part of fleet week the Japanese Self Defense Force Navy was also a
participant, and conducted naval maneuvers with the US Navy.
