Life and Peace

What we can see from the catastrophe at the Fukushima nuclear power plant (Addendum)

2011-08-05T17:51:00.001+09:00

(From a lecture recording)

Is the CO2 global warming theory correct?

As another basis for promoting nuclear energy, it is often said, "Nuclear power does not emit carbon dioxide, CO2, which is a cause of global warming". However, as described earlier, nuclear power definitely does not save on petroleum. Consequently, one cannot say, "Nuclear power does not emit CO2".

In fact, especially recently, various people are saying, "The CO2 global warming theory is incorrect". If it is true that the CO2 global warming theory is incorrect, it is a major problem. It could become a historical scandal.

If the CO2 global warming theory is truly mistaken, it would mean the energy measures of the various countries are fundamentally incorrect. Further, it would mean the numerous international meetings with the main theme of CO2 reduction are irrelevant. In other words, apart from future shortages and depletion of resources, if it is true that CO2 is not a cause of global warming, then global warming would not occur even if we use petroleum fuels such as oil, coal, or natural gas as much as we desire.

To be honest, in fact, several decades ago, I also learned about the opinion, "The CO2 warming theory is incorrect", and the thought had crossed my mind, "Perhaps, it is true".

Even so, throughout the world after all, since it has been said, "CO2 is causing global warming", until now, I had thought that the CO2 warming theory was probably correct.

Recently, several books have been published saying, "The CO2 warming theory is incorrect". Therefore, I read these books, gathered information on the Internet, and considered the matter anew.

The result is that I learned there are a few facts that cannot be overlooked regarding this matter. What I will write now is only a summary of the points that are the easiest to understand for us from those facts. For details, I hope you will read relevant books.

How did the theory of CO2 warming spread?

Until the first half of the 1980s, the established theory of the academic society was, "The earth is cooling". However, in 1988, Dr. James E. Hansen, a researcher at NASA in the U.S., gave the following testimony at a public hearing in the U.S. Senate, and that was effectively the beginning of the "CO2 global warming theory".

Hansen made the following statements. “(2) the global warming is now large enough that we can ascribe with a high degree of confidence a cause an effect relationship to the greenhouse effect, and (3) in our computer climate simulations the greenhouse effect is already large enough to begin to effect the probability of extreme events such as summer heat waves.” “So, with 99% confidence we can state that the warming during this time period is a real warming trend.” But, this assertion was considered as simply one hypothesis and not given much attention by scientists and others in the beginning.

France leaped at this hypothesis. At that time, France was promoting nuclear power as a national policy. But, the Three Mile Island nuclear accident, and then the Chernobyl nuclear accident occurred, and nuclear power was severely criticized by the public. As a result, the situation was that it became difficult to continue as is with nuclear power. At that point, the CO2 warming theory was announced.

The government of France and electric power companies united to mount a large-scale campaign and put forth the nation’s efforts to promote strongly nuclear power. They said, "Nuclear power does not emit CO2. (I have repeatedly mentioned that the truth is nuclear power definitely does not save on petroleum, and it cannot be said that CO2 is not emitted, ...). Consequently, the earth will not be warmed. Therefore, nuclear power is the most desirable for protecting the environment of the earth". Why do they want to promote nuclear power? As I described earlier, it is because enormous interests are involved.

This spread to the countries of Europe and the U.S. With Germany centrally, it developed into an international political issue. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPPC) of the United Nations played a central role.

This movement spread throughout the world, and not only in Europe and the U.S. Japan was not an exception. The Environment Agency in Japan of that time had settled to some extent the issue of pollution by various domestic companies, and the budget for the Environment Agency was about to be drastically reduced. Further, it is said that the significance of existence of the Environment Agency was in question.

At that point, the theory of CO2 warming was passed along from the Western countries. I do not know to what extent it is true, but there is a story that a person in the upper levels of the Environment Agency of that time said, "We can do it with this. The Environment Agency can continue from now with this CO2 warming theory". This story sounds likely to have happened.

In any case, it can be inferred that this CO2 warming theory was thought of highly throughout the world based on similar motives. Regarding this situation, a person related to the present Ministry of the Environment said that in the beginning, the CO2 warming theory was just one hypothesis and no more than that, but before anyone realized it, it had become considered as a fact.

Until that time, the theory of the earth cooling had been the established theory. It seems that many people, not only scientists, were puzzled when suddenly, it was said the earth is warming. Even now, I remember that I also had felt something was wrong at that time.

Nevertheless, it is a fact that it was possible to think the following theory was reasonable. "Ever since the Industrial Revolution, we have come to consume large quantities of coal, oil and other petroleum fuels. For that reason, every year, CO2, which has a heat retention effect, has continued to increase, and global warming is advancing as a result".

Along with that explanation, looking at the “graph of recorded changes in CO2 concentration and changes in temperature”, indeed, the temperature appeared to have increased drastically in the latter half of the twentieth century. In addition, the temperature rise appeared to correspond with the increase in CO2 concentration, so many people including scientists came to accept the CO2 warming theory. At present, it has reached the point where the CO2 warming theory has become nearly an established theory.

Inspect the CO2 global warming theory

Recently, in particular, people have emerged who clearly question the CO2 warming theory that was considered an established theory and that many people had completely believed. I also read books and information written by these people. Here, I will only explain a few facts from these books that are easy for anyone to understand.

1. Climate scientist, Dr. C. D. Keeling, measured CO2 concentrations in Hawaii and the Antarctic over 30 years and is one of the people who provided evidence for the CO2 global warming theory. However, he later presented facts to overturn the CO2 global warming theory.

Over many years, he graphed the relationship between temperature changes and CO2 concentration changes. Looking at this overall and roughly, at first sight, it appears that changes in temperature and changes in CO2 concentration correspond well, and appears to support the CO2 warming theory.

However, looking at the graph in detail, one can understand clearly, "temperature changes occur first, and afterwards, the CO2 concentration changes". In fact, I also realized this 4 to 5 years ago and thought something was odd.

In short, speaking from the hard-and-fast rule of this world, "Everything first has a cause and the cause brings about the result", this means, “changes in temperature bring about changes in CO2 concentration”.

In summary, according to Keeling's graph, "First, the temperature rises, and as a result, the CO2 concentration increases." From this, we can say that clearly, “The increase in CO2 concentration did not bring about the rise in temperature”.

"First, the temperature rises, and as a result, the CO2 concentration increases." The following explanation can be made regarding this statement.

By an increase in the amount of incoming sunlight, (for example, by the sun becoming active, or from other causes), first, the temperature increases. As a result, the temperature of seawater increases, and the CO2 in the seawater evaporates. Then, the CO2 concentration of the atmosphere increases.

Indeed, at the present stage, there is no mistake that this is also a hypothesis. However, isn't it strongly persuasive if you temporarily put aside the fixed notion, "the CO2 global warming theory is absolutely correct"?

2. CO2 emissions are increasing each year because industrial activities and daily life activities of humans are increasing each year. Despite this, globally in 1992 and 1993, the atmospheric CO2 concentration did not increase. It is thought the reason is because of the great volcanic eruption of Mt. Pinatuba in the Philippines in 1991. The sunlight was obstructed and the temperature decreased globally. In summary, "the CO2 concentration decreased because of the decrease in temperature".

3. El Nino is a phenomenon in which the ocean surface temperature rises near the equator of the Pacific Ocean. By examining the occurrence of El Nino and changes in CO2 concentration, it has been found that the CO2 concentration increases one year after the occurrence of El Nino. In short, the increase in ocean temperature is the cause of the increase in CO2 concentration.

4. In the 30 years from 1940 to 1970, CO2 emissions from human activities increased sharply. However, during that time, the average temperature of the Earth decreased.

If items 1 through 4 are true, they lead to the conclusion, "the CO2 concentration increases or decreases according to the rises and falls in the temperature". Ｔhe CO2 warming theory cannot explain these facts satisfactorily. Doesn't this mean that the truth is, "temperature is the cause and CO2 concentration is the result", and not "CO2 concentration is the cause and temperature is the effect"?

5. Let us consider this theoretically a bit. The CO2 in the atmosphere is approximately 0.04% at most. Further, the CO2 in the atmosphere is increasing 1 to 1.4 ppm annually. So, the increase is at most, 1.4 ppm. Averaging the past 100 years, the CO2 concentration is increasing 1 ppm per year.

1 ppm is a unit meaning one part in one million. So, taking an annual average, the CO2 in the atmosphere is increasing by only one part in one million. Let me explain this a little more clearly. If the atmosphere is one million parts, of that amount, 0.04%, or 400 parts are CO2. This amount is increasing by only one each year.

To make it clearer, let us take money for an example. The parent has one million yen, and the child only has 400 yen. Then, each year, the child's money increases by only one part of the one million the parent possesses. Nothing can be done with that.

Let us return to CO2. By calculating, if the CO2 is increasing annually by 1 ppm, it would appear that the result would be an increase in the average temperature of the earth of only 0.004℃. From this, it would be very difficult to explain, “CO2 emitted from human activities is the cause of global warming”.

Climategate incident

There are central members of the IPCC of the United Nations, and many scholars from around the world share their data. Therefore, the IPCC data was considered to be reliable.

However, in November 2009, the email and communications of central IPPC researchers were disclosed. These hundreds and thousands of emails can be read on the Internet.

This disclosure incident is called Climategate, similar to Watergate. The name includes the meaning that this is a major scandal regarding the climate.

Until the present, the IPCC had asserted, "During the past 1000 years, with the exception of the latter half of the 20th century, the temperature has never become extremely high". In short, the Earth's temperature has become extremely high since the latter half of the 20th century. That was the basis for the CO2 global warming theory.

According to the IPCC, the temperature was low for the past 1000 years, but suddenly, the Earth's temperature rose after the Industrial Revolution. The reason is because the quantity of CO2 in the atmosphere has increased from human activities since the Industrial Revolution. The temperatures from the past were examined and shown in a graph. Up to a certain point, this kind of graph was also presented in the annual reports.

In fact, from various research results, it was said that the temperature was very high during the Middle Ages. However, the IPCC asserted, "The temperature rose for the first time after the Industrial Revolution. Especially, since the latter half of the 20th century, the temperature has risen sharply". The graphs of the IPCC also showed the same information.

The IPCC had manipulated the data

An enormous quantity of email was disclosed and consequently, it was found that IPCC members had fabricated the temperature data. It is said that in email addressed to research colleagues, there were some that had the following content, "The trick to manipulate the warming period data of the Middle Ages has been completed". In addition, the person who wrote the email admitted to this fact.

So, according to the above information, it is not true, "In the past 1000 years, the temperature rose only in the 20th century", and it became clear that the data was manipulated.

That is not all. In addition, it was found that ocean surface temperatures for the Arctic Sea were also manipulated.

One more thing that became clear is that rather than manipulate, the way of taking the temperature data was very sloppy depending on the country. For example, thermometers were set about one meter away from buildings that received much sunlight. I do not think the temperature is measured in this way in Japan, but apparently, in the U.S. and other places, the measurement methods were rather inaccurate. Besides this, it has become clear that measurements such as ocean surface temperature measurements were fairly sloppy.

There is no point in discussing manipulated data, but in any case, this kind of sloppy data certainly cannot lead to correct conclusions. Therefore, it means that the IPCC report itself is completely unreliable.

Despite this, why was data falsified to deny the fact, "The temperature was high in the Middle Ages"? No doubt, there was a clear intention. In other words, it was probably necessary to make people throughout the world believe, "Increase in atmospheric CO2 is the cause of global warming". This means perhaps there were people or groups that would make a lot of profit, or maintain or gain power by doing so. I do not think anyone would do such a foolish thing if this were not the case, but what is the truth?

Is global warming occurring?

With just the explanation thus far, perhaps it can be said there are points in "the CO2 global warming theory" that are rather questionable. This is based not only the facts presented so far, but it is said there is additional evidence to support these facts. Next, we will question anew, "Is global warming occurring even if CO2 is not the cause"?

Regarding this, among the people who question the CO2 global warming theory, there are three ways of thinking at present.

The first idea is as follows. "The temperature is rising in the northern hemisphere, but in the southern hemisphere, the temperature is decreasing. Furthermore, it cannot be said that the temperature of the Earth overall is increasing. According to the results of measurements taken from satellites in outer space, the atmospheric temperature has not risen. From this kind of information, the Earth is not warming".

The second idea is the following. "Maybe CO2 is not the cause, but in any case, global warming is occurring as a result of human activities of some kind, for example, because of increases in methane and other global warming gases".

The third idea is as follows. "Speaking from the results of many measurements and what people actually feel, it is a fact that in recent years, the temperature of the Earth has increased. However, even if we say the temperature has risen, it is absolutely a result of natural phenomena. Therefore, it must be differentiated from warming resulting from human activities".

I myself feel that compared to the past, the temperature has risen significantly in the winters and summers. It might be taking a short cut, but from this, I have a feeling that the average temperature of the Earth overall is rising. However, to be honest, I strongly doubt the theory that CO2 is the cause.

In other words, at the present stage regarding this issue, perhaps it is not possible to clearly determine, "This is the truth". The Earth's climate is formed from the combination of various factors. Therefore, perhaps it can be said that clear conclusions still have not emerged regarding whether greenhouse gases including CO2 cause global warming. Therefore, at the present stage, it can neither be stated with absolute certainty that the CO2 global warming theory is mistaken nor correct. Perhaps it is too early to reach a conclusion.

In any case, at present, and for our human society from now, the issue of whether the CO2 global warming theory is correct or not is in a sense a major issue comparable to “the Ptolemaic system (the earth is the center of the universe) versus the Copernican system (the earth and other planets move around the sun)”. This is because from now in Japan and throughout the world, whether fundamental policies for energy including the nuclear power issue, and whether all activities of human society run correctly, depend on that result.

Considering the importance of this issue, no matter which is the truth, I think that from now, it is absolutely necessary for us to clearly ascertain the truth by examining the facts thoroughly anew.

(End of Addendum)

What we can see from the catastrophe at the Fukushima nuclear power plant (Part 2)

2011-08-03T17:49:00.005+09:00

(From a lecture recording)

Adjust the demand to stay within the limits of the electricity supply capacity

In the first part of this article, I described how “Even without nuclear power, there will not be a shortage of electrical power”. Indeed, it is a fact that tentatively, there is sufficient electricity with the present thermal and hydraulic power. In addition, in our homes and in the industrial sector, we ought to try to effectively utilize Japan’s energy conservation technology that is said to be the best in the world, and further, take measures such as conserving electricity.

I myself am very skeptical about whether economic growth is necessary in the future. I feel that from now, in our economic activities and daily activities, we ought to be creative in areas such as conserving energy and electricity, and adjust and bring the electrical power demand within the limits of the present electrical power supply capacity as a fundamental measure.

Japan’s electrical power policy in the past was to continuously build new power generation facilities and increase the supply capacity while limitlessly increasing the electrical power demand. However, this electric power policy is a main cause of the considerably high rates compared to other countries that have an electricity price system like Japan. At the same time, it is also a cause of environmental destruction and wasting energy resources.

To increase the electrical power supply capacity without nuclear power

In reality, there are many people, such as in the industrial world, who have the opinion that more electricity will be necessary in the future in order to continue economic growth. Then, if we assume that it is necessary to increase electricity without nuclear power from now, what should be done? I would like to consider this point in more detail.

I feel that if there is a need to increase electricity, to put it simply, we should increase thermal power more. Decentralized, small-scale, high performance thermal power generation can be developed in addition to the conventional forms of petroleum and natural gas thermal power generation. Why is thermal power generation good? It is because compared to other methods of power generation, thermal power is overwhelmingly more efficient.

Of course, there is the idea of natural energy. However, with the present technology, we cannot say that power generation with natural energy is efficient. We have high expectations for technological innovations in the future. I will discuss this later, but for now, I would like to discuss thermal energy some more.

Problems of conventional large-scale thermal power generation

Most of the large-scale power generation plants until now using thermal, nuclear, or hydraulic power were constructed in rural areas far from major cities. Electricity is drawn to cities through transmission lines over a distance of hundreds of kilometers. But, while the electricity is transmitted over transmission lines from afar, there is a large amount of electrical power loss. In addition, it incurs considerable costs such as expenses for transmission of electricity, and further, expenses for distribution of electricity.

It is the same with nuclear power, but when generating electrical power at a thermal power plant, most of the heat emitted is discarded. This precious heat that could be used to heat things or used in heaters or air-conditioners as heat energy is being discarded. In fact, it is wasteful.

If small-scale power generation plants were built in the suburbs of metropolitan areas, in the middle of major cities, or inside of factories, that heat could be used as is in heaters or air-conditioners in the form of heat energy. If this were done, about 90% to 100% of the total energy of the consumed petroleum could be effectively used as electricity and a source of heat.

Local production for local consumption form of demand-and-supply system for electricity

Regarding energy overall, the method of using a decentralized or distributed energy system is the most efficient. In this sense, it is hoped that the local production for local consumption form of demand-and-supply system for electricity spreads and expands.

In fact, a high-efficiency, small-scale power generation system using natural gas with about 60% energy conversion rate has already been developed and is in actual operation. In the Tokyo region, there is such a system in Kawasaki City. This system alone has about the same electrical power generation capacity as one nuclear reactor. If we increasingly build these kinds of systems in the suburbs of major cities and medium-size cities, electrical power can be generated with high-efficiency even though the land is small.

Fortunately, it is being discovered that there are large amounts of natural gas located around Japan. The gas just needs to be drawn through pipes. It is said that it will be possible to extract natural gas for the next 60 to 70 years.

At one point, there was a theory that petroleum would last only 20 or 30 more years, but now, the dominant theory is that petroleum will last at least about 50 years. It is thought that by making effective use of petroleum and natural gas, we should be able to meet the energy demands sufficiently.

Natural Energy Power Generation

Next, let us consider power generation by natural energy in detail. As methods of power generation by natural energy, in addition to the conventional large-scale hydraulic power generation, there are methods such as solar, wind, geothermal, and small-scale hydraulic power generation. After the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident, power generation by natural energy has been garnering attention as a method of power generation to replace nuclear power.

When you say, "nuclear power" or "radiation", from the beginning, an image of being dangerous accompanies these words. In comparison, when you say, "natural", a safe and clean image comes to mind, and I feel that is "natural".

In addition, when you say "natural", we can almost envision a "free" or "inexpensive" image. However, at least in the present technological standards, power generation by natural energy is certainly not "free" nor "inexpensive". If anything, it is rather expensive. Further, it also actually does not conserve on petroleum.

The problems with solar power generation

At present, solar power generation is being highly-touted in Japan. Although the technology has recently progressed much, a large amount of electricity is required to make the silicon that is a material for solar batteries. Tracing back, we find that the source of that electricity is petroleum.

Electricity cannot be generated at night with solar power generation. In addition, since the solar panels remain outside, of course, dust accumulates and blocks the sunlight. Furthermore, different from countries with a desert-like climate that are blessed with sunlight and clear weather year-round, since there are many cloudy or rainy days in Japan, the amount of solar radiation is very small. Therefore, the rate of operation and efficiency falls significantly.

Considering these factors, solar power generation becomes fairly expensive. It is said that it takes about 10 years to retrieve the installation cost, and from there, finally, the balance becomes positive. Perhaps it can be said that solar batteries are still at a stage requiring wide-scale technological developments.

There are problems with subsidies

There are several problems related to this issue. First, substantial subsidies are provided by the government and local governmental entities when installing a solar power generation system. With these subsidies, for example, people who install solar panels may only need to bear half of the cost, so the subsidies are a great help for these people.

However, those subsidies ultimately come from our taxes. At least at the present stage, people who do not adopt solar power generation are subsidizing the people who adopt solar power generation. Maybe this has meaning for promoting solar power generation, but perhaps it can be said that it is a big contradiction.

Furthermore, these subsidies do not go to the people who adopt solar energy, but ultimately go to the pockets of the producers and vendors of solar power generation equipment.

Problems with the legislative bill for renewable energy

At present, "the law for renewable energy" is garnering much attention. This is a system to make the electric power companies buy renewable energy such as solar energy for a fixed period at a fixed price that is higher than the regular electricity rate.

Already, purchasing of solar power generated electricity by electric power companies has been implemented. At present, the household electricity rate is 23 yen per 1 kilowatt-hour. From April 2011, the electric power companies have been buying at 42 yen per kilowatt-hour. They are buying at almost twice the price.

The electric power companies consequently charge the 19 yen difference to us ordinary people on top of the electricity fee. Therefore, no matter how high the rate for purchasing electricity, the electric power companies will not lose at all. We, the many people who do not set up solar power generation equipment, are the ones who lose.

Further, it is expected that the following type of problem will arise if people are forced to buy electricity at high fixed prices during the fixed period. That is, perhaps many people will emerge who plan to make money by setting up large quantities of solar panels and having electric power companies buy the large amounts of excess electricity generated.

By doing so, for example, if a wealthy person sets up a large quantity of solar panels at one time, the person will automatically gain a large continuous income. Then, poor people who cannot set up solar panels will have to continue to pay that money.

Therefore, we must not just say, "Natural energy is wonderful" in a sort of "mood". We must determine the policy for the future with full awareness that the measures to spread natural energy have the potential to trigger a great contradiction. I am repeating what I said before, but we are the ones who must keep watch properly.

The potential and problems of wind power generation and small-scale hydraulic power generation

Next, let us consider wind power generation. According to the April 22 Asahi Newspaper, the Ministry of the Environment reported that after investigating locations with suitable wind conditions throughout Japan, even taking into consideration the low rate of operation of wind power generation, it will be possible to build wind power generation facilities to supply the equivalent of 7 to 40 nuclear reactors.

However, solar power generation is still unstable, and the wind is not always available for wind power generation. A system properly controlled with a computer such as with a smart grid that can supply stable electric power is necessary. In this aspect, Japan’s technology is considerably advanced.

Besides solar and wind power, a small-scale hydraulic power generation system is an effective power generation method. Electric power is generated by turning small-scale water wheels using water such as from agricultural water, industrial water, tap water, final effluent from sewage treatment plants, and cooling water used in air-conditioning equipment of office buildings and factories.

Even if we look only at agricultural waterways, there are several hundreds of kilometers throughout the country. In various regions, including Kawasaki City and Yokoyama City, the waterworks department is generating electricity by installing small-scale hydraulic power generation systems in the water pipes of the water supply.

When planning a solution for the energy problem, a major premise is to transition to a system in which in the daily lives of individuals and production system of businesses, wasteful use of energy resources is avoided as much as possible. In addition, if natural energy is used whenever possible, even if on a small scale, a large amount of electricity can be generated in Japan overall, and compared to large-scale power generation systems, the burden on the environment would become much smaller.

To spread natural energy power generation

In order to spread and promote natural energy, and make the various power generation methods more efficient, technology needs to be developed even more. However, until now, power generation methods with natural energy have not truly been used effectively because fundamentally, the major electric power companies have been monopolizing and at the same time, promotion of nuclear power has been the national policy.

Therefore, as a direction for the future, I think that it is absolutely necessary to liquidate the major electric power companies such as Tokyo Electric Power Company, partition into transmission and generation parts, and allow general private electric power companies to compete freely. If this were done, electricity prices would decrease considerably, and more efficient service could be provided.

Regarding nuclear power, if all nuclear power plants are decommissioned as soon as possible, and the money from the government that was being poured into nuclear power is routed to fund research and development and technological innovations in natural energy, in the near future, we should be able to grow natural energy into a major pillar for electric power supply along with thermal and hydraulic power.

Will electricity prices increase if nuclear power is abandoned?

In addition, many people in the financial circles have the following opinion. If nuclear power is abandoned and natural energy is used as an alternative, Japan's electricity prices will increase. If this is so, businesses that have production based in Japan will be at a tremendous disadvantage in international pricing competition. Therefore, it will become necessary to move production bases overseas.

This is certainly a major problem. However, I think that even if nuclear power is abandoned, since thermal and hydraulic power can supply the necessary electric power, fundamentally, electricity prices would not need to be raised. Of course, in the initial adjustment period, there is the possibility of some problems occurring, but I think it is necessary to be creative and overcome them.

Regarding this issue, the problem lies in the fact that compared to other countries, electricity prices are far too expensive in Japan. The root cause is that the major electric power companies have set the electricity prices arbitrarily. In addition, if the electric power demand increased even a little, a tremendous amount of money was invested and large-scale power generation plants were built one after another. That tremendous amount of money was added to the electricity prices.

In order to fundamentally solve this issue, as I described earlier, we can introduce a new way of thinking, that is, to meet the demand within the supply capacity at the national level. The power generation section and power transmission section of the major electric power companies should be separated. Further, promotion of free competition among the electric power companies, and ideas in such directions are also conceivable.

In any case, perhaps it means the ways of the government and electric power companies were very abnormal. After the nuclear plant accident at Fukushima, a considerable amount of information surfaced about the electric power companies’ monopolizing everything, fabricating data, concealing nuclear power plant accidents and giving instructions to fake events. However, there is probably still much more information that has been concealed.

In the background of the accident this time, there is a structure in which without mentioning names, media and scholars under the government’s thumb who received research funding from organizations such as electric power companies, the government, bureaucrats, politicians, and the financial world, swarmed to the concessions and rights behind the electrical power, secretly joined forces with conspirators, deceived the citizens and used them at will, gaining concessions worth an enormous amount of money.

What is behind the support to continue nuclear power?

Let us dig more deeply and think about this issue. For example, in regions that have nuclear power related facilities, of course there are people who say nuclear plants should be stopped because they are dangerous. Nevertheless, of the people who work in nuclear power related facilities, quite a large number of people think that nuclear power is necessary for daily life, even if nuclear plants are dangerous.

They have children and families. There is no other work. Their livelihood depends on it. Perhaps even while knowing nuclear plants are dangerous, they feel that there is no choice. This is the very sad reality.

However, considering another side of this issue, if for one’s livelihood, there is truly no choice but to the support the continuation of nuclear power, and this is connected to supporting nuclear power in the country overall, this is a serious problem. It is possible that another major accident will occur. Is it okay even if this is the case? What will happen to the other people?

By saying things like this, naturally, people will say I can say such things because it is about other people, and not myself. I am fully aware of this. However, we cannot be arguing at this point. You might be told there is no other choice. This means there are people who say that nuclear power is necessary for their livelihood, and they have no other alternative.

In a sense, this is at the limit. People do not have the leeway to consider others because they need to make a living or because they need to ensure their family's livelihood. Perhaps this is the way it is among people with each other. You can understand well if you put yourself in that position. It is a truly harsh and sad reality.

Even now, among the people who live in regions far away from nuclear power related facilities, such as in Tokyo, Nagoya, or Osaka, there are many who support nuclear power. If nuclear power plants were brought to Tokyo, would they still support nuclear power? These people support nuclear power, but would they still be in favor of nuclear power if a nuclear plant were built near where they live? Probably, they would not.

Now, even among the people who say they support nuclear power, they probably would support nuclear power if the nuclear power plants were far from where they live, but honestly, the majority would be in a bind if the nuclear plants were brought nearby.

Similar to the Futenma Military Base relocation issue

This issue is similar to the Futenma Military Base relocation issue in some way. The prime minister at the time said he would like to move the base outside of Japan, and if that were not possible, at least move the base outside of Okinawa.

However, he was told "No" by the U.S. Then, even if you ask another prefecture to accept the base, in the end, no one would accept it. The people in any prefecture would be in a bind if a new military base were brought to their prefecture. In this way, ultimately, we are pushing all of the military bases onto the people of Okinawa.

Related to this issue, many people are speaking out, sympathizing with the people of Okinawa. However, in that case, shouldn't we accept the base in our own region? I think there were many people who did nothing but blame the former prime minister's lack of power, without having any inclination or preparation to share the suffering of the people of Okinawa.

Then, what should we have done? I think the citizens of Japan, ought to have united, called on the government of Japan, and depending on the circumstances, made a demand directly to the U.S. government to relocate the Futenma base overseas.

Considering the present international situation, I think we, ourselves, ought to unite and clearly tell the U.S. government, "Japan does not need or want U.S. bases". However, if the result of new thorough and sufficient discussions is, "U.S. bases are necessary in Japan", instead of pushing the bases onto only Okinawa, I think we ought to accept and allocate the bases throughout the entire country of Japan.

Egoism is the root of the various problems

In any case, whether it be nuclear power plants or the Futenma base relocation issue, the positions in which we have been placed differ, and although there are delicate issues in the background, what we can see here is each person's selfishness or egoism, "as long as it is in my interests".

I think we can say that, ultimately, the root of the various serious problems in Japan and the world is "as long as it is in my interests", that is, egoism. I feel that without eliminating egoism, the serious problems of Japan and the world cannot be solved. Hasn't this become more and more clear through the Fukushima nuclear plant catastrophe?

Regarding the Fukushima nuclear plant accident, a big problem is how to restore to the original state from now. At the same time, I think that if we let this opportunity slip away, we will not have a second chance to permanently abolish nuclear power, nor truly change Japan to a good direction.　In this sense, I think that now is a big chance.

The future of Japan and the world is in the hands of each one of us

I think many of you probably already knew about the information related to nuclear power in today's talk up to this point. In the end, the issue is what can we do from now?

If we clarify the information to this extent, the only option we have is to abolish all nuclear power. In order to abolish all nuclear power, each one of us must verify this fact clearly with data and convey this to others with certainty.

In fact, we are by far the majority. We ordinary people constitute 99% of the citizens. Even so, we have been completely led around by 1% of the people. It is important that each one of us becomes smarter, increases in strength, and takes action.

When I say, "convey with certainty", what I mean is not only conveying the truth about nuclear power with facts. In order to convey this message to all of us who constitute the 99%, a chain reaction, where the people to whom this message was conveyed further convey the message to others, must arise. The importance of this must be conveyed properly from person to person.

I feel that if this chain reaction does not arise, we will never be able to bring to reality permanent abolishment of nuclear power. Furthermore, we will not be able to create a society of true peace where everyone is happy. I feel this is the most important point as we take action.

It is not enough to try to change only nuclear power

Then, is it okay to consider only nuclear power? This society is not one in which nuclear power is the only abnormal point. Issues including those related to politics, economics, social welfare, education, and livelihood all are closely intertwined.　

Therefore, if you try to solve the problem of nuclear power only within the framework nuclear power, in the end, it will be impossible. If you try to solve this issue, another problem will surface elsewhere. If you try to solve that problem, again, another problem will surface. In this way, I think it is like "mogura tataki (whack-a-mole)", an arcade game where you try to hit moles as they pop up from many different holes.

For example, even if you think that since there are various problems in the educational system, we need to make changes, the bigger the problem, the more difficult it will be to make changes within the framework of the educational system. The reason is that this society overall has become this kind of system, and everything is intertwined closely with each other.

This society overall is a competitive society. Within this competitive society, it is extremely difficult to aspire toward truly human education instead of competitive education. To change education, the way of industry and economics, in particular, must change. Also, at the same time, politics must change.

It is important to consider the direction of the overall society

Since everything is closely related in this way in this society, I think that we have come to a period where we must think about the direction in which this overall society will head.

In other words, in which direction is our civilization headed? I would like to talk about this point now.

For example, I said that this society is a competitive society now, but why has it become a competitive society? Why did such a thing as nuclear power emerge in this society? Why is economic growth said to be important? I would like to consider these kinds of things from a different angle.

Egoism is the foundation of this society

Saying it another way, what is the most fundamental cause of this kind of nuclear power plant accident occurring? This nuclear power problem cannot be solved in the true sense without searching for and removing that fundamental cause. Furthermore, other problems that accompany this will also not be solved.

Why did the nuclear plant accident occur? What is the fundamental cause? I touched upon this earlier, but isn't egoism, that is, our selfishness, at the base of this society? To put it simply, isn't this society itself formed with ego at the base?

Egoism arises from the sense of separateness

I think this egoism arises ultimately from the idea that our existences are separate from each other. Ordinarily, we do not have open confrontations or fighting with each other, but ultimately, we are originally separate existences from each other. After all, the most important is oneself or one’s family. Fundamentally, hasn't the "sense of separateness", in which we are all existences with conflicting interests, become the foundation of this society?

I think that from this sense of separateness, in the end, egoism, which is as long it is in the best interests of myself, my family, my organization, and my country, has resulted.

In this society of egoism, taking business for example, one's own business prospering more than other businesses becomes more important than anything else. Further, since one's livelihood is also at stake, it becomes as long as it is in the best interests of my business even more so.

Egoism arises from the notion that we are separate from each other. In addition, various things emerge from egoism such as an excessive sense of competition, that is, the sense that one cannot feel stable unless one becomes more materially prosperous, or achieves higher status or title. One always seeks "more and more". Despite this, it is a way of life in which the heart is unstable and anxious forever.

If opinions differ among people, anger, envy, and hatred arise. If a person is alone, he or she feels a sense of loneliness and blames him- or herself. All of these negative emotions fundamentally emerge from the way of thinking that humans are separate existences.

In fact, we are members of one whole

However, humans are truly not separate from one another, and it is something you can understand if you think about it a little. It is reasonable. We are living one life. We were made from the same ancestors. According to a scientific research, all people living on earth today are descendants of one woman who lived in East Africa 150,000 years ago.

Even with just that fact, it means we are sharing "one life". In English, it is "oneness", and in Japanese, it is "one indivisible body". Our reality is that we are beings that cannot be cut off from each other even if we try to cut ourselves apart from one another.

In the human body, the various tissues, cells, and organs are not separated from one another and are cooperating and living one life. In the same way, we are all in an inseparably close relationship as members of one body. I think this is the true form of a human being's existence.

As evidence, by thinking a little calmly, anyone will realize that within us, we have a desire to be friendly with others. When we fight with others, we do not feel good. The desire to be friends and for everyone together to become happy is an instinct inherent in everyone. This instinct of coexistence is inherently provided within us. Along with the instinct of self-protection, we have an inherent instinct of coexistence desiring that everyone together becomes happy.

Abandoning Egoism

This truth of being members of one body does not only pertain to humans. Each of us, all animals, plants, nature and the universe are living the life that has continued without any breaks. I think we instinctively feel at ease in nature because we are basically one with nature.

In reality, we are all one, and it is a very superficial way of thinking to say that humans are separate from each other. I think that when you stand from the point of view that "we are all members of one body", various things change. To put it simply, shedding off egoism begins.

Egoism is not only individual egoism, but also there is group egoism such as family, organizations such as businesses, regions, and nations. In a sense, we can say that egoism was the motivating force for the human civilization to develop ? to the present state.

However, looking at the reality that human society is virtually at an impasse because of the various serious problems, we can see that human society can no longer develop with egoism. Rather, we can say that through egoism, we have reached the point where we could destroy ourselves.

In other words, it means human society’s way of being and way of thinking up until now based on egoism is fundamentally mistaken. It is probably not an overstatement to say that egoism is the fundamental cause of individual and societal suffering and strife of humans.

Including this nuclear power issue, in order to overcome this difficult situation and bring to realization a peaceful society where everyone is happy, now of all times, we must make up our mind to earnestly seek a way to break away from egoism.

Individual egoism, group egoism, and national egoism

From long ago, shedding individual egoism or eliminating egoism has been the aim of honest religions. Even if not related to religion, it has been a serious challenge for sensible people who have devoted themselves with great pains. Further, certainly, as a human being, it is an undeniable fact that there is nothing more difficult than shedding or eliminating one's ego.

Incidentally, of the various egoisms, the biggest one that brought about the impasse in human society is national egoism. The present international society is operating with the nation as a unit, and the fundamental policy of the various nations is based on egoism, which is, "as long as it is in the interests of my own nation". Then, suspicion, distrust, competition, and conflicts arise among the nations.

Adding to this, because of national egoism, the egoism of individuals living in that nation and businesses and others conducting activities in that nation also is also amplified. For that reason, as individuals also, materialistic desires increase and we want more and more, and competition among businesses intensifies.

The science and technology civilization develops even more rapidly because of competition among businesses, conflicts among nations, and wars. As a result, the scale of wars enlarges, and that in turn, advances scientific technology. In addition, the result of the competition to acquire resources is that destruction of the environment advances. The overall result of these kinds of factors is that the present human society is facing an impasse in various aspects.

National egoism is the main culprit behind the various problems

In this way, conflict in national egoism is the culprit behind the various serious problems internationally and domestically. At the same time, to fundamentally solve the various serious problems, even if events such as international environmental conferences and disarmament meetings are held, if the meetings are based on conflicts in national egoism, maneuvering is done from start to finish to bring things toward one’s own nation's advantage. National egoism has become a major barrier such that agreements toward solutions cannot be reached at all.

Until now also, the necessity of eliminating national egoism has been preached. Regarding this, it is armchair theory at that all nations would discuss and give up national egoism at the same time. This is clear even if you look at the tactics at international meetings.

In order to overcome the crisis facing human society and the society of Japan, I think it is absolutely impossible to try to solve from within the flow of the history of human society up to now. To solve fundamentally, it is absolutely necessary to go outside the flow of the history of human society up to now.

Japan leads and renounces national egoism

In the international society also, Japan should take the lead and unilaterally renounce national egoism, which had been considered inherent until now. As I described before, to shed or eliminate individual egoism completely is very difficult. Therefore, entrusting this to the nation has significant meaning.

I think that something that is difficult for an individual to bring to reality can be entrusted to the nation. If national egoism is encouraging the egoism of individuals, groups, and others, then it is anticipated that by eliminating national egoism, the level of individual and group egoism will decrease.

Let us raise an ideal for Japan that everyone can accept

This is my proposal, "Let us go beyond national egoism and raise an ideal in Japan to shed national egoism". Concretely, it is for "Japan to aspire toward a nation for international peace and the environment". At the base of this bright ideal is that we devote ourselves and put forth the resources of the nation of Japan toward the various difficult problems of the world using peaceful methods.

Fortunately, the present constitution of Japan is the first constitution in human history that abandons national egoism. This means Japan is blessed with the most advantageous condition among the nations of the world to raise an ideal to aspire for abandoning national egoism.

Domestically, this wonderful ideal of abandoning national egoism would bring about major changes in industry, education, social welfare, environmental measures, and other areas. At the same time, by having our daily work and studies or daily lives become directly connected to the happiness of the citizens overall as well as the hopes of humanity for permanent world peace and happiness of humanity, we would feel satisfaction and motivation in living every day, and individually and organizationally, a society that abandons egoism would be built rapidly.

If this were to happen, the many concerned people of the world who love peace would accept and be satisfied anew that this indeed is the most realistic way and right path to solve the problems of human society. By doing this, there is no doubt that there would be a huge rise in momentum in the countries of the world to renounce national egoism. If this were to happen, I think that in a surprisingly short period, this world would be a world free of national egoism.

Let me repeat this once again. I think that in the vision or direction to try to bring to reality a nation free of egoism or a society free of egoism, we will head with certainty toward solving fundamentally the nuclear power problem and the various serious problems of society such as education and environmental problems. This is the point of the proposal in my book, “Beyond National Egoism”.

Finally, I would like to end this talk by saying that I would appreciate your reading this book, “Beyond National Egoism”, in order to understand this proposal more deeply.

What we can see from the catastrophe at the Fukushima nuclear power plant (Part 1)

2011-08-01T19:11:00.015+09:00

(From a lecture recording)

The Fukushima power plant accident and the impasse of human society

In 2007, I published the book, “A Country’s Ideal and the Constitution—The Road to a Nation for International Peace and the Environment” (Japanese), and in 2008, the English translation was published under the title, “Beyond National Egoism”. At age 22, I encountered the concept that is presented in this book. This book was a compilation of more than 40 years of contemplation since then.

The present world is at an impasse because of various difficult problems such as war, conflicts, terrorism, environmental problems, food supply shortage, poverty, famine, and energy shortage. Human society is facing an unprecedented crisis.

Further, amidst this, in Japan there are not only environmental problems, but also educational issues such as bullying, school absenteeism, and classroom disruption and chaos. Considering the young people, many of them say that in this society, they cannot find a worthy purpose or motivation in living. Of course, there are many young people who are working hard and doing their best, but overall, we can see a tendency of extremely weak will. I feel this is something that should be very alarming regarding the future of Japan.

In addition, the direction toward strengthening the U.S.-Japan Alliance and having Japan participate in wars along with the U.S., has gradually gained strength. Through all this, it appears that Japan has reached an impasse because of various factors, such as whether the Constitution, which is the key point of Japan’s future, should be revised or not.

This unprecedented crisis of humankind did not begin recently. The survival of humankind itself was endangered in the Cold War era in which the U.S. and Soviet Union confronted each other over decades in a state of extreme tension with the possibility of an all-out nuclear war because they held several tens of thousands of nuclear arms that were said to have the potential to kill all humankind many tens of times over.

Fortunately, the collapse of the Soviet Union signaled the end of the Cold War. However, although the situation is no longer as tense as before, the U.S. and Russia still have a large quantity of nuclear weapons. After the end of the Cold War, besides the U.S. and Russia, there has been an increase in the number of countries including China that possess and are strengthening their nuclear weapons. Certainly, it is thought that there is no longer a threat of an all-out nuclear war for now, but the risk of nuclear war has not necessarily gone away.

In addition, from 30 years ago, the problem of global-scale environmental destruction has emerged in a big way. We have come to understand that if we continue production and economic growth in the present form, the earth environment itself will be destroyed and the survival of humans will be threatened in the future.

In my youth, when I learned that we might end up destroying ourselves, I felt greatly shocked, and thought, “Humans are so foolish.” At the same time, I thought, “Humans absolutely cannot be such foolish beings. Humans will unfailingly realize their mistakes, correct them with their own hands, and should be able to bring to reality a world where everyone is happy and at peace”. Since that time, as my life theme, I have been contemplating a solution for the impasse faced by Japan and the world, and the realization of a happy and peaceful world.

The main theme of those contemplations is as follows. In order to resolve the impasse faced by human society, find the most fundamental cause of the impasse of human society and determine what can be done to remove the cause. The work was complied together as the book, “Beyond National Egoism”.

The nuclear power plant catastrophe that was forewarned frequently

This book explains about the impasse condition of the entire human society, including Japan, from various angles. The risks of a nuclear power plant accident are described in considerable detail.

Already two months have passed since the accident occurred at the Fukushima Daiichi Power Plant this year, on March 11. That day, at our house, we also felt tremors with an intensity of a weak 6 on the Japanese seven-level seismic scale. After a while, we heard news of this nuclear plant accident, and my first thought was, “It happened, after all”. If I were to express my feelings of that time, only the word “chagrin” comes to mind.

What I mean is that already 4 to 5 years ago, in this book, I had written that the risk of a nuclear power plant accident is very great, and that if an accident were to occur, undoubtedly, it would happen in the way that occurred this time. Indeed, it happened exactly as described.

Actually, I felt perplexed that my prediction was accurate. What I mean is that I am not an expert regarding nuclear power, nor am I an expert in social science.

So, when I was working on the book, “Beyond National Egoism”, I read books from various related fields of study in order to examine what is actually occurring.

I looked over about 10 to 20 books related to nuclear power. What I learned from reading those books is that already from several decades earlier, although their numbers were not at all large, reliable researchers and concerned experts warned based on scientific knowledge and research, “Nuclear power plants are extremely risky”.

Despite these warnings, finally, a large-scale nuclear power plant accident occurred this time. I was stunned and appalled as I thought anew about what on earth we had been doing until now.

Various people have been fervently warning about the risks of nuclear power. Of course, there are many people who lent an ear to those warnings, and worked hard, raising their voices and taking action to abandon nuclear power. But, despite these efforts and activities, a large-scale nuclear plant accident occurred this time.

This means that overall, still, only a small number of people seriously lent an ear to the warnings of these people and assertively took action based on those warnings. As a result, doesn’t this indicate that they could not become a definitive force to change this country of Japan?

Search for the essence of the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident

A large-scale nuclear power plant accident already occurred in Fukushima, but to avoid this kind of accident from ever happening again, I feel that now of all times, we must address anew the importance of “thinking seriously and acting seriously”.

As I mentioned before, I am not an expert regarding nuclear power. In this aspect, I am a complete amateur. However, as of four years ago, since I read various books and studied in order to write “Beyond National Egoism”, I was better informed than the general level people regarding nuclear power.

But, after the nuclear plant accident in Fukushima, various people have spoken out about nuclear power on television, in the newspapers, on the Internet, etc. Even people whose voices were small until now have received great coverage. Accordingly, many of you probably already know well about what I will discuss from now.

So, even though this is the case, the main topic of today’s talk is to search for the essence of the problem as we verify anew the information one more time.

The myth of the safety of nuclear power was disproved

First, the biggest thing that has become clear until now is that the electric power companies and the government or Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry have been saying that nuclear power is absolutely safe, and that this myth of the safety of nuclear power has been completely disproved.

Concomitantly, it became clear that until now, the electric power companies had been saying lies upon lies. This means that from now, the situation has become such that no matter what the electric power companies such as Tokyo Electric Power Company, Chubu Electric Power Company, and Kansai Electric Power Company try to say, we have reached the point where we will not be able to trust them completely.

To put it simply, we were being deceived by the government and the electric power companies. In other words, it means we were completely taken for fools. It is something I had realized, but anew, I feel deeply chagrined.

Furthermore, in the announcements by the Tokyo Electric Power Company and the government, the word, “unexpected” is used very frequently. Various things have been said about this point, but with just a little studying, even an amateur like myself could “expect” the possibility of this kind of accident occurring.

What on earth does it mean when a person who is said to be a specialist, uses the word “unexpected” regarding something that an amateur like me can understand?

Although I am an amateur regarding nuclear power, in the past, I was a researcher in the sciences. From that perspective, I feel that it is extremely disgraceful for an expert to overuse the word “unexpected”. Their intent to want to evade the issue and continue nuclear power even now is obvious.

Is nuclear power cheap?

There is another point to consider. Until now, as one of the grounds for supporting nuclear power, the government and electric power companies have been saying that nuclear power generation is less expensive than thermal power and other power generation methods.

For example, according to the “Energy White Paper” (2010 edition) of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the costs of power generation per kilowatt hour are 7 to 8 yen for thermal generation using liquified natural gas, 8 to 13 yen for hydraulic power, 10 to 14 yen for wind power, and 49 yen for solar power. In comparison, nuclear power is 5 to 6 yen per kWh.

However, until now, many experts have been saying that based on data, nuclear power is certainly not cheap, and is also not less expensive than thermal power.

Recently, in the April 30 issue of the Tokyo Newspaper, Professor Kenichi Oshima of Ritsumeikan University presented data comparing the costs until now of nuclear power generation with other methods such as thermal and hydraulic generation. These can be found through a search on the Internet. Starting from the reports of the electric companies, Professor Oshima calculated the costs more precisely by adding factors such as taxes to promote development of nuclear power and expenses for reprocessing spent nuclear fuel that were not included in the calculations of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

By doing so, the costs of power generation per kilowatt hour are 9.90 yen for thermal power, 7.26 yen for hydraulic power, and 10.68 yen for nuclear power, so nuclear power is the most expensive. Furthermore, this is approximately twice the 5 to 6 yen calculated cost that the government used in the “Energy White Paper” mentioned above.

In addition, for nuclear power generation, a pumping-up hydroelectric power plant is necessary. In other words, the nuclear power plant and pumping-up hydroelectric power plant are a set, and in this case, the cost becomes 12. 23 yen. So, nuclear power is certainly not cheap.

Does nuclear power save on petroleum?

Another grounds for the theory of promoting nuclear power is the assertion, “Nuclear power saves on petroleum”. Is this really true?

To check this, we only need to calculate the electrical power productivity ratio. For a power generation method, the electrical power productivity ratio is the ratio of the amount of energy of all the petroleum input for generating electricity to the electric power generated, converted into the amount of petroleum energy.

This means that if the output energy is greater than the input energy (converted into petroleum), that is, if the electrical power productivity ratio is greater than 1, the energy balance is positive, and it would be meaningful to implement that power generation method. Also, the larger the electrical power productivity ratio, the more efficient the power generation method from the perspective of energy balance. In short, it would mean that method is also profitable economically and saves on petroleum.

In contrast, if the productivity ratio is less than 1, the energy balance would be negative, and it would mean there is no point in implementing that power generation method. Even worse, if the method were implemented, it would be a loss economically and a wasteful use of petroleum.

For example, in the case of coal-fired power generation, the power created from coal that was mined by using 1 unit of petroleum is said to be equivalent to about 100 units of petroleum. That means the electrical power productivity ratio is 100, and coal-fired power generation makes sense.

However, for petroleum-fired power generation, in which petroleum is used to drill for petroleum that is burned to generate electricity, the electrical power productivity ratio is much larger than 100. This means that from the energy balance perspective, petroleum-fired power generation is much more efficient than coal-fired power generation. For this reason, usage of coal-fired power generation declined.

Now, how about nuclear power generation? According to the calculations by the U.S. Bureau of Energy Development in 1976, the electrical productivity ratio was 3.8 for nuclear power in the U.S. The figure was 4.0 according to a report of the Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry in Japan in 1991, although the details of the calculations were not made public. It is believed that these figures are nearly the same because the calculations were based on similar presumptions such as the model set-up and processes.

It is clear that when calculating energy balance, if there are oversights of conditions that ought to be assumed in the calculations, that is, if some elements are left out, it will not lead to accurate results.

First, to calculate the energy input, all of the energy input for generation of electricity must be totaled. For example, everything must be incorporated, such as mining and refining of uranium, expenditures for construction of the power generation plant, costs of operating the power plant, and expenditures for construction of the pumping-up hydroelectric power generation plant needed to run the nuclear plant. From the output energy, it is necessary to subtract factors such as expenditures for processing the nuclear waste materials, and losses from factors such as transmission and nighttime electricity usage at the pumping-up hydroelectric power generation plant.

Dr. Atsushi Tsuchida, a physicist, has pointed out that there were considerable oversights in the calculations of the U.S. Bureau of Energy Development, and correcting for these, he calculated the following results.

Regarding the “energy input”, construction of a pumping-up hydroelectric power plant required for operating a nuclear power plant, construction of an electric power plant and electricity used for operation, and construction of a long distance electrical transmission facility were overlooked elements, so these were added. In addition, regarding “energy output”, nighttime power loss in a pumping-up hydroelectric power plant and losses in transmission were subtracted. By doing so, it is said that the energy balance becomes almost 1.

From this alone, it means there is no meaning in implementing nuclear power. Further, by adding the considerable amount of energy consumed over a long period of time for such things as processing radioactive waste, no matter how optimistically you look at it, the energy balance will become less than one. Professor Takeshi Murota, a mathematical economist, also calculated nearly the same results.

From these results, we can say that nuclear power generation makes no sense at all for power generation. Rather, nuclear power generation does not save on petroleum and is a big wasteful use of petroleum.

In short, the truth is that nuclear power is first of all, extremely dangerous, incurs a high cost, and also does not save on petroleum.

Can we get by without nuclear power?

There is another point to consider. It is often questioned, “Can we get by without nuclear power?” Certainly, if there is a shortage of electricity, it would cause hindrances including in daily life, industrial and economic activities, and all activities related to subsistence, so we can say it is a very big issue. Accordingly, now, many people are saying, “Without nuclear power, there will be an electricity shortage”, and they are using this as a major grounds for continuing or promoting nuclear power.

Is this really true? Let us look at the actual figures. Dr. Hiroaki Koide of the Kyoto University Research Reactor Institute has pointed out that in Japan overall, thermal power generation is operating at 50% capacity, and hydraulic power generation is at 19% capacity. Thus, if the operating rates of thermal and hydraulic power generation were increased, there would be a sufficient surplus in power generation capacity even without operating nuclear plants.

In fact, the total of thermal and hydraulic power generation capacity is 170 million KW. Except for the few hours in the afternoon in mid-summer, with the sum of thermal power and hydraulic power, the electricity demand can be covered even without nuclear power. The highest electricity consumption on record so far in Japan is 182 million KW, and that exceeds the sum of thermal and hydraulic power generation by 12 million KW.

There would be a slight electricity shortfall only in the period of a few hours when air conditioners are used in summer and electricity consumption peaks. Therefore, by taking effective measures to suppress the overall amount of electricity used in this peak time, it is fully possible to abandon nuclear power.

To suppress the overall amount of electricity used during the peak time, suppress the electricity consumed by air conditioners by setting the air conditioner temperature just a little higher. As an alternative, to suppress the electricity consumption during peak times in places such as factories, production adjustments can be made such as staggering the operating times for the various types of equipment. Furthermore, measures, such as setting the electricity rates for peak times higher, as in France, are fully effective for suppressing the overall amount of electricity used. In short, we can survive sufficiently well without nuclear power.

Let us consider this by referring to a more concrete example.

At present, the Hamaoka Nuclear Power Plant has been suspended, that is, operations have stopped. According to the “Electrical Power Supply Plan” for the year 2011 in the Chubu Electric Power Company home page, the generation reserve margin was 2.95 million KW for the year 2010. In mid-summer last year, which was a heat wave, only reactors 3 and 4 at Hamaoka were operating, and they had a total supply capacity of 2.237 million kW.

That means if reactors 3 and 4 at Hamaoka had not been operating, 2,950,000 - 2,237,000 = 713,000 kW would have been left in the generation reserve margin.

In addition, the generation reserve margin this year was 4,390,000 kW. Chubu Electric Power Company itself has forecast that even if the Hamaoka nuclear plant were completely stopped, which is a reduction of 3,617,000 kW, more than 773,000 kW would be left. Even without nuclear power, other types of power generation such as thermal and hydraulic power generation will suffice.

In addition, the following article appeared in the June 12, 2011 Asahi Newspaper with the title, “Summer electricity demand, and securing supply capacity. Tokyo Electric Power Company moves toward restarting the Hirono Power Plant”.

“All five of the reactors (total output power 3.8 million kW) at the Hirono Thermal Power Plant (Hirono Town, Fukushima Prefecture) of Tokyo Electric Power Company that had stopped operations after being damaged by the tsunami in the Great East Japan Earthquake, are expected to be able to restart operations in the middle of July. Therefore, the probability has increased that Tokyo Electric Power Company will be able to secure power supply exceeding the forecasted highest demand this summer of 55 million kW. (omission of middle part)

If the Hirono Thermal Power Plant starts up, it will become possible to add more power with the pumping-up hydroelectric power plant that draws up water with the leftover electricity at night.”

In short, it is an article saying that even in the Tokyo Electric Power Company district, they can likely manage without nuclear power this summer. Therefore, for example, if everyone sets the air conditioner temperature about 1 degree higher, it would easily save on about one nuclear reactor’s worth of electricity. So including businesses, if we make a point to conserve electricity in our work and daily life, it is fully possible to avoid a shortage of electricity without forcing people to endure great hardship.

In other words, from now, we need to change and correct the way we had been squandering electricity like water, and endeavor to conserve electricity as much as possible. By doing so, and by using only thermal power, hydraulic power, or natural energy sources, we can make do even without nuclear power. This can be done without lowering the present level of our daily lives or work efficiency of businesses, and without raising production costs.

These past several decades, the government has promoted nuclear power as a national policy. For this reason, along with thermal power, nuclear power has become one of the two large pillars for generating electricity. In other words, even though we could have sufficiently met the electricity demands from the beginning with methods other than nuclear power, such as thermal power, as the main source for generating electricity, nuclear power has been firmly incorporated into our daily electricity generation system as a national policy, and this structure has left our lives, economic activities and other areas dependent on nuclear power.

As a consequence, if we were to suddenly abolish all nuclear power now, realistically, adjustments could not be made in time, and in some regions, there may be temporary electricity shortages. In this sense, it is certain that how to get by through periods of potential electricity shortages is a major issue, and we must deal with this carefully.

The potential for a catastrophe from factors such as a terrorist attack

The accident this time arose from an earthquake and tsunami, but there is something else we must consider.

It has not been mentioned often, but in fact, there is a very strong possibility that if a nuclear power plant were struck in an airplane crash, missile attack or terrorist attack, a catastrophe would occur.

Based on the principle or structure of a nuclear power plant, it would not be possible to prevent a catastrophe if a nuclear plant were struck in an airplane crash or military attack.

In short, nuclear power plants were not designed and built assuming a military attack or plane crash. The structures were designed and built on the premise that they would be operating during a so-called “era of peace” in which there is no war or terrorism.

In the case of Japan, there are 54 nuclear reactors, and they are located along the coastline almost all across the country. If there were a country that planned to attack Japan, this would be exactly the same as setting nuclear bombs throughout the country.

If a nuclear plant were struck by an airplane, missile, or another form of terrorism, it would be the same as having dropped several nuclear bombs on Japan. If so, Japan would virtually be annihilated, and there would be no longer any place where humans could live in Japan. This would be an extremely terrible situation.

In this sense, as long as Japan has nuclear power plants, no matter how much the military power is strengthened, it would be impossible to prevent attacks from other countries against nuclear plants. This may be black humor, but it means that if Japan continues to maintain nuclear power plants from now also, there is no way for Japan to survive except by completely abolishing all military forces and aspiring toward becoming an absolutely peaceful, friendly country that would never be attacked by other countries.

Incidentally, Western countries have conducted research and implemented training assuming a terrorist attack on a nuclear plant. In 1981, a nuclear reactor in Iraq was actually bombed by Israel.

(Supplementary note: According to the Asahi Newspaper of July 31, 2011, prompted by the bombing incident of the nuclear reactor in Iraq, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs started damage prediction research in absolute secrecy for the case of an attack on a domestic nuclear plant. In 1984, findings were submitted stating that an attack on a nuclear plant would cause enormous damage. Nevertheless, it was not made public for fear of expanding the anti-nuclear power movement.)

We have been deceived about everything

Now, I would like to summarize the various things that we have considered up to this point. In a word, perhaps we have been deceived about everything after all.

With the catastrophe at the Fukushima nuclear plant this time, not only has it been proven by actual fact that nuclear plants, which the electric power companies and government have been saying are absolutely safe until now, are extremely dangerous, but also, all of the factors that have been considered as advantages and grounds for promoting nuclear power were in fact disadvantages.

What does this mean? To put it simply, from the beginning, there was absolutely no meaning in implementing nuclear power. With nuclear power, we, the general public, only suffer major losses, and nuclear power is extremely dangerous. Perhaps this has become clear to many people through the nuclear plant accident at Fukushima.

As I mentioned earlier, one more very important point here is that from several decades ago, concerned people have been warning repeatedly about these facts.

At the same time, it means there was the influence of electric power companies, government, bureaucrats, politicians, the financial world, scholars who wanted research funds, and media under the government’s thumb, that sealed off the voices of these warnings. In addition, many of us have lived either believing unconditionally the words of people in high positions, such as people in the government and electric companies, or pretending not to see even while doubting, or being completely apathetic to these matters. Perhaps it can be said that a combination of these led to the catastrophe this time.

Ignorance, apathy, leaving matters to others, and giving up are the fundamental causes

In short, what I want to say is that, here and now, we ought to properly reflect on our own attitude in life, and not try to settle this problem only by one-sidedly criticizing the electric power companies or government.

For example, although it is pathetic, until the nuclear accident in Fukushima, many people did not know that there are 54 reactors in Japan. In addition, we can hear the voices of many people who say that because of this accident, for the first time, they realized that nuclear power is dangerous.

Regarding nuclear power, it is clear that the government, electric power companies, and others were to blame, but at the same time, we have been deficient in many ways. Consequently, the outcome is that we have been supporting these kinds of electric power companies, the government, and others.

If we do not properly reflect on this fact, we cannot create a peaceful and happy Japan in the true sense from now. Taking the nuclear power issue as one example, I feel that without proper self-reflection, the decisions may go awry depending on the situation from now. Further, in other serious societal issues besides nuclear power, such as the issue of revising the constitution of Japan, the possibility of choosing the wrong path may result. So in this sense too, it can be said that we are standing at a major crossroad or critical turning point now.

To put it another way, I feel that now of all times, we must make this an opportunity to create a country of Japan that is truly peaceful and where everyone is happy. We must put forth all our effort to recover from this difficult situation as quickly as possible. At the same time, we must investigate the fundamental cause that triggered this difficult situation, so that not only the nuclear power accident, but this kind of tragedy never occurs again, and implement a thorough fundamental treatment in our way of living as individuals, in addition to the government and society’s way of being.

“O-kami-shinko” (blind faith in the government) is no good

Let us consider a little further about these matters. As a general trend, Japanese people tend to have “o-kami-shinko” (blind faith in the government). The Japanese people, for no reason at all, tend to accept without questioning what people “above” say, such as people in high positions in the government, university professors, or a president of a large company.

Of course, regarding politicians, for example, we hear conversations of complaints about the present prime minister. However, overall, although it is odd to say “above” when there is truly no above or below, the nature of Japanese people is that there is a tendency to accept without questioning what is told to them from “a person above”. Regarding the nuclear power problem, perhaps this is one of the fundamental causes on our side.

From another perspective, we do not attempt to know the details, or rather, know accurately. This is apathy, which is saying that the matter is something for people in high positions to consider and is irrelevant to me. It is also leaving matters to others to do, and saying it is not something I can do. Ignorance comes from this apathy. I may sound like I am talking patronizingly, but this time, I myself cannot say that I do not have this tendency.

Another point is “giving up”. Perhaps an extremely large number of people feel somewhere in their heart, “ultimately, that kind of thing can’t be helped”. It is a sense of giving up and saying, “even if each of us raises our voice, ultimately, it can’t be helped”.

Ignorance, apathy, leaving matters to others, and giving up. These are the biggest causes of the Fukushima nuclear accident. Would it be going too far to say that before reproaching the attitude of the electric power companies or government, we ourselves, each one of us, must reflect on ourselves?

After saying this now, I, myself do not think this statement is going too far, but I feel deeply anew that this “ignorance, apathy, leaving matters to others, and giving up” of all things are the fundamental causes of the catastrophe at the Fukushima nuclear plant.

In other words, in general, each one of us is lacking the proper recognition that “this society, this country and the world are ours”. For this reason, we ourselves were lacking the awareness that “we are to create this society, this country, and this world with our hands”. Regarding the country, does it not mean, “a clear vision of what kind of Japan we are going to create in the future, and a true ideal that anyone can accept, has not been set forth in the country of Japan”?

There are still many who are in favor of nuclear power

From what I have discussed until now, I think you have understood that with a little investigation, anyone can understand matters such as “nuclear power is far from being cheap”.

There are people who think as follows. “Nuclear power and radiation are scary for some reason. An accident actually occurred. Therefore, I am opposed to nuclear power.” Nevertheless, by actually talking with people, I found that there are many people around me who actually support and promote nuclear power.

I feel that there are still only a small number of people who absolutely oppose nuclear power no matter the circumstances; that is, these people feel that we will create a society free of nuclear power from now. In questionnaires by newspapers and other sources, it seems that 70% oppose nuclear power now, but by talking with people in actual daily life, it seems maybe about one quarter of the people would abandon nuclear power no matter the circumstances.

It seems that the remaining three quarters now feel that it would be better not to have nuclear power. However, it appears they think that if there would be an electricity shortage without nuclear power, or if it would unfavorably influence their work, or if economic growth could not be maintained, maybe continuing nuclear power is unavoidable. In other words, I think there are a fair number of people who feel strongly against nuclear power now, but would switch to continuing or promoting nuclear power depending on the circumstances.

This means that assuming one quarter of the people say they absolutely oppose nuclear power no matter the circumstances, if the remaining three quarters support nuclear power depending on the situation, nuclear power will continue nonetheless.

Probably, there are electric power companies, government-related people and bureaucrats who would gain by continuing or promoting nuclear power, and they have united and promoted nuclear power, but I believe the number of these people is about 1% of the total population or less.

The remaining 99% is the general population. So, if we, the general population, just clearly understand that nuclear power truly makes no sense, has no advantages, and of course, does not even save on petroleum, nor reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and on top of that, is tremendously dangerous, it will be possible to abolish nuclear power permanently.

Not even one advantage to nuclear power

This is an important topic, so I will go over it again. Many people think there are advantages and disadvantages to nuclear power. In addition, they try to decide whether to support or oppose nuclear power by weighing the advantages and disadvantages on a balance, and seeing which is heavier.

Of the disadvantages, the biggest factor is the fact that nuclear power is excessively dangerous. Assuming nuclear power has some advantages, even so, the disadvantage of being excessively dangerous far outweighs all of the advantages combined, and I, myself, feel that nuclear power should be abolished immediately.

Yet, here is a problem of a difference in sense of values. For example, some people say as follows. Economic growth is more important than anything else. Electricity is needed for economic growth. Even if nuclear power is dangerous, it is necessary for supplying electricity.

In other words, it is the theory that nuclear power is necessary for the sake of economic growth, even if there is a dangerous aspect of nuclear power. Perhaps the words, “economic growth” could be replaced by, “maintaining the present lifestyle”, “continuing the present work”, or “securing and maintaining the present income”.

It would mean that support or opposition to nuclear power would depend on each person’s sense of values, and further, a person’s way of thinking would change according to the social conditions of the time. Under such circumstances, it is only natural that a clear conclusion could never be reached. Furthermore, even if a conclusion were forcibly drawn, if the conclusion were mistaken, it would mean leaving problems in the future.

However, what I have described so far is, “The fact is that there is absolutely no advantage to nuclear power.” If you investigate the actual situation regarding all of the factors that were said to be advantages, there is nothing that can be called an advantage peculiar to nuclear power, and instead, they are disadvantages.

In this way, if it becomes clear that there are absolutely no advantages to nuclear power, what remains is only the disadvantage that nuclear power is excessively dangerous. That means, no matter what, nuclear power ought to be abolished as soon as possible and permanently.

Just understanding is not enough

I think you have already agreed with what I have discussed so far. However, by that only, nothing will change.

Some people comment as follows. “I read books on nuclear power. I also looked at some websites. I went to listen to some lectures. I see now that nuclear power is dangerous. There are no advantages to nuclear power. I understand very well that there is no meaning in implementing nuclear power. Therefore, I oppose nuclear power.” Perhaps, we can say this is some progress, but I think that with this only, it will not be possible to immediately and permanently abolish all nuclear power.

In other words, nothing will change if a person just says, "I oppose nuclear power", and does nothing more. This has been proven by many examples in history. To put it simply, it means, "Peace will not become reality by only praying".

Toward bringing to reality true peace, I feel that by boldly conveying one’s thoughts to others through certain and concrete methods, we must increase the number of people who agree. In short, perhaps the most important lesson we ought to learn from the nuclear power plant accident is that unless each one of us becomes "a person who truly takes action", nothing will change in this society.

Increase your ability to convey to others

For this purpose, first, each one of us must understand properly as a fact and theoretically, "Why it is necessary to abolish all nuclear power immediately". Next, it is necessary to develop the ability to properly explain this to others with reliable theory and facts. In addition, I feel we must find opportunities and boldly convey this truth to others.

For this, developing your abilities by assertively reading relevant books and websites, and participating in lectures and study groups is very effective. In addition, introducing good books and websites to acquaintances and inviting them to lectures and study groups are effective methods.

For example, how would you reply to opinions such as the following? "Nuclear power is necessary to continue economic growth". "With natural energy, power generation is unstable and the efficiency is not good, so it will not substitute for nuclear power that is stable and is efficient in power generation." "With just one gram of uranium, nuclear power generation can produce the energy of two tons of petroleum. Nuclear power is far more efficient".

Regarding the first opinion, "Nuclear power is necessary to continue economic growth", as I already explained, you can present figures that have been reported and say, "Even without nuclear power, thermal and hydraulic power generation are sufficient".

Regarding the second opinion, ""With natural energy, power generation is unstable, and the efficiency is not good, so it will not substitute for nuclear power that is stable and is efficient in power generation", certainly, at the present stage, it is a fact that power generation with natural energy is unstable, and the efficiency is not high.

For spreading and expanding natural energy power generation, it is hoped that from now, power generation efficiency will be increased by major technological innovations, and at the same time, stability and control technology will improve through computer technology such as "smart grid". By doing so, power generation by natural energy will become increasingly important as a promising power generation method in the future.

In addition, the efficiency of power generation with nuclear power is certainly not high compared to thermal power and hydraulic power. From this aspect also, thermal power, hydraulic power, and natural energy can sufficiently supply the required electrical power.

Regarding the third opinion, "With just one gram of uranium, nuclear power generation can produce the energy of two tons of petroleum. Nuclear power is far more efficient", by thinking about this just a little, people might think, "That's amazing". However, this is a numerical trick.

Indeed, it is amazing that with just one gram of uranium, the energy of two tons of petroleum will be output. However, the refined one-gram of uranium does not exist in that form from the beginning. By digging deep into the earth, soil- or rock-containing uranium is extracted. Of this extracted soil or rock, only a small portion contains uranium, and of that uranium, only 0.07% is uranium-235, which is used in nuclear power.

This means that we are only saying that the final one-gram of uranium, which was produced by repeatedly concentrating the uranium from the first stage where it was contained in soil or rock, is equivalent to the energy of two tons of petroleum. Therefore, from the initial condition of being in the soil or rock deep underground, by no means does crude uranium have so much power compared to petroleum.

There is no doubt that concentrated and refined uranium has tremendous energy. However, to refine and concentrate uranium to that extent requires an enormous amount petroleum or electricity produced from petroleum.

By verifying the facts one by one, as above, it is possible to disprove with certainty the basis upon which various people say that nuclear power is necessary and to persuade them.

Convey to others with certainty

In this way, each person conveys with certainty to others regarding the truth about nuclear power. Convey with certainty to 5, 10 or even 100 people. Those people to whom the information was conveyed also convey to 5, 10 or 100 people. I feel that if this chain reaction does not reach the final goal, it will not be possible to truly abolish nuclear power, of course, nor to bring to reality a society of true peace where everyone is happy.

I feel that the fact that each one of us could not do so until now, is the biggest cause of making Japan a country that would bring about the catastrophe at the Fukushima nuclear power plant. In this sense, perhaps serious consideration of "What is true happiness?" and "becoming a person who takes action in earnest" are the things most needed from each one of us now.

(End of part 1. To be continued in part 2)

Excerpt from Idle Thoughts: Law of Happiness 2

2011-01-10T17:37:00.008+09:00

In order to become truly happy

From a practical application perspective

＊ If you truly want to be happy, first, make others happy.

＊ If you want something, first, give to others.

＊ If you want to be truly free, first, let others be free.

＊ If you want to be loved, first, love others.

＊ If you want to feel at ease from the heart, then make others feel at ease.

＊ If you want to be truly good friends, take initiative to become good friends

＊ If you want to be understood, first, listen well to what others say.

From another angle

＊ The truth is, there is nothing to worry about.

＊ The truth is, there is nothing to fear.

＊ The truth is, there is no such thing as happiness for only oneself.

Three keys to open the treasure box of life

(Shigemasa Wada sensei's words)

1. A miserly attitude is not good

2. Do not avoid things you don't like.

3. Do good things

Please always carry these three keys in your chest pocket and be creative in the way you use them.

Excerpt from Idle Thoughts: Law of Happiness

2009-07-02T10:34:00.001+09:00

In order to become truly happy, first,
1. See only your good points (strengths).
2. Cultivate your good points (strengths).
3. See only the good points (strengths) in others.
4. Cultivate the good points (strengths) in others.
5. At this stage, never be concerned about what you had thought were your bad points (weaknesses, shortcomings).
You do not need to try to correct what you had thought were your weaknesses or shortcomings. If you focus on 1 to 4 above, everything will be corrected naturally.
6. Never be concerned about what you had thought were others’ bad points (weaknesses, shortcomings).
7. Keep your heart bright.
8. Hold on to optimism to the end, and do not fall into pessimism.
9. Use your head (intellect) to bring things to the positive.
10. Any situation is simply a situation, whether it is related to personal matters or societal matters. A situation is not a problem. Do not make a situation into a problem. In any situation, the only things to do are to always keep your heart bright and deal with the matter in an appropriate way.
11. Live life getting along well with yourself and others.
12. Realize that things are good in moderation. Do not run to extremes.
That’s all.

Living in happiness is simple. You will be able to truly feel this in a surprisingly short time, if you always focus on 1 through 12 above,
After you adopt the above points, in addition, there are some things that need to be done thoroughly. They are as follows.
1. Realize that true happiness is not related to situations or conditions.
2. See the present you 100% positively.
3. Accept your past 100% positively.
4. After you have done this, take time and reflect on your past thoroughly. If you discover a mistake, vow to yourself that you will never make the same mistake again from now on.
5. Accept your future 100% positively.
6. Most importantly, do your utmost to live the present moment joyfully, getting along well with others. Realize that everything starts from here.

Please be happy from this moment. It is something everyone can do easily.
Also, do not think that you cannot do this right away. That is pessimism.
Supposing that you cannot do this, you can still live joyfully, right?

(If you have any comments regarding this blog, please send email to the address below. Comments will not be released to the general public without consent.)
nomura@kuninoriso.jp

Are Humans the “Most Superior in All of Creation”?

2009-05-30T14:03:00.000+09:00

Two life-shaping experiences
One day, after a certain occurrence at age 10, I was struck by the thought, “Why are there poor people in this world? There is definitely something wrong with this world.” Then, at age 14, I visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum (Atomic Bomb Memorial) during a school field trip. The entire time while I looked at the many exhibits, I could not stop my body from shuddering. It was not from fear or anger, but simply from the strong feeling, “Humans are so foolish. There is definitely something wrong with this kind of world.”

The memory of these two life-shaping experiences continued to reside deep in my heart. Then, at age 22, I learned of the booklet, “With Everyone, Raise an Ideal for the Country” [“Minna de Kuni no Riso o”] by Shigemasa Wada, who originally made this proposal. After reading this booklet, I had a firm conviction, “This is the certain path where people will become happy and every country and the world will be saved.” I had found the answer to the questions that I had from childhood. I was truly moved from the depths of my heart.

In addition, I felt that my life mission was to convey this idea to the people all over the world. The fruit of 40 years of contemplation and actual practice was the book, “A Country’s Ideal and the Constitution—‘The Road to a Nation for International Peace and the Environment’” (in Japanese) [“Kuni no Riso to Kenpo—‘Kokusai Kankyo Heiwa Kokka e no Michi’”] and the English translation, “Beyond National Egoism— The Road to a Nation for International Peace and the Environment”.

Through an Infinite Relay of Life
In the 14 billion year history of the universe, the first primitive single-celled organisms appeared on the earth 3.5 billion years ago, and the evolution of living organisms began from here. Since then, evolution has continued and the various plants and animals emerged. Three million years ago, apes, or the first humans, appeared and the history of human evolution began. Then, 40,000 years ago, humans in our present form were born, and we arrive at the present-day humans, ourselves, of today.

From the first living organisms that emerged 3.5 billion years ago to each of us of living today, “life” has been passed on like a baton in a relay from one generation to the next. One can say this passing of the baton has occurred virtually an infinite number of times. This means that if even one link in this “chain of life” had been broken, you and I would not exist in this world. From this fact, it can be said that the life of each person and all living beings are irreplaceable.

In addition, in this sense, each one of us, and all living beings on the earth are standing at the forefront of the history of living beings. It is often said, “Humans are the most superior in all of creation.” Does this mean that among animals, humans are the most outstanding existences? Certainly, humans can make full use of a developed brain that other animals do not have, and humans have developed a shining technological civilization and material civilization. As a result, humans have overpowered other animals and are enjoying prosperity on this earth.

Are humans crazy apes?
However, at least since recorded history up until now, we humans have continued to massacre fellow humans on a large scale over and over again. In addition, we humans are discriminating against and abusing fellow humans. Furthermore, now, we put poison in our food and drinking water, pollute the air we breathe, and are destroying the world in which we live. In this kind of world, individually and as a society, many people bear a sense of insecurity and are suffering in life. There is definitely something wrong with this kind of world. With things as they are, it can hardly be said, “Humans are the most superior in all of creation.” Then, are humans “crazy apes”?

We can definitely bring to reality peace
Are humans originally such foolish and powerless existences? I do not think so. We humans have committed many mistakes and caused ourselves and others to suffer. However, with our power, we certainly ought to be able to correct the mistakes we have made. We humans can definitely attain not only our own happiness and peace in our hearts, but also resolve the many problems of society, and bring to reality world peace and the happiness of all humankind.

Perhaps the reasons why these have not been brought to reality until now are lack of interest, ignorance, and most of all, giving up. I am certain that if we firmly believe, “we can definitely bring this to reality,” and make clear the root cause of the mistaken ways, we definitely will be able to find the path to solving the problems. Isn’t that the point when we become existences that are worthy of the expression, “Humans are the most superior in all of creation”?

(If you have any comments regarding this blog, please send email to the address below.
Comments will not be released to the general public without consent.)
nomura@kuninoriso.jp

The Importance of Enlightenment

2009-05-12T08:51:00.003+09:00

Transcript from a talk (Translated from Japanese)

Nothing is more important for us than “the importance of enlightenment.” This is because we ourselves are the ones who are living. What am I? What is this world in which I am living? Without truly knowing these, we are living only by our moods or thoughts.

Nothing is more foolish than not knowing truly about yourself, not knowing truly about life, and not living a true way of life, and it is a regrettable life. To grasp anew our true self and the true world, clearly and by experiencing (not with the head or intellect), is more important than all else. This is especially so in the present era in which our human society is rapidly headed toward a dead end.

Buddha became enlightened 2500 years ago. He keenly indicated that the source of all human suffering and chaos in society is ignorance, and that an absolute truth of existence is of being one and indivisible.

So, what is ignorance? Normally, we recognize, judge and think about things with our head (intellect). However, “thoughts” of our head are relative, separate things into “I” and “others,” and we mistakenly understand things as being separate existences.

Therefore, things we understand by our thoughts are only “false” things that we have interpreted in a way for our own convenience, and are not the “truth” as it is. Furthermore, the “self” we understand by “our relationship to others” through our thoughts is consequently merely the self that we have defined on our own, and is not the “true self” itself. By thoughts, we cannot grasp the true self and the absolute truth of existence of being one and indivisible.

In order to grasp the absolute truth of existence directly and not with the head, first, it is necessary to have a strong desire to attain this by experiencing, no matter what it takes. At the same time, it is vital to quiet down our thoughts of the head by proper meditation or “zazen” (sitting in silent meditation).

However, it is a fact that the wall of our thoughts is extremely thick and grasping the truth directly is very difficult. Speaking from experience, after running into a problem that cannot be solved with the head, struggling and struggling, and facing a complete dead end and desperate situation, suddenly, a consciousness beyond the head (thoughts) takes effect and you can grasp directly the absolute truth of existence of everything being one and indivisible.

The “Seminar of Life,” which I supervise, is based on this principle. So far, many participants have awakened to their true self and the true world in the short period of one week.

In any case, we must make this our top priority theme anew—
What am “I who exists” and not merely “I who lives daily life.”

(If you have any comments regarding this blog, please send email to the address below.
Comments will not be released to the general public without consent.)
nomura@kuninoriso.jp

Striving toward creating a nation in an exciting way

2009-05-12T08:34:00.000+09:00

Transcript from a talk (Translated from Japanese)

Striving toward creating a nation in an exciting way—
Let us raise an ideal for Japan together

Modern-day Japan is facing a serious dead end in areas such as politics, the economy, education and social welfare. Further, globally, due to factors such as environmental destruction and wars, our human society is facing history’s worst crisis. In order to overcome this crisis from the root level, we need to create a completely different flow from the ones of the past. I feel that the key is in the present Constitution of Japan.

Including Japan, the main cause or culprit of this worst dead end of human society is conflicts of national egoism that says, “As long as it is in my country’s best interests.” These conflicts of national egoism cause wars, promote development of science and technology, promote competition among businesses, and create problems such as with the environment, poverty, and famine.

According to the Preamble of the present Constitution of Japan, Japan will make all out efforts to contribute to solving the many serious problems of the world by peaceful means. It proclaims strongly that this is how the country will secure its survival. This means Japan renounces national egoism by its own will unilaterally. In addition, Article 9 calls for renouncing all types of war including war for self-defense and abolishment of military.

I published the book, “Kuni no Riso to Kenpo” (“A Country’s Ideal and the Constitution”, original in Japanese and published in English as “Beyond National Egoism—The Road to an Nation for International Peace and the Environment” last year. In this book, I presented the following proposal:

In the midst of the dead end situation of the world, let us truly revive Japan. Further, in order to take initiative toward overcoming the critical situation of the world from the root level, let us more assertively bring to life the spirit of peace of the present Constitution of Japan, and let us raise a new ideal in Japan, ‘to aspire for a nation for international peace and the environment.’

In recent years, Japan has seen political turmoil and fallen into its worst ever recession. During this time, people have gotten the impression that the issue of revising the constitution has disappeared. However, considering that on May 18, 2010, the National Referendum law will come into force, it can be anticipated that before long, the movement to revise the constitution will become very active again. Now, especially since we are in this kind of period, we must think about this very seriously.

“Beyond National Egoism—The Road to a Nation for International Peace and the Environment

Shohei Nomura
Mamizu Shuppan Publishing

Contents

I. The Constitutional Debate That Will Determine Japan's Future

Chapter 1 Can We Protect the Peace Without Military Force?
Chapter 2 Arguments for and against Constitutional Revision

II. Know the Present State of the Global Environment and Human Society

Chapter 1 Know the Present State of the Environmental Problems
Chapter 2 Population, Food Supply, Water, Energy, and Nuclear Power Problems
Chapter 3 Considering Conflicts and Wars of the 21st Century

III. How Can We Overcome This Crisis?

Chapter 1 What Is the Fundamental Cause of the Crisis Situation?
Chapter 2 Considering the Future of This Nation
Chapter 3 Overcoming National Egoism

Proposal for the Japanese People
─Everyone, Let Us Raise an Ideal for the Nation
─Now, What Should I Do?
Proposal─For the People All Over the World

(If you have any comments regarding this blog, please send email to the address below.
Comments will not be released to the general public without consent.)
nomura@kuninoriso.jp

Truth of Existence – Part 2

2009-03-02T21:30:00.007+09:00

Transcript from a talk (Translated from Japanese)

Instinct is the accumulation of countless experiences of success
All wild animals live in harmony with nature, and move, circulate, and relate to each other following their instinct. This is because, by instinct, they live following the laws of nature. Instinct is the highest ability, which has been gained and built up genetically through the accumulation of better and better successful experiences in survival and flourishing of the individual and species. It has been developed through infinite trials and errors in the history of evolution over many hundreds of thousands, millions, and billions of years.

So, if wild animals live and act following their instinct, all will be harmonious and follow the laws of nature. With the exception of injuries, infection from bacteria or weakening of the body from lack of food, the functioning of the body will not become abnormal. In other words, except for injuries from accidents, wild animals basically do not become ill.

Humans live with the “head”
In contrast, humans have a “head (developed brain)”. Different from other animals, a special feature of humans is that we can think with our head. However, regarding the basic topic of living, the judgment ability of the head is very poor compared to instinct. The ability to make judgments with the head comes from the accumulation of experiences over a few million years at most.

In contrast, as described before, instinct is the accumulation and concentration of a billion years of experiences of success since living beings appeared on the earth. For example, let us consider foods that are absolutely necessary for an animal’s survival. Wild animals eat things they like and as much as they want, following their instincts. Things that are suited to the body taste good, and the animals like these foods. In contrast, foods that do not suit the body taste bad, and the animals do not like the smell of these food. These are the workings of the instinct. In addition, through the workings of the instinct, they naturally feel satisfied after eating the necessary amount, and do not eat more than that.

Wild animals do not become overweight
Wild animals do not eat foods that do not suit their bodies, and they do not overeat. Naturally, there are no overweight wild animals. If you think a hippopotamus is overweight, that is because you are comparing it to other types of animals such as deer. The body structure of the hippopotamus is suited for its survival, and it is not actually overweight for its species. The body structure of the hippopotamus is the standard for a hippopotamus. There is no hippopotamus that is abnormally overweight beyond the standard for its species.

Foods suited to humans
In contrast, in most cases, we humans think about and decide with our “head” the type of food, quantity, and number of times to eat based on our knowledge and experience. The result is that we overeat in most cases.

If we humans also followed our instincts, by nature, we would probably not eat very much meat and dairy products. For example, human teeth are not very suited to biting and tearing tough raw meat. It is supposed that for humans of the time before the development of techniques using fire to soften meat such as grilling or boiling, and over the many millions of years of our ancestors which were a type of ape, even if humans ate the meat of other animals, the main foods were things like nuts, fruits and leaves.

Difference between cats and humans
If we observe cats, which are originally pure and simple meat-eating animals, if a small animal scurries nearby, the cats instinctively get excited, follow the movements of the small animal with their eyes and wait for a chance to pounce on the animal.

In contrast, if we humans walk by a pasture and a kid goat comes near, in general, we might think, “how cute,” but we do not think things such as, “This looks delicious.” Still more, unless we are facing severe starvation, normally, the urge to pounce and capture does not naturally well up from inside.

These are only some examples. Of course, we humans can eat meat and consider it “delicious” by grilling or boiling it to make it soft, and adding seasonings such as salt, and vegetable and fruit juices that have good aroma and flavor to hide the bad taste of raw meat. Setting aside the question of whether meat is truly suited to the human body, it is a fact that these methods of preparing meat have widened the range of foods for humans, enriched our diet and food culture, enabled humans to survive more easily, and greatly broadened the area inhabitable to humans. However, perhaps the fact that we cannot consider meat to be “delicious” unless we season it or mix it with other things that have good aroma and flavor such as vegetables and fruits, means that it cannot be said that meat is originally a food that is very suitable for humans.

Is milk a good food?
How are dairy products? The components of milk differ for each species of animal. A human mother’s milk is suited to a human baby. A mother cow’s milk is suited to a baby cow.

In this sense, wouldn’t you say that there is a problem with giving cow’s milk to a human baby? Still more, mammals wean naturally after a certain period of time. They do not need the mother’s milk any longer.

When mammals mature, they get their own food and eat. However, many humans continue to drink milk even after becoming adults. Furthermore, this is not their mother’s milk, but the milk of a mother cow. Isn’t there something strange about this?

It may be a fact that cow’s milk has components that are also nutritious for humans, but nutrients that are necessary for a baby cow are concentrated in cow’s milk. Is cow’s milk truly good food for an adult human? Adult humans are stealing and drinking the milk meant for a baby cow. Even adult cows do not drink cow’s milk.
　
Food suited to the human body
So, what is the most suitable food for the human body? Basically, it is food that is raw, tasty, and has a good aroma by itself without being mixed with anything else, and without being cooked or boiled.

This may be quite far from the conventional ideas of most people today. However, if you look from the viewpoint of what is the natural way of the human body, you will see that this is definitely not such a strange idea. Our ancestors survived over many millions of years by choosing and eating foods that were tasty and had a good smell in the raw form, based on instinct, which is our highest ability given to us from nature.

As a consequence, the structure of the human body was adapted to these kinds of foods. Later, humans developed various methods of cooking and broadened the range of foods, but this history is only about a few tens of thousands of years old at most. It cannot be said that the human body has sufficiently adapted to these new foods.

Why do we overeat?
In many cases, we humans choose and eat food based on judgments and knowledge of the “head.” If we followed our instincts, we would eat things that suit the body, feel satisfied at the appropriate amount (relatively small amount), and stop eating.

However, since we eat based on judgments and knowledge of the “head,” we often do not eat things that are truly suited to the body (that our body likes). So, no matter how much we eat, we cannot feel truly satisfied. Then, in order to gain a feeling of satisfaction, we cannot stop from eating more and more. In the end, we overeat.

Abnormalities of the body are caused by unnatural lifestyle
In modern life, we do not walk much anymore. By walking, the human body adjusts itself and becomes balanced naturally, but now, we cannot do this natural adjustment well.

In addition, since we lack exercise, many people commute to a gym for exercise after work. Wild animals do not lack exercise even without commuting to a gym.

We can see these kinds of examples in various aspects of our every day lives. In short, since we humans make judgments with the “head,” we go away from the laws of nature, our lifestyles become unnatural, and as a result, our bodies become abnormal. This means that in principle, the abnormalities of our bodies will be cured if we correct and conform our lifestyles to a natural lifestyle, and leave things to the life power of nature (instinct).

Human society is a society that is one body
Our world, that is, human society, is a world that is one body in which originally everything is connected and circulates. This society is formed from relationships in which all people, including adults, children, elderly, infants, men, women, husbands, wives, sons, daughters, grandfathers, grandmothers, uncles, aunts, nephews and nieces, are connected to each other and circulate.

These people are in various types of relationships such as family, friends, and acquaintances. Further, through organic gathering and joining, these people form the many types of systems and organizations such as shops, factories, offices, companies, public offices, courts, and schools.

Then, these collectively become a nation, and further, the world is formed from all of these factors.

The basic unit of the international society is the nation. Similar to all the cells, tissues and organs of a human body, it can be said that all people and other components, are irreplaceable and precious existences that form this society, which is one body.

Our society is not in harmony
Nevertheless, can we say that this society, which is one body, is completely sound and in harmony? Unfortunately, this is not the case. Even if each existence in this society is irreplaceable and precious, and inseparably connected to each other, their workings are not sound workings, and this world has not become one that is happy, in harmony and at peace. Why is this so? It is because abnormalities have been created in society through ideas and judgments that are not in line with the truth.

Similar to the situation of the human body, abnormalities are created in society through activities of individuals and each type of system and organization, when we follow mistaken beliefs, ideas and judgments of our “head” that are not in line with the truth (laws of nature). 　

This is the cause of suffering and agony of the mind and body of individuals. Further, it becomes the cause of hatred and fighting among people, and also becomes the cause of conflicts and wars, poverty, famine and environmental destruction.

In short, our society is also one body. However, it is not in harmony. This means that abnormalities have arisen in our society because of ways of thought and judgments that do not follow in line with the truth that “all existences are not separate, but one indivisible body,” which is the truth of existence.

The workings of the body and the workings of society
The body is one whole, so if there is an illness or injury somewhere in the body, it leads to disharmony of the whole body. In addition, the effects of the illness or injury and reaction of the body affect all reaches of all cells. Also, an illness or injury to one cell connects to illness of the entire body and mind which is one whole.

Similar to the human body, human society is also one body. The many problems of society are like the illnesses of the human body. In other words, just as suffering in one part of the body becomes suffering of the entire body and mind, if there is even one person in the world who is suffering from poverty, famine or war, is in need or is suffering, to feel it as my own suffering and unhappiness is a normal and sound sense that is in humans by nature, and this is the correct way of seeing things.

I feel it is human nature to consider this as suffering and unhappiness of oneself that is one whole, and work to remove the suffering or unhappiness, and restore soundness to the body even one moment sooner.

In this way, if each person becomes aware of this truth of existence, conflicts would not arise, and egoism such as “as long as it is in my interests” or “as long as it is in our interests” would not arise.

Sense of oneness and sense of separateness
Let us consider again the sense of oneness and sense of separateness from the perspective of the individual and the whole, because each of us humans certainly has an awareness of the “self” or awareness of the “individual.” In addition, it is a fact that each person, or each existence, appears to be separate. So, how should we think about this?

We can think of it as the difference between our picture of things based on our sensing and seeing with our five senses, versus the true form of this world. Let me explain this difference with an example.

Sunlight is colorless and is one. However, if colorless sunlight passes through a prism, it separates into seven colors like a rainbow. In fact, it is divided into many more than seven colors.

Just like in this example, we can think that all existences are originally one, but if passed through our five senses, it looks like countless numbers of “individuals.”

All humans are brothers and sisters
I would like to explain about the relationship between “the individual and the whole” using another example.

In 1987, according to research by Dr. Cann and colleagues, comparison of the genes of newborns from locations around the world such as Asia, Europe, Australia and New Guinea, showed that all humans living on the earth have in common the same ancestor, a female who lived in Africa 200,000 years ago.

In other words, all humans are descendants of this woman, and we humans are all brothers and sisters.

Setting aside the question of whether the common ancestor of all humankind has truly been determined, I believe that there is no objection to the idea that all humans have a specific common ancestor and that all humans are descendants of that specific ancestor.

This can be expressed by saying, “We branched off from a common ancestor.” Male and female descendants that “branched off” were united, and descendants of a common ancestor were born. This was repeated nearly an infinitely large number of times, and all of the descendents are related like the mesh points of a three-dimensional net.

It might appear that people branched off and became separate. But, actually, through this process, new bonds can be formed. So, in fact, we have not become separated and lost all relations to each other. We might appear to be separate, but this is also a form of one indivisible body.

All existences are one body
The relationship between “the individual and the whole” becomes clearer if we think about our human body.

Each human life starts from one fertilized egg. This fertilized egg cannot do many detailed biological activities as it is. One fertilized egg divided and became two cells, divided again to become four cells, and after dividing nearly an infinite number of times, formed over 60 trillion cells. From these cells, tissues and organs that have various functions were created. All together, these form one living organism, that is, one human.

So, is it the case that each cell, tissue, and organ is separate? They are unrelated? They are simply “connected”? Can the relationships with each other be explained completely with the expression, “They are very closely related?”

The individual and the whole
All of the above are mistaken. Each relationship is such that we cannot survive without the other, we help each other, and fill in for each other’s weaknesses. These aspects circulate among each other, and by each fulfilling its special qualities and roles, the one life (one living body) as a whole can live.

In summary, each individual is given life by all other individuals. Also, as an individual, the individual lives one large life that is the whole, and the overall one large life lives as an individual.

It is important to become aware of the truth of existence
This relationship between “the individual and the whole” is not limited to the human body, but is the proper form of the world of nature. In addition, it is the way human society ought to be by nature.

Indeed, we have an awareness of our “self,” and an awareness of the “individual.” However, it definitely does not mean that we all exist separately from each other.
Each of us humans, by nature, is an existence that is absolutely necessary for each other. The true form of human society is living in harmony with nature, helping each other, making up for each other’s weaknesses, and cooperating with each other.

Each person has an awareness of the “self,” and the reason we have a sense of the “individual” is that by having this sense, we can better enable others to live, and help the overall life advance. Through the inner demands of “life” itself that works far and wide throughout the macrocosm, and as a result of evolution, humans gained this kind of ability.

You can think of this as the same as the inner demand of “life” itself that caused one-celled organisms to evolve to many-celled organisms, and then to the various types of plants and animals that have complex tissues and organs.

In any case, all of the problems of human society arise from egoism, which is based on the sense of separateness. As human society has come to such a dead-end situation in the present era, now of all times, we must awaken to the truth of existence that “all existences are one (and not separate existences).”

(If you have any comments regarding this blog, please send email to the address below.
Comments will not be released to the general public without consent.)
nomura@kuninoriso.jp

Truth of Existence – Part 1

2009-01-29T19:15:00.009+09:00

Transcript from a talk (Translated from Japanese)

Is the sense of separateness a truth of existence?
On an individual level, group level and national level, we humans (humankind) are suffering from various problems. We can say that ultimately, the root cause of all of these problems is egoism of humans, and this is different from other animals. This means that if egoism were the true nature of humans, it would basically be impossible to resolve our many problems. So, is egoism the true nature of humans? This is, in fact, a very important topic. Egoism is the way of thinking and way of life, “caring only about myself,” (or “as long as it is in my interests,”) and this comes from the “sense of separateness” in which “everything in this world exists separately from each other.”

“Truth of existence” – Humans
So, is the sense of separateness a “truth of existence?” First, let us think about the existence of humans as the closest thing we can relate to. There are over 60 trillion cells in the human body. If we examine one cell, it is made up of many components including genes, cell fluid, cell membrane, etc. These cells form the tissues of our body such as membranes, blood, other bodily fluids, and muscles. These tissues form our organs such as the stomach, colon, heart, liver, kidneys, eyes, nose, mouth, blood vessels and bones, etc. Further, these organs form our body parts such as head, neck, chest, abdomen, hands, feet and so on, and these parts form one individual human body.

The existence of each individual human is not just a physical body. We are formed from various components such as our senses, intelligence, knowledge, ideas, memory, emotions, heart and mind. In other words, an individual human existence is formed from many components at different levels such as cells and tissues, organs, body parts, as well as intelligence, memory, emotion, and heart/mind. These components are continuously breaking apart, coming together, circulating, being active, or stopping. In other words, these components do not exist separately from each other, but are at a level that is clearly beyond simply having a close relationship or connection. Their relationship cannot be broken apart even if you try. They are inseparably related, complement each other, help each other, and circulate to sustain each individual human life.

In this way, each human existence is a microcosm. “All cells, tissues, organs, as well as intelligence, memory, emotions, and heart/mind cannot survive without each other.” They exist, circulate, and function harmoniously in a “relationship of giving each other life, and being given life by each other.” To say it another way, it is a relationship of “All for one, one for all.” In other words, "All (everyone) for the sake of one (one person), one (one person) for the sake of all (everyone)." This means, each existence is not separate from others, or has a shallow relationship of being slightly related, but we have a very close relationship with each other. We can even go as far as saying, "I am you, you are me," "everything is me, I am everything." Maybe it is suitable to express this situation as, "a relationship where we are one body, and cannot be separated apart," "one indivisible body," or simply "one body."

Macrocosm
Just as human existence (life) is one body and an indivisible microcosm, the macrocosm itself is one indivisible body. The planets revolve around the sun following laws in an orderly way. Moons and satellites revolve around planets in an orderly way. It is said that in the Milky Way, there are about 200 billion solar systems like ours. With the best telescopes of today, we have found approximately a billion galaxies that are about the same scale as the Milky Way. Our universe is a macrocosm with an infinite, uncountable number of stars, planets, galaxies, and matter among the stars and planets. These all move in harmony following laws and circulating in an orderly way. In this way, the macrocosm obeys the laws and moves in an orderly way. It is a world that is one and indivisible.

Microscopic world
The microscopic world is also called a small universe or microcosm. For each type of atom, the size of a nucleus is different. In the various atoms, a fixed number of electrons revolve around the nuclei following the laws and without becoming disorderly. These together with the nucleus express the workings of one atom. In addition, each atomic nucleus is formed from various micro-particles. The whole is in harmony. It is the same for molecules. Atoms and molecules are one body.

Nature
Nature is the same. Nature is formed from various components such as the sky, clouds, rain, sun, moon, snow, rivers, oceans, mountains, soil, desert, grasslands, minerals, plants, animals, microorganisms and so on. All of these components are related to each other, circulate, and are one overall. Nature is also a world of coexistence as one body in harmony.

By the way, there are different opinions about the concept of “in harmony.” For example, lions eating deer is a grim fact of the law of the jungle. If we look at natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods, we say that nature cannot be considered to be in harmony. However, that is only the way we humans look at things with our head according to our own convenience and self-serving ways. We look at things on the surface level and only at the parts from a relative point of view. The true form of nature is also a world of coexistence in harmony.

Plants and animals
Let us think about nature a bit more in detail. For example, plants create the components of their body by photosynthesis. In photosynthesis, plants use the sun’s energy to make the components of their body from carbon dioxide absorbed from the air and water absorbed from the roots. At the same time, plants product oxygen and release it to the air. Grass-eating animals such as deer eat these plants. Meat-eating animals such as lions eat these deer.

Through respiration, animals absorb the oxygen produced by plants, and at the same time, animals produce carbon dioxide (CO2) and release it into the air. Plants use this carbon dioxide for photosynthesis. The oxygen absorbed by animals is used to break down and digest the food they eat and to provide energy for their activities. Waste materials from the animals and the dead bodies of animals are broken down as food for microorganisms, and in the end, are scattered in the soil and air.

The components that are scattered into the soil become nutrients for the plants. When the plants themselves wither and die, they are broken down by microorganisms and return to the soil once again to become nutrients for the next plants. At the same time, some components are also scattered into the air. The various components that are scattered into the air, in fact, circulate around the world through circulation of the atmosphere, are absorbed by the soil, plants, and animals again, and enter a different circulation pathway.

Water
In a similar way, water not only circulates among the rivers, ponds, lakes, oceans, clouds, rain and snow, but becomes components of the bodies of plants and animals. In addition, water is excreted out of the bodies, and for example, goes into rivers in the end. This circulation follows unimaginably complex pathways.

In other words, nature and the human body are similar, and there are a countless number of levels of components that compose them. All of these are “existences that are necessary and vital, ” that complement each other, support each other, circulate, and are in harmony. Nature, which is one huge life, is sustained and works by all of these components. In this way, nature is indeed a world that is one indivisible body.

Similar forms of one indivisible body
If we observe in this way, aren’t the things in this world created similarly to each other? Probably, “similar form” is an unfamiliar expression. To put it simply, “similar form” means “various phenomena follow common patterns.”

As I explained for the human body, for all things in this world, the components at each respective level follow the laws of nature. The laws of the universe, are related to each other, affect each other, complement and cooperate with each other, form one harmonious universe overall, and form a component of one level above. In other words, it can be said that the components at a particular level are unified together to form one body, and live “one life” [not each being separate lives] as one indivisible body in the level above. Then, the components of the level above gather together, and in a similar way, form the components of the next higher level.

If we look straightforwardly at the cells, tissues, organs, and the entire body that are the components (world) of the life of animals, plants, and microorganisms, and further, if we look at nature and the universe, perhaps we can clearly see and grasp the similar forms. Simply put, originally, everything is not separate, but is one and indivisible. In addition, all existences beside humans or human society are in harmony, following laws as they move, circulate, and relate to each other.

(If you have any comments regarding this blog, please send email to the address below.
Comments will not be released to the general public without consent.)
nomura@kuninoriso.jp

Awakening to a way of living life (Section III)

2008-12-05T11:50:00.008+09:00

Transcript from a talk (Translated from Japanese)

What the development of the brain produced
As I have mentioned before several times, human society is facing a dead-end in many ways. So, as we think about what are the root and the deeper root cause, I think that perhaps the feature that most highlights the difference between humans and other animals is the development of the brain. The developed brain works to create the sense of separateness, scientific and rational thinking, and egoism.

There are millions of stars and galaxies in the universe. These move following a regular pattern like a clock, revolving around each other in perfect and beautiful harmony. In addition, in the world of nature, there are millions of minerals, microorganisms, plants, animals, sun, moon, water, air, rivers, oceans, sky, clouds, and rain. These circulate and help each other, and are also in perfect harmony.
　
Animals, which live only by instinct, live in harmony in nature and as one with the surrounding environment. When a lion eats a deer or other grass-eating animal, it might appear like the law of the jungle where the weak are victims of the strong. However, let us say that this is a surface-level way of looking at the situation. When a lion’s stomach is full, it does not even look at deer. It does not eat more than necessary. Also, it is said that if lions did not eat any deer or grass-eating animals at all, the number of these grass-eating animals would increase too much, and it would lead to their ruin. So, meat-eating animals such as lions are absolutely necessary for grass-eating animals such as deer to survive and thrive. In addition, lions never kill each other in masses. If this happened, all lions would become extinct. In this way, animals that live by instinct alone live in nature in harmony and as one with the surrounding environment, plants and animals.

In comparison, how are we humans with our developed brain? We look only at short-term convenience and desires, put poison into our food and drinking water, pollute the air that we breathe, and pollute and destroy the natural environment that we absolutely need to survive. In addition, we humans continue to kill each other in masses. If we look at the situation in this way, as long as our overall way of living does not change from the root, isn’t it clear that we humans will become extinct at some point?

This is not just my imagination. Of the world’s intellectuals, fairly many say that humankind will probably perish in the near future. They say that we are clearly headed in the direction of destruction. Although these people say, “we must do something,” no one has mentioned specific ways for “how we can save ourselves from destruction.”
　
Living beings have evolved from a single cell to humans over billions of years. For certain, the development of the brain in humans has greatly helped in the competition for survival. However, now, with our developed brain, we humans are facing what can be called a crisis situation that will decide our future. I feel it is already impossible to overcome this crisis situation no matter how much we try different ideas, if the ideas are from within the same dimension or the same direction of the past ways of thinking. To survive this worst crisis in human history, we need a new way of thinking that changes at the root-level, the past direction of advancement (?) of our human society. In other words, new ideas are necessary from a higher dimension than the ideas of the past.

Is there a next step in evolution for humans?
In one sense, even if we accept the advancements of human society, we can say that human society has a deadly illness and is just one step away from the last stage before death.

So, is a next step of evolution for humans actually possible? Or, is this the end point of human evolution and history? We are witnessing this type of stage. In the history of the universe, history of the earth, evolution of living beings, and human history, we are witnessing this kind of particularly historical era or moment.

Certainly, humankind is deeply in trouble, but personally, I feel that instead of the end point of human evolution and history, I think this era is one step before we move to the next stage. Based on several facts, I think this is the case.

By reading books that have recorded the experiences of people (sages) who gained awareness in the past, it seems that most of them followed almost the same process before they gained awareness. They discovered the true world when they reached a dead end after thoroughly struggling in their earnest search for the true way of living or a way to overcome the agony of the heart and mind.

This is only one example, but there are many similar actual examples. There are many cases in which when a person faced a dead-end situation personally or socially, he or she thoroughly reflected on the things that led to the dead end, completely broke free from these things and made a great breakthrough.

Many illnesses arise and worsen from an incorrect way of living or attitude of the heart. However, as long as it is not too late, even if a person suffers quite a lot from the illness, if because of the suffering, he or she starts to reflect on the true way of living or attitude of the heart, the person should be able to realize his or her incorrect ways from the root level. If the person does this and corrects his or her mistaken ways, for certain, the illness should be cured and health restored.

In this way, by becoming ill, a person can realize the correct attitude of the heart and way of living. To put it simply, maybe we can say that except for people who are very humble and have a receptive attitude, most people will not think seriously and sincerely about even the most important matters as long as they are not truly desperate.

(Of course, that would mean the people think there is still much more time, but it will already be too late when they realize it. In addition, if a person becomes ill and the illness worsens because of a mistake in attitude of the heart or way of life, and the person does not reflect on his or her ways, does not correct them, and thinks the illness is something that can be cured by another person such as a doctor or medicine, even if the illness is cured temporarily, it is likely that the illness will appear again or appear in the form of an even worse illness. If the root cause is not removed, we cannot say the illness has been cured from the root-level.)

The meaning of the crisis situation of human society
Similar to the examples I described before, I feel that maybe except for people who are very humble and have a receptive attitude, we are made in a way that we do not readily try to think seriously and sincerely, and face the facts directly as long as human society does not reach a crisis situation. To say it another way, by being in a crisis situation, facing this fact directly, and trying to survive, I think we (humankind) can become aware of the true way of living and bring out our real underlying power. In other words, when we stand at the edge, where we will die for sure if things remain as they are, I believe we will be able to become serious. When we become serious, we will be able to see clearly our past mistakes and at the same time, ideas will spring forth from a different dimension to overcome our mistakes.

（It is a fact that there are people who have given up or are not interested and say things such as, “I cannot do it” or “It is not for me to do.” Maybe there is nothing that can be done about these people. However, what if these people could say, “Even I can do it.” I would like to suggest, “It is exactly because we are living in these times, that even I can do something, and you also can do something.”

The universe continues to evolve
Instead of saying this a test that the universe has given to humankind, maybe we can say that humankind has been given the best opportunity to realize what is true. I think that maybe the scheme of the universe itself is this way. It is said that the universe began with the big bang. First, matter appeared, and then life appeared. Finally, humans came into being. There are probably different theories, but if we look at evolution overall, there was a period when living beings made big jumps in evolution. When did these jumps in evolution occur? Before every jump in evolution, the situation was that things absolutely could no longer continue as is. The living beings directly faced becoming extinct or certain death. In these kinds of times, for some reason, a big jump in evolution occurred to overcome the crisis. Then, life progressed to the next step in evolution.

In this universe, or we can say the earth, at first, only “matter” existed. Then, living organisms appeared and separated into plants and animals. Since we are considering the evolution of humans, let us think about animals. In the evolution of animals, apes appeared. It is said that humans evolved from a form of ape. However, I think that animals up to the ape, and humans are definitely on different dimensions. What does this mean? Let us look at an example. Animals are made from matter (a physical body). While animals are made from matter, at the same time, they have a factor, “life,” which is from a different dimension than matter. In a similar way, we can say that while we humans are made from matter and are animals, at the same time, we have a factor “heart” or “mind” from a different dimension.

Humans have a factor, “heart” or “mind,” that is from a different dimension than animals. This does not simply mean intelligent life. Of course, there is no mistake that humans came into being through the evolution of animals, but I do not think of humans as simply one type of animal.

Of course, following common wisdom, humans can be considered as animals belonging to the ape “family.” But, I want to say that even if that is the case, we humans are very unique because we have a “heart (mind).”

What is the universe evolving toward?
I think the universe is evolving in a definite direction. Why do I think this is the case? It is because there is no universe outside of the universe. So, there is no force that can be added from outside of the universe. Therefore, with the force of the first big bang, or the force that triggered the big bang, the universe has been going in a definite direction. This is not simply a physical force or direction, but the “content” of the universe is also continuing to advance (evolve) in a definite direction.

In the end, in what direction is evolution headed? Evolution has progressed from matter to living beings (animals) to humans. (It is probably not wrong to call it “evolution of living beings” in the overall picture.) I think the direction of the evolution of living beings is not simply that living beings survive and their numbers increase. If the aim of evolution was only to make survival more certain and increase in numbers, insects have been much more successful than humans. Furthermore, bacteria have been more successful than insects.

So, one-celled organisms were in a much more stable condition. Then, why was it necessary for them to become many-celled organisms, and for even more complex organisms to come into existence? Instead of ensuring survival or numbers as Darwin said, my guess is that in the end, the evolution of living beings is going in the direction of creating “beings that have awareness.”

I will describe my theory next, so I hope you will keep that in mind as you listen. The world of animals is a world in perfect harmony. Since their cerebrum is not as developed, they live by instinct only. This instinct obeys the laws of nature (or laws of the universe). So, they live in harmony with nature and the surrounding animals and plants. However, animals do not have the ability to be aware of this. They just live in harmony.

To say it as if representing the universe, probably the universe wants to create “beings that are aware” of “what am I” and “the universe is this kind of universe (one that works in this way).”

Already, at least since thousands of years ago, many people who have lived before us, including Buddha and sages, have found the “true world” and the “true self.” If we think about this, we cannot think humans are just one type of animal. The universe is continuing to evolve in a definite direction. After going through a very long process of evolution, at long last, humans appeared, and we humans have a “heart (mind).” Even though they are still few in number, some “humans with awareness” have appeared. If we assume this, at the end of this direction of evolution, many more “humans with awareness” will be born. In addition, after that, I think, “all humankind will have awareness.”

Of course, if you say that no one knows the will of the universe, the discussion will end there. However, from my personal experience, I think the will of the universe can be sensed deep inside each of us if we make our mind clear and still, and not by trying to convince ourselves with our head.

Some may say that it is difficult to do this. However, while saying it is difficult, most people have more than once asked themselves the questions, “For what purpose was I born?” “What am I?” “What is this world?” If we think for a moment that we, who have these questions, were born as a result of the evolution of the universe, instead of considering this self as simply a whim or passing thought, isn’t it possible that the will of the universe is to produce “beings with awareness?”

“Why” and “For what purpose”
So, why do we humans, who have been called “the lords of creation” and are at the highest step in evolution, cause suffering to ourselves, cause suffering to others, are pushed around by our desires, and fight in ugly fights? And, why have we come to such a dead-end situation now? Humans have created wonderful cultures. In our history and in our daily lives, there have been many scenes of expressing our wonderful humanity and love. On the other hand, for certain, we are following a path toward suffering and destruction. As I mentioned before, I believe it is because of the development of our brain.

“Why” does this happen?” I am using the word “why” in the following way. For example, when a person gets a fever, he or she thinks, “Oh no, I got a fever.” Usually, we think a fever is bad, and we take medicine or get treatment from a doctor. There are probably some people who do not do anything, but most of us have come to think that fevers and colds are bad.

Until a certain point, I also thought in this way. However, one day, I wondered, “For what purpose do humans catch colds? For what purpose are fevers necessary?” Instead of “why,” when I changed the question to “for what purpose,” I got a completely different answer than before. “A cold is one type of natural healing force. The purpose of a fever is to adjust the body and fix parts where something is not working properly.”

Later, I read the book, “Colds and Their Benefits,“ by Haruchika Noguchi, the founder of Noguchi Seitai, and I was able to confirm that my way of thinking was correct. When the body functions poorly from built-up fatigue or distortions in the body, the body catches a cold as a natural healing ability to try to correct the fatigue or distortions. If you think a fever is bad and force the temperature to go down after the body had made the effort to raise it, this will block the natural healing ability of the body. So, a cold is not bad. We catch a cold because it is necessary.

Following the same way of thinking, “why” do humans cause suffering to others? If we think “why,” we find answers such as that it is because of the development of our brain, or because of conflicts in national egoism. However, “for what purpose” do we cause suffering to others and head toward our ruin? If we think about it by specifying, “for what purpose,” I believe we will be able to see things that we could not see before.

The meaning of suffering and the dead-end situation
As I described before, many sages including Buddha became aware of “the truth of our existence” miraculously when they were desperate, facing a crisis situation in which there was nothing more that they could do. If we review the history of the evolution of living beings, it appears that a great jump in evolution is triggered when facing an absolute crisis. In order to survive an absolute crisis situation, a completely new form or ability from a different dimension was probably necessary.

It is said that the same kind of crisis situation was the trigger when the first humans came into existence. It is said that the ancestors of humans were monkeys like the chimpanzees. From a sudden change in climate, the forests that had been the monkeys’ home gradually disappeared. So, these monkeys, which had lived for millions of years in the safe forests, had to leave the safety of life in the trees and move to the grasslands. This was the start of actual walking on two feet. It is said that along with this, the brain developed rapidly. Naturally, for the rapid development of the brain and walking on two feet, it was necessary to make dramatic jumps in form and functions.

There are different opinions about whether to consider that these happened by chance or were necessary in the scheme of the evolution of living beings. I think these may have been built into the scheme of evolution. There are many pieces of evidence. Looking at the perfect harmony of the universe and nature, I don’t think the forces or laws that created these exist by accident or by chance. If these did exist by chance, I think these forces or laws would also have been built into the scheme of the evolution of living beings.

The power to survive the critical situation of the present era
If we think in this way, we will come to think there is also a significant meaning in the critical situation of human society today. This is repeating what I said before, but the root causes of the crisis in human society are “viewing yourself and others as being separate” (view of separateness), the scientific method of thinking based on this view of separateness, and the egoism that comes from these. To put it simply, it can be said that we are not looking correctly at the “truth of our existence.”

For what purpose are humans suffering? It might cause misunderstanding to say this, but in a sense, I think humans are suffering because there is a need. To say it another way, I feel that perhaps unless we humans suffer thoroughly we will not realize what is true. Although I say this, it certainly does not mean that I support suffering. Instead, I think that in our attempt to seriously and sincerely try to overcome suffering, we search for the root cause of that suffering. By resolving the root cause, we become aware of the “truth of our existence” that everything is one and cannot be separated, overcome our suffering, and come to live life in the true way.

It is exactly the same for the overall human society. By facing this worst crisis of human society, many people all around the world have emerged who say we must become serious about surviving. If we are serious, naturally, a temporary solution or partial solution will not be good enough. If we seriously try to survive, naturally, we will come to see that we must aim for a root-level solution. Then, we will probably reach the conclusion that there is no other way to survive except by finding the root cause of this crisis and removing it.

By going through this kind of process, finding the root cause, which is “egoism based on seeing everything as separate,” making new policies to eliminate these causes, and putting them into effect, I think we will be able to overcome this crisis situation from the root level. In this way, the overall level of awareness of humans about “the truth of our existence” will rise.

(Probably, the possibility of humans becoming extinct from environmental destruction or war will be eliminated at least. However, it will take a long time for all humans to have awareness. Even if wars or major fighting do not occur, small-scale fighting and personal disputes will probably continue.)

Humankind is evolving
If the direction of the overall human society becomes settled in the direction with “the truth of our existence” at the foundation, at this point, we will use our brain in the correct way based on “the truth of our existence,” and new technologies will be created. In addition, rapidly, the social system will change to follow in line with “the truth of our existence.” If this happens, humankind will awaken from the delusion of the past millions of years of “seeing everything as separate,” and we can anticipate that the level of awareness of humankind overall will rapidly rise.

I think that by going through this process, a new human society will be born, which heads in the new direction of “the truth of our existence” where all beings are one and inseparable. From the viewpoint of evolution, probably, humans who have become aware, in other words, “new humans,” will be born one after another.

With this direction of evolution, we humans will realize our true form. In order to live in harmony with everything, now of all times, we need to severely reflect on ourselves and ask ourselves, “For what purpose are we suffering this much?” Some may think maybe it would have been better if the universe did not create humans with our developed brain that easily makes mistakes, and instead stopped with animals that live only by instinct and in harmony with everything as the final stage of evolution. However, as I said before, the universe wanted to create “existences that are aware” and that live in harmony with all things in nature. I think that we humans with a developed brain that easily makes mistakes were created for this very purpose.

Looking at the light in the future of our human society
There is a saying, “Change toward the positive after reaching the negative extreme.“ This probably means that in fact, at the stage before reaching the negative extreme, things have already begun to change toward the positive. If we look closely at our present world that is facing a dead end, around the world, not only religious people or famous intellectuals, but more and more people such as ordinary citizens, company employees, and housewives feel we must change to a new way of living.

If my suggested explanation about evolution is correct, by facing this worst crisis in the history of human society, following the scheme of the evolution of the universe, by necessity, more and more people from around the world will begin to realize “the truth of our existence” as being one and not separable. In addition, naturally, more and more new ideas will arise based on this. (In this sense, most important is to have as many people as possible know that we are facing the present dead-end situation.)

The concept of “raising an ideal in Japan of a non-egoistic nation” is one of these new ideas. Personally, I think that at our present stage, this way of thinking is the most effective way to overcome the crisis of our human society from the root level. The Constitution of Japan in its present form is a non-egoistic constitution that came from thinking in a completely different dimension than in the past. My way of thinking is exactly the same as the foundation of the idea for the present Constitution of Japan. My proposal of “raising an ideal of a non-egoistic nation of Japan” is interpreting the spirit of the present Constitution of Japan in an active form, and suggesting that we actively bring the Constitution to life.

However, as I mentioned in the example of an illness, if each of us does not know the facts well, or even if we know the facts and think that everything will be all right, it has nothing to do with me, or I cannot do anything, this cannot be helped. If we fall into a state of ignorance, groundless optimism, are not interested, or are pessimistic, in time, it will become too late. If this becomes the case, humans, the great masterpiece that the universe created, will only have become “crazy monkeys” with an abnormally developed brain.

At the same time, I see a bright light in the future of humankind that is definitely not based on ignorant optimism. This is because I have firm faith that we humans are beings who are worthy of being trusted in the end. (End)
　
(If you have any comments regarding this blog, please send email to the address below.
Comments will not be released to the general public without consent.)
nomura@kuninoriso.jp

Awakening to a way of living life (Section II, Part 2)

2008-10-11T20:56:00.005+09:00

Transcript from a talk (Translated from Japanese)

National egoism that blocks solution of the many problems
Until the present, in most countries of the world, national egoism has controlled and led the way and future of the country overall.

For example, world conferences on environmental problems are held often. However, each country mainly focuses on how much of an advantage it can get for itself, and this is based on national egoism. So, because of conflicts among the nations and bargaining tactics, truly desirable results have not been achieved.

Europe is working relatively actively on environmental issues. The problem is with the economic giants, the U.S. and Japan. Both countries have a negative attitude, and they still have not changed their stance of giving economic interests as high priority as possible. Further, China and India claim that because they are still developing countries, they would like the developed countries to act properly first. They are also taking a backward-looking stance.

In the end, it is conflicts and bargaining tactics among the nations. Where does this come from? It comes from having a fundamental policy of national egoism, or caring only about your own country’s interests.

On the surface, the countries say that international cooperation is important. In some ways, perhaps they think it is the way things should be. However, in their true intentions, or as their standard of behavior and actual behavior, the policy of the major countries of the world is national egoism. This is the point that is most strongly emphasized in my book, “Beyond National Egoism.”

National egoism increases individual egoism
Through national egoism, the egoism of individual people and businesses increases. For this reason, people’s desires for material things increase, and competition among businesses becomes intense. Along with that, the science and technology civilization rapidly develops. As a result, wars grow in size and this further advances science and technology. The overall result is that the present human society is facing dead ends in many ways.

The main points of “Beyond National Egoism”
Probably some of you have already read the book, but I would like to go over the main points of “Beyond National Egoism” again.

From group egoism to national egoism
Since the early stages of the appearance of humans on earth, we humans have formed groups for security and self-defense, and have lived within these groups as the basic unit for actions. In addition, from some point in history, we have worked hard for the prosperity of the group to which we belong, and risked our lives to fight for the group’s survival when our group faced a life or death crisis.

At first, it was probably for safety and self-defense, but we began to conquer and dominate other groups in order to get more reliable security and self-defense. As a result, the groups increased in scale from small groups to large groups, small tribes to large tribes, and small nations to nations. The nation is the unit for actions in our present international society.
　
Prosperity and survival of one’s own country
Over the long history, the basic principle of groups consistently has been group egoism in which people care about their own group above all. In other words, the focus has been on the “prosperity and survival” of the group to which you belong. As a result, even in the international society now, the fundamental principle of the various countries is to first care only about your own country, or the “prosperity and survival of one’s own country.” In the long history of humankind, this basic principle of “prosperity and survival of one’s own country” has been consistent and has not changed. Further, most people have assumed that this principle is true and obvious with no room for doubts.

Root cause of the critical dead-end situation
However, by looking thoroughly into the root cause of the present critical dead-end situation, we can say the cause is this “prosperity and survival of one’s own country” that has been considered as a widely accepted way of being. In other words, we can say the root cause is the conflicts among nations based on national egoism. Looking at history, due to conflicts among nations based on national egoism, wars have grown larger and larger, and along with this, scientific technology has evolved and stronger military weapons have been developed. At the same time, production and economic activities have been stimulated and increasingly grown in scale.

Of course, while these activities were not so large in scale, various problems arose, but there was still some leeway in the severity and size of the problems. However, now, advances in scientific technology, development of military weapons, and production and economic activities have grown to global scale. The severity and large scale of the resulting problems have already gone beyond the limits that the earth and humankind can bear. At the very least, we can say, they are about to go beyond the limits.

To resolve this dead-end situation from the root
This critical dead-end situation of human society absolutely cannot be resolved with surface level means and methods. To resolve this dead-end situation from the root, there is no other way except to change the direction in which human society is advancing (maybe this word is not suitable). National egoism has carried forth and led human society until the present. Since human society has carried forth with national egoism as the driving force until now, to resolve this critical dead-end situation of human society, there is no other way than for all countries to renounce national egoism, which is the driving force.

How can we eliminate the conflicts of national egoism?
However, even if we say that all countries should renounce national egoism, it would be impossible for everyone to discuss the matter and renounce national egoism all at once. Such discussions would simply end in bargaining tactics due to suspicions arising from each country’s egoism. This is clear from looking at the state of the United Nations meetings, world environmental conferences, or disarmament meetings that have been held in the past.

For all countries to renounce national egoism and the creation of a new world, it must start with one nation taking the lead and renouncing national egoism first of its own will.

By seeing that country’s new image, in other countries, there will be an increase in people who become aware of their own country’s true way of being. In this way, in each country, the momentum toward renouncing national egoism will increase. In time, following the first country, perhaps other countries will renounce national egoism of their own will.

Meanwhile, the momentum to renounce national egoism will increase rapidly in all countries of the world, and finally, all countries will try to renounce national egoism all at once.

Which country should be the first to renounce national egoism?
The issue is which country should be the first to renounce national egoism? Furthermore, specifically, what does it mean to renounce national egoism?

I think that Japan should be the one to show leadership and renounce national egoism first. The reason is that to begin with, renouncing national egoism is not something to demand from other countries. Demanding other countries to renounce national egoism is egoism itself. Therefore, I feel that since Japan is the country from which this idea arose, it makes sense and follows the right path for Japan to show leadership and renounce national egoism.

The Peace Constitution is a “Non-Egoistic” Constitution
In addition, Japan is blessed with several conditions that make it suited to be a pioneer ahead of other countries of the world to renounce national egoism. The most significant condition is that the world’s only “constitution that renounces national egoism” is in Japan. As you know, with Article 9, the present Constitution of Japan is called the Peace Constitution. Let us read Article 9.

The Constitution of Japan – Article 9
1) Aspiring sincerely to an international peace based on justice and order, the Japanese people forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation and the threat or use of force as means of settling international disputes.
2) In order to accomplish the aim of the preceding paragraph, land, sea, and air forces, as well as other war potential, will never be maintained. The right of belligerency of the state will not be recognized.

The Self-Defense Force is a clear violation of the Constitution
In this way, Article 9 declares that the Japanese people will “renounce war and not have war potential.” Incidentally, the Self-Defense Force is a clear violation of the constitution. However, the administration at the time established the Self-Defense Force on the grounds that since the right to self-defense is a legitimate right recognized by international law, war for self-defense and having war potential for self-defense is recognized.

Of course, the Self-Defense Force exists in Japan. However, the right to self-defense and war arising from military force for self-defense are not equivalent. There are methods of self-defense that do not rely on military force or war. For example, there are methods of self-defense such as proactive foreign policies.

As for self-defense, Article 9 says, “the right to self-defense is a legitimate right, but Japan makes a point of renouncing war for self-defense using military force.” If wars and maintaining war potential for self-defense were meant to be recognized, naturally, a phrase such as, “self-defense is an exception, and we will fight with military force,” would have been added to Article 9. In summary, Article 9 says, “Japan absolutely will not go to war, including wars for self-defense. Therefore, we will have absolutely no military power.”
　
Renouncing national egoism is stated in the Preamble of the Constitution
This Article 9 is truly a marvelous, revolutionary declaration in the history of humankind. However, with only Article 9, it is only saying, “Since we do not want to go to war, we absolutely will not go to war. This is why we will not have military power.” With this statement only, it cannot be called a complete declaration of renouncing national egoism.

The Preamble states that the country will renounce national egoism. The Preamble of the Constitution is not merely a decoration or series of flowery expressions. It describes the fundamental stance of the Constitution, so it is very important. So, let us read the Preamble:

The Constitution of Japan – Preamble
We, the Japanese people, acting through our duly elected representatives in the National Diet, determined that we shall secure for ourselves and our posterity the fruits of peaceful cooperation with all nations and the blessings of liberty throughout this land, and resolved that never again shall we be visited with the horrors of war through the action of government, do proclaim that sovereign power resides with the people and do firmly establish this Constitution. Government is a sacred trust of the people, the authority for which is derived from the people, the powers of which are exercised by the representatives of the people, and the benefits of which are enjoyed by the people. This is a universal principle of mankind upon which this Constitution is founded. We reject and revoke all constitutions, laws, ordinances, and rescripts in conflict herewith.

We, the Japanese people, desire peace for all time and are deeply conscious of the high ideals controlling human relationship, and we have determined to preserve our security and existence, trusting in the justice and faith of the peace-loving peoples of the world. We desire to occupy an honored place in an international society striving for the preservation of peace, and the banishment of tyranny and slavery, oppression and intolerance for all time from the earth. We recognize that all peoples of the world have the right to live in peace, free from fear and want.

We believe that no nation is responsible to itself alone, but that laws of political morality are universal; and that obedience to such laws is incumbent upon all nations who would sustain their own sovereignty and justify their sovereign relationship with other nations.

We, the Japanese people, pledge our national honor to accomplish these high ideals and purposes with all our resources.  

The meaning of the Preamble
Some say that this Preamble is vague, but definitely, it is not so. If you read it straightforwardly with an open mind, the meaning is quite clear. The first part is a declaration of “rule by the people.” This is a very important point. It fundamentally does not allow the “state rule” that existed until the end of the war. “Sovereign power resides with the people,” means that the state cannot order or impose things on the citizens, and the citizens have the right to lead the state. At the same time, an important aim is that the citizens never again will be forcibly dragged into a war by the state.

If we sort through and explain the next part, it will become as follows:

We, the Japanese people, desire peace for all time, that is, not temporary peace, but a true peace. For this, we trust in the justice and sincerity of the peace-loving peoples of the world. And by this trust, not by military force, we have determined to preserve our security and existence. We desire to occupy an honored place in an international society striving for the realization of permanent world peace and the happiness of all humankind. For this, we will contribute to the fundamental solution of the world’s many serious problems through peaceful means. By right, no nation is responsible to itself alone and can ignore other nations. We, the Japanese people, pledge our national honor to accomplish these high ideals and purposes with all our resources.

Summarizing the Preamble and Article 9

Summarizing the Preamble and Article 9, they will become as follows:
We desire permanent world peace and the happiness of all humankind. To achieve this, we renounce national egoism that considers only the interests of one’s own country, and by exerting every possible effort of our nation to solve the problems such as hunger and poverty of people all over the world and for their prosperity, we will become a necessary and vital entity for the countries of the world. We will plan for the peace and existence of our country in this way. Through peaceful means, by contributing as a country to world peace and prosperity, we will protect our country. Therefore, we will hold absolutely no military power and absolutely will not go to war, including for self-defense.

This constitution is the only revolutionary declaration of renouncing national egoism, is overflowing with uplifting energy, and is the first of its kind in human history. This is a very important point. The peace declaration of the present Constitution of Japan does not just say in Article 9, “We renounce war and will not have military force.” Going a step further, the Preamble declares that we will not be responsible to our country alone, but for the realization of world peace and the happiness of all humankind, we will exert every possible effort to contribute internationally through peaceful means. At the same time, in this way, we will preserve the security of the country.

However, in general, I think many people do not sufficiently understand the meaning of the Preamble. If this is the case, I would appreciate it you would read and re-read the Preamble and Article 9, and deepen your understanding.

The significance of having a non-egoistic constitution
The constitution is the fundamental law and fundamental policy of a nation. The fact that Japan has this non-egoistic Peace Constitution means that of the countries of the world, Japan actually is privileged with the best circumstances to renounce national egoism.

However, since the enactment of the Constitution, Japan and its citizens have not made any concrete efforts following in the spirit of this non-egoistic constitution. The Preamble has become simply a decoration. Also, the true meaning of Article 9 has been ignored, because at present, Japan has world-class armed forces. However, Article 9 can be credited as having been a brake against exercise of the right to collective self-defense until now. Nevertheless, at present, that is also gradually being worn down.

The Peace Constitution must be actively brought to life
Protecting the Peace Constitution is very important, of course. However, that alone is not enough. It is passive to try only to protect, and over time, all will be chipped away. I feel that the Peace Constitution must be actively brought to life. Then, for the first time, it will become a true Peace Constitution.

So, what does it mean to actively bring to life the Peace Constitution? That means, based on the spirit of the Preamble and Article 9, the country and citizens together must put forth every possible effort to carry out policies and other measures in concrete ways.

As a concrete policy, put into effect with all our effort
Today, we are facing crises from many serious problems such as global-scale environmental destruction, poverty and famine in developing countries, and wars and conflicts. I believe that one of the areas in which Japan should contribute to the world the most is to help solve the global environmental problems. Another area in which Japan can contribute is international social welfare such as by measures against poverty in developing countries. As for wars and conflicts, Japan must never directly become involved with military force. Japan absolutely must avoid becoming drawn into another country’s wars or conflicts. Further, Japan must make efforts in cooperation with the United Nations and individual countries to stop wars and conflicts early.

In addition, Japan needs to put most effort into planning to resolve the confrontational relations among nations, which is the root cause of conflicts and wars. If Japan renounces its national egoism and chooses the path of contributing to the world with the nation’s strength, it will probably serve as a great force to improve the relations among nations.

Create a completely different flow
This will be repeating a bit, but with the many serious problems, human society is truly at a dead end. From within the flow and direction of advancement of human society of the past, I believe it is impossible to resolve from the root level, this worst crisis in human history. Within this flow, even with various new ideas, maybe we could expect a partial solution, but a root-level solution is impossible.

To attempt a root-level solution, instead of working from within the direction of the past, a completely different direction or creation of a new flow through concrete action is absolutely necessary. This means to begin with Japan renouncing national egoism.

Aspiring to become “a nation for international peace and the environment”
Specifically, this means for Japan to first actively bring to life the true meaning of the Preamble and Article 9 of the Peace Constitution, and exert the nation’s strength to contribute to the relief of global environmental problems and international social welfare problems such as by measures against poverty in developing countries. In simple terms, Japan should aspire for what I have called, “a nation for international peace and the environment.”

This is a shift from “an egoistic nation” that considers only its own interests and has a fundamental policy of “endlessly seeking prosperity and survival” to a “non-egoistic nation” that “considers the suffering of others as my suffering” and devotes every possible effort toward relieving the suffering.
　
Declare an ideal for the country of “a non-egoistic nation”
Just having a Peace Constitution is not enough. It is important to become a country that puts it into action. In this sense, I think Japan should declare anew an ideal for the country of “a non-egoistic nation.” Specifically, it means, let us declare an ideal for the country to “aim to become a nation for international peace and the environment.”

In Japan, as the number of people who agree with this idea increases, and as momentum builds toward aiming to become a nation that declares this bright ideal, peace-loving people from around the world surely will look with special attention at Japan’s new movement that is rooted in our true heart as humans. Further, people will understand that this is the path on which “I” (“we”) and “others” can prosper together.
　
In addition, in each country, momentum toward renouncing national egoism will build, and consequently, the tightly-bound structure of tension or structure of fear in international society based on conflicts of national egoism until now undoubtedly will be eased rapidly.

As for the serious problems of the world, in this process, it is anticipated that individual countries will step beyond their national egoism, and movements to work toward a root-level solution under a structure of true cooperation will become very active. In this way, humankind will at last overcome this worst crisis in history, and build a new international society and civilization based on love and living together in harmony.

Do we feel meaningfulness in life and have and a feeling of fulfillment?
By declaring an ideal to become a non-egoistic nation, it will bring great changes within the country in addition to overseas. Since the past, in fields such as those related to social welfare, medicine, and education, a person’s efforts in work or studies have been connected to the joy of the people who received the benefits of those efforts. Then, that in turn has become joy and a feeling of meaningfulness for the people who made the effort.

However, in other general work and studies, perhaps people feel that no matter how earnestly they make efforts for the advancement of the world, it is not clear who receives the benefits of their efforts, and most people have a sense that their efforts are absorbed somewhere into the world.

Even if people have a slight sense of fulfillment that their daily work, studies or livelihood benefits themselves or their family, perhaps the reality is that with the exception of a very few people, most do not realize and have a sense of fulfillment that their work, studies or livelihood is certainly connected to making the world better overall. Further, most people probably do not have the accompanying feeling of true joy and meaningfulness in life.
　
Individual Effort—National Ideal—Hopes of Humanity
Frankly speaking, it is because “an ideal with which we can feel satisfied and accept” has not been declared. This kind of ideal is needed in Japan. This ideal must be one in which our efforts in our daily life connect directly to solving the many problems within the country, as well as connect to the hopes of humanity to prevent the crisis faced by all of humanity. In other words, having the three points, “individual effort—national ideal—hopes of humanity,” connect together without contradiction is a required condition.

To build a country in which our daily work, studies, or livelihood connect directly to the happiness of all citizens and the hopes of humanity for permanent world peace and the happiness of all humankind, there is no doubt that declaring an ideal in Japan to “aspire for a nation for international peace and the environment” will bring about a complete change in our consciousness.

Based on this bright national ideal, we will lead our daily lives feeling so much joy and feeling meaningfulness in life. Perhaps, at that point, for the first time, we will be able to feel true joy and pride in having been born in Japan.

The above covers the main points of my book, “Beyond National Egoism.”

For what purpose were we born?
Is this just my own idealistic theory or pipe dream? There are probably some people who say it is so. However, please quietly and deeply think about, “For what purpose were humans born?” I firmly believe that by thinking about this question deeply, many people in the world will understand this idea and feel it is definitely not an idealistic theory or a pipe dream.

I say that because this idea is rooted deeply in our true heart that wishes for everyone to become happy together and is naturally within us (in other words, it is the instinct of the spirit of unselfishness and living together in harmony). It is also because this idea is one that concretely applies this natural instinct to solving the problems of our society. In any case, first, if you agree with this idea, everything starts from there. (to be continued…)

(If you have any comments regarding this blog, please send email to the address below. Comments will not be released to the general public without consent.)
nomura@kuninoriso.jp

Awakening to a way of living life (Section II, Part 1)

2008-10-08T08:50:00.000+09:00

Transcript from a talk (Translated from Japanese)

Direction of the Evolution of Humankind
Up to this point, I have talked about my way of living and experiences. Next, let’s consider together the history of humankind, which is the background of the book, “Beyond National Egoism.”

Already, billions of years have passed since the beginning of life on the earth. It appears that, first, viruses or single-celled organisms appeared and evolved into many-celled organisms. It is said that through the process of evolution, mammals came into being, and ultimately, several hundred thousand years ago, the first humans appeared. And now, we have come to the present.

What has humankind been hoping for in life?
What has humankind truly been hoping for over the many years, and in what kind of direction has human society evolved? Speaking from the conclusion, perhaps humans have spent their history seeking things such as safety, convenience, comfort, and high efficiency. Along with that, we have sought material wealth. This is also connected to securing our safety or survival.

I believe the main driving force was the development of the brain (cerebrum). The development of the brain is a critical difference between humans and apes (which are the so-called ancestors of humans) or other animals.

A firm belief in science and technology
In particular, our efforts in seeking convenience, comfort, and high efficiency since recorded history, that is, from about 10,000 to 8,000 years ago until today, gradually have been rewarded. In other words, something like a firm belief in scientific reasoning has spread throughout humankind, although there are still areas around the world that have not developed that far yet.

Especially since the Industrial Revolution in the second half of the 18th century, science and technology have been given priority and developed rapidly as people, nations and businesses sought convenience, comfort and high efficiency. In this sense, a major characteristic of human society until now has been this firm belief in scientific reasoning and the rapid development of science and technology. Probably, everyone would agree that this is a major characteristic of humans when considering the difference between humans and animals.

The possibility of humans becoming extinct in an instant
I feel that nuclear weapons are a symbol of convenience, comfort, security, and high efficiency. Recently, “not smoking” has become fashionable, especially in the U.S. A short time ago, there was a cartoon showing that while smoking a cigarette, a person could kill tens of millions of people within 10 to 30 minutes, simply with the press of a button. A person could sit in safe place while smoking a cigarette, and kill millions of people with one finger. This is the ultimate and most efficient in the search for convenience and comfort, and furthermore, the person could remain in a safe place. Humankind developed this type of weapon.

During the most intense period of the U.S. – Soviet Cold War, there were enough nuclear bombs to kill all humans on the earth many tens of times over. Further, both the U.S. and Soviet Union had many thousands of missiles to deliver these warheads into the enemy country within 30 minutes. This is sheer madness. It is a fact that symbolizes the science and technology civilization. This means it is possible that humans could become extinct in an instant.

Constant and serious possibility that all humankind will fall to ruin
There is a constant and serious possibility that all humankind is at a dead end and will fall to ruin. Problems that you know about such as global-scale environmental destruction, population explosion, food supply shortage, energy crisis and nuclear power, show us this possibility.

There is a trial calculation of the degree of damage and losses that would result if a major accident were to occur when the Rokkasho nuclear spent-fuel reprocessing plant is in full operation. I was shocked when I saw the report. It is said that probably every living being on half of the earth would die. The Rokkasho plant is not the only plant that we need to consider. At the nuclear facility in France, only quick action prevented an accident that could have blown away all of Europe.

It is not emphasized, but the accidents at Chernobyl and Three-Mile Island started from something small. Then, one accident led to another and became a catastrophe. In other words, no matter how much effort we put into preventing an accident, a catastrophe can occur and has actually occurred from an unexpected cause. Further, once an accident occurs, it causes major sacrifice and damage. This means that the science and technology civilization that has sought convenience, comfort and high efficiency has ultimately created these things.

In addition, there is the issue of education. Not only in Japan, but in the world overall, the educational environment is being destroyed. As a result, youth are suffering major emotional damage. They do not have humanistic strength. With regard to the youth, it is pitiful to say, but it has become clear through various studies that there are more and more children and youth whose hearts are not straight.

If we remain in this direction
Not only societal issues such as nuclear weapons or environmental problems, but the human heart has also become worn away. As long as we do not change the path and direction of human society, we will truly come to a dead end. I believe we have come to the brink of a critical dead end now.

So now, is there is a way to go beyond this dead end? I feel this is most important now. As long as we do not change the way of thinking of our civilization that heavily emphasizes science and technology, this dead end and direction toward our ruin will not change. Without changing this way of thinking, basically, nothing will change. It won’t make a difference if we wonder whether we should do this or that. This means that humankind has basically gone in the wrong direction. The result has appeared as the many dead ends we are facing.

Gain a sense of what is true
However, since 2,500 to 2,000 years ago, after much suffering over questioning the meaning of their lives, many sages and saints including Buddha and Christ already had clearly realized the answer to the question, “What am I?” After gaining this sense of what is true, they saw past the dead ends of human society and humankind, and walked their own path beyond these dead ends. At the same time, they explained their discoveries to the people.

People who have gained a clear sense or awareness of “What am I? What is this world?” through their experiences, have said in common that human society definitely is not a collection of separate people. The entire universe, which includes not only humans, but all living beings and non-living beings, is one and cannot be separated. They have said that using the five senses of humans, things may appear to be separate, but the true form or the real nature is one and cannot be separated.

Sunlight and a prism
Based on common sense, it may be difficult to understand that everything is originally one, but looks separated. This is because we are looking from the viewpoint of our five senses. People who have gained awareness see from a point of view that is beyond the five senses. Let’s think about this relationship by using an example. Sunlight is colorless, but if you place a prism in the sunlight, it will appear to be separated into seven colors. In between each of the seven colors, there will be many other colors, and the sunlight will be separated into an infinite number of colors.

If we look at the way things are through the prism of our five senses, things will appear to be separate. However, the true form or real nature is like the colorless sunlight, and everything is one. Perhaps, this is a way to show the relationship.

A characteristic of humans is development of the brain
The development of the brain is the characteristic of humans that is the biggest difference from apes. The human brain can even be considered as abnormally developed. Through the five senses, the brain recognizes and evaluates. Since our brain is developed, we humans have difficulty grasping our original true nature.

In the history of humankind, at least until 100 years ago, there were no large-scale wars in which tens of millions of people could die or the human race could be destroyed. As a result, since there was still some level of comfort overall, many people did not listen to the words of the many great sages, saints, and people who had gained awareness of what is true.

Religions until now
Of course, some people were not like that. It is precious that up to the present, these people have continued their efforts to tell us the essence of religions such as Buddhism and Christianity. However, considering the overall society, I think that people have not listened seriously to the voices of those who taught the essence. I feel that at best, people’s understanding of religion is at the level of worldly benefits, such as praying to the gods or Buddha for the health, safety and prosperity of themselves and their family. By no means do I think that all of this is bad, but I feel that, overall, even followers of Buddhism, Christianity and other religions are like this.

Return to the true nature of religion
To overcome this dead end faced by humankind, I feel there is no other way except to listen again to the voices of the people who lived before us and gained awareness. We need to listen to the voices of truth, and open our eyes to the true nature of existence. I think that we are living in this kind of era. It is very important to recognize this.

One more point is that the dead end faced by human society is a problem of our entire society, and at the same time, involves each person’s way of living. Therefore, I think it is very important to make clear your true way of living, or in other words, become aware of your true self.

A shift in our view of humans and the world
Wisdom is necessary, not knowledge. Knowledge comes from learning about something and analyzing it in detail with the brain. In contrast, wisdom comes from understanding something overall and seeing its true form from the big picture view. Based on this wisdom, most important now are a shift in our view of humans and a shift in our view of the world. This means to become aware of the truth, the true way of being.

In other words, it is necessary to shift from the past scientific view of humankind, which is based on a view that everything is separate, to a religious view of humans in which everything is one, and you and others are one and cannot be separated.

Egoism that arises from the sense of separateness
In the scientific view of humans, which is based on the sense of separateness, other people are considered to have interests that are different from your own interests. Then, egoism naturally arises. It means caring only about your own interests, or the interests of your family, company or country.

Much unhappiness and inconveniences arise from here. Personal problems such as loneliness, superiority complex, inferiority complex, and a way of life obsessed with material things, money, status, fame, or power arise. Also, disagreements between individuals, hatred, grudges, taking from each other, and fierce competition among businesses arise. Then, various problems result such as environmental problems, population explosion, the North-South hemisphere problem, exploitation, discrimination, and unequal ownership patterns.

Among nations, it becomes a conflict of national egoism. Further, when bargaining tactics break down, war results. Once war begins, people risk their lives to fight in the name of survival of the country to which they belong. Since at least several decades ago, many people thought that war could not be avoided and that humans were this way originally.

The egoism of a nation is the main villain
National egoism is adding to and increasing various types of egoism the most. The nation is the base unit in international society. A basic national principle founded on egoism has an endless hunger for the prosperity of the nation and the survival of the nation in a life or death crisis. In most national governments today, these two features have formed the nation’s basic policy. Such a policy has been promoted not only when dealing with foreign countries, but also in policies within the country such as for education, industry and other sectors. This is the actual situation.

Since the nation is headed in the direction of egoism, the nation’s foreign policies, the educational system, and the people, businesses and industries, naturally, are strongly influenced by the nation’s basic policy, that is, egoism.

Let us consider an example to make the situation clear. All passenger seats in a shinkansen bullet train from Kyoto destined for Tokyo, whether in the first car or second car, are headed for Tokyo. In this train, no matter how much you hope to go to Osaka or hope to return to Kyoto, the train with your hopes on board is headed for Tokyo. To say it another way, if you want to go to Osaka or return to Kyoto, you must get off the train at an intermediate station and board a train headed for Osaka or Kyoto. This means you should simply change trains. (to be continued…)

(If you have any comments regarding this blog, please send email to the address below.
Comments will not be released to the general public without consent.)
nomura@kuninoriso.jp

Awakening to a Way of Living Life (Section I, Part 2)

2008-09-29T20:40:00.001+09:00

Transcript from a talk (Translated from Japanese)

A world in which we are given life
As I mentioned before, I wanted to live the true way, and for that, I thought I must know what is the true way of living. So, I struggled and struggled seeking what you might call “enlightenment.” I felt that if I climbed this cliff and reached the top, I could reach enlightenment for sure. So, I struggled and climbed. However, finally, I was exhausted. My hands slipped away from the cliff and I fell. Below was a rugged, dry riverbed, and I thought I would die there. But, I actually felt that I was supported by something light and gentle, and I was alive.

In this respect, in childhood also, I was a student that fell behind the others. However, am I literally “a failure”? I cannot believe that everything is within one’s power. It was not that “I was living,” but rather it might be closer to my actual experience to say, “I was given life.” By intuition, I felt that this world worked in this way by nature.

Simply live honest to your genuine feelings
From that time, I have felt that I should simply live by following my genuine feelings. Also, I thought that in my daily life, I could work on deepening my understanding of the meaning of life. Among my friends of that time, three or four also were seeking the path and entered the priesthood or became Buddhist monks. Instead of becoming a priest or a monk, I chose to live a normal life.

In normal life, I continually check my mind and heart. I observe to what extent I am remaining true to my heart. If I am not being true to my heart, I reflect on why this is so. I polish myself by checking what I am feeling in my inner heart, and correcting my way of thinking and actions. I thought that perhaps a normal way of life might be better for this. Living in this way, there is the possibility of spoiling myself, so in a sense, this way of life might be more difficult than becoming a priest or a monk. However, I thought that originally, humans had lived a normal life and polished themselves in their daily life, and that this was the proper way. As for my desire to live life in the true way, I had confidence in this feeling and also felt that there was no other option. So, I chose this path.

The Road to Education
In concrete terms, I ended my research path. I wanted to convey to young people the true way of living and the meaning of living that I had become aware of. I thought that perhaps education would be the best way to do this, and decided to become a middle school teacher. At that time, I had reached the final stages of the doctoral course at the University of Tokyo, so in this sense, people asked me why I would go out of my way to choose this path. Some even said it would be a waste. However, I thought it would be the best way of living for me. So, I became a teacher at a public middle school in the countryside of Kanagawa Prefecture.

Am I qualified to be a teacher?
When I decided to become a teacher, first, I asked myself if I had the qualifications to become a teacher. At that time, I did not have a teaching license, so I hurriedly obtained a license. However, the real question was whether or not I was truly qualified to teach.

What does this mean? In the future, I would probably marry and have my own children. Although it would be in a different form, would I be able to love other people‘s children to the same depth as I love my own children? Do I have that kind of confidence in myself? Would I be able to have that much love for my future students? The answer was a clear “yes.”

There is no child who is “no-good.”
There was one more point I needed to check. I asked myself whether I thought there is any child who is “no-good.” I knew the answer from my own experience. In childhood, I was raised as a “no-good” child. But, I was able to overcome this upbringing when my fifth-grade teacher told me, “You can do it. You are able.” Also, I have observed many children, and there is truly no child who is “no-good.”

Some children get 100 points on a school exam, while others get 10 points. The 10 points is actually not the test score of the child, but rather, the test score for the teacher’s way of teaching. In other words, since the way of teaching is poor, the child can only get 10 points. Instead of saying that the child does not have eagerness, it is the responsibility of the teacher who did not teach in a way that the child would take interest and be eager to learn.

In this way, by looking deeply at what is true, you can see that it is not the fault of the child who has poor grades. I think it is a matter of to what extent the teacher will be creative. So, I became a teacher after making sure that I truly feel there is no child who is “no-good.”

Without blaming the other person, find creative ways of conveying
When I became a teacher and actually gave an exam, some children got 100 points while others got 10 points. At that time, I did not think it was because there was a problem with the children. I did not think that the children were not smart, or that they did not study. I thought the problem was in my way of teaching. I tried to be creative continually in my teaching methods so that any student could understand. As a result, I think my teaching skills improved considerably. I have maintained this attitude ever since then. Whenever I try to convey something to another person and the matter is not conveyed well, I do not blame the other person. I feel it depends on the creativity in my way of conveying.

Through continued creativity in my teaching methods, the students’ grades improved and everyone became lively. Further, in spare moments of classes, as much as possible, I tried to find opportunities to talk with the students about the way of living as a human being. I was also active as an advisor in the students’ club activities. In this way, I developed a relationship of mutual trust with the students and was able to spread my wings and enjoy my teaching life.

Seeking a further breakthrough
After about three years, I felt I had reached the limits of what I could accomplish at a public school. I wanted to make a further breakthrough, so I decided to live “free.” After four years of teaching, I quit my job at the middle school. I opened a private school with the purpose of conveying a way of living as a human being, and teaching how to study, more than the topic of study itself. At first, the students were elementary, middle school, and high school students. But, gradually, they changed to university students and now, people in society.

Not only brightening one corner
There is a saying, “Brighten the world at your corner (‘Ichigu o terasu’).” However, I gradually began to feel that this was not enough. I can do my utmost with sincerity, build good human relations, and develop and grow reasonably. But, looking at the world overall, the level has rapidly gone down, or rather, our level as human beings and the level of our way of living has gone down. I sense this kind of trend every year. I feel that each year, we are going down one step. By doing my utmost with sincerity in Maebashi City or Mt. Akagi, I may be able to brighten one corner, but that alone is not enough.

The truth cannot be conveyed even if it is taught
In this way, from 15 years ago, I shifted my focus toward how to change the overall flow of the world so that everyone in the world could become happy and world peace would become a reality. Another point I realized was that “you cannot teach the truth about the way of living life.” Even if you try to teach the truth, it will not be conveyed. The only way is to realize through one’s own experience.

Therefore, in the past 10 years, I have held two types of retreat-style seminars. The “Seminar of Life” has the objective of realizing and grasping through one’s own experience, the true way of living. In the “Seminar of Peace,” we consider thoroughly what we can do to bring about true world peace. The “Seminar of Life” and the “Seminar of Peace” have been held in Europe as well as in Japan. We can try more new creative ideas, but so far, the seminars have had considerably good results. In general, this has been my way of living.

(If you have any comments regarding this blog, please send email to the address below.
Comments will not be released to the general public without consent.)
nomura@kuninoriso.jp

Awakening to a Way of Living Life (Section I, Part 1)

2008-08-31T19:16:00.003+09:00

Transcript from a talk (Translated from Japanese)

“Beyond National Egoism” and my way of living life
I prepared this talk assuming that you have read my book, “Beyond National Egoism—The Road to a Nation for International Peace and the Environment.” If the majority of you have not read the book, however, I can adjust my talk accordingly. Either way is fine, but personally, I would like to talk about something that was not written in the book, that is, the background of how this book was created. This is closely related to my life, and how I have lived life. I am excited to be able to give a talk on this topic.

The reason why I say this is because the book is basically about our society. The book is structured in a way that explains the present situation of our society and offers my proposal to address the situation. However, for me personally, this book arose from my way of living. In other words, what does it mean to live? What is a true way of living? By exploring these questions deeply, a concept of peace emerged. Perhaps, this topic is the most suitable for this gathering. Not only that, I think it is an important topic. I would very much appreciate your attention, and your criticism and guidance. So, I would like to begin my talk.

Probably, most of you at this gathering have each sought a true way of living. I am involved in agriculture and education, and I feel that discussion of the way of living would be the topic that is most fundamental and of common interest for everyone here. Furthermore, I believe it is an important topic in which we should have shared understanding as we consider the contents of this book.
　
I will omit the details of my upbringing due to time restrictions. Until age 20, I lived a rather ordinary life. My father was a soldier in the marines. After the war ended, he farmed in the countryside of Kumamoto, and he had very little income. Our situation worsened and worsened, and from today’s standards, I was raised as one among the poorest people.

Reflecting back on my childhood, I can’t recall having had even one store-bought toy. I was raised in this kind of household, and I was shy and withdrawn. Apparently, my thinking was extremely slow, and until fourth grade, my grades were always a low 1 or 2 out of 5.
　
You can do it if you try!
In time, the first turning point in my way of living came. One day, my fifth grade teacher said to me, “Nomura-san, please come here,” and called me over to a corner of the room. I was told, “You are able!” Until then, I was truly a classic example of a failure in school. Sometimes, I did not go to school due to school-phobia, so it is normal to think that the teacher’s remark was unbelievable. However, as I think back on how I felt at that moment, even now, I feel tears well up. This was my reaction at that time too.

When I was told, “You are able,” I thought, “Oh, is that so? I am able.” Without this simple-mindedness or innocence, my life would have been completely different, and in one sense, it would have been miserable. From there, I said to myself, “Well, I’ll give it a try,” and I began to study. However, I could not understand the lessons at school. In this sense, there were some things that were in vain. So, before class, I would study the topic on my own. I looked up each new word of the Japanese language textbook and learned on my own. Before class, I had already learned the lesson. Somehow, I devised this way of studying. I was told, “You can do it,” at the end of the first term of the fifth grade. I was at the bottom or second from the bottom of a class of 50 in the first term. However, my method of studying was extremely good, so by the end of the second term of fifth grade, in December, I was fifth from the top in my class. The change was that drastic.

“I can do it if I try”—This is the way I have lived life since then. However, since my family was poor, my body was weak and I tended to become ill easily. I considered various options for my future. Ultimately, I concluded that studying was my only option. So, I went to a local college-preparatory high school and then entered a university. I valued studies and thought that I would make my way in the world through studies. I was extremely poor and wanted desperately to stabilize my livelihood through my own abilities. I wanted to make my life as stable as possible. I thought that if I could earn good grades and join a first-rate large enterprise or large company, my life would be relatively stable and I could exert my abilities. I did not have anything else in mind.

Not a ready-made way of living
When I was 20 years old, I had a sudden realization. At that time, I was reading the novel, “The Red and the Black” by Stendhal. There was something extremely intense in the main character’s way of living. I was not envious of the main character’s way of living. The novel is about a poor youth who lives life with ambition but without morals. After reading this novel, I thought, “I have not been living life.” It was as if I was about to choose my life and career from among the various items in a department store display window. In other words, I was considering which would be the best from among the ready-made items displayed. I was shocked upon realizing that it was definitely not a way of living that arose from within and from the depths of my heart.
At that time, I realized that one’s life is only a one-time occurrence in the 15 billion year history of the universe. What I call my “self” lives only 50 to 100 years in the vast universe, and in the eternal flow of time in the universe. At that moment, I was able to clearly and directly face the fact that this is a one-time-only life. Then, I felt I must live this life in the utmost and best way.

What is the utmost and best way to live?
From that time, it became a matter of what is the utmost and what is the best? I read various books, but ultimately could not find an answer. I contemplated various things, but I did not find an answer. Then, I was in my fourth and last year at the university, and it was time to start looking for a job. If I continued at this rate, I could enter a first-rate company. However, I was not satisfied. I felt anxious. I wanted some more time, so I went to graduate school. That was the only reason. I entered graduate school under the pretext of doing biological research to unlock the mysteries of life. Anyhow, I wanted more time to think, so I went to graduate school in Tokyo.

Just about that time, I had a fateful meeting with Shigemasa Wada-sensei of Odawara. Wada-sensei was the originator of the concept proposed in the book, “Beyond National Egoism.” I read Wada-sensei’s original draft for the proposal and listened to his talks. I thought, “Here is a person who is proposing this kind of magnificent concept that stirs the soul from the depths of one’s heart.” I felt I wanted to make it my lifework to spread this proposal to the world. This was when I was 22 years old.

At the same time, we were not married yet, but my wife-to-be, Mutsuko, read Wada-sensei’s book and was so deeply moved that she could hardly sleep at night. I learned this later.
During this period, my way of thinking regarding the aim of this proposal and the original true way of being of our society became clear. Still, I had made no progress in finding how I should live, what is the utmost way to live, what is the proper way of living, and what is the true way of living. So, I listened to Wada-sensei’s talks and read various books.

In this process, what I wanted to do and how to do it gradually became clear. I referred to books too. As I read books, I felt resonance with certain things, so it gradually became clear that these were the things I desired.

I will talk about this path and what it means to walk this path later. I hesitate to say it myself, but I had earned top grades at a leading university in the life I had established until that time—the way of life I thought was the only one for me. So, the people around me thought that if I just continued at that rate, I would remain at the university and become an assistant professor, associate professor and then a full professor. However, considering the example of the display window I mentioned earlier, that way of living would be like choosing a ready-made item. It was a way of living considered as top-class from among the many ready-made items. In contrast, my heart truly desired a way of life which absolutely was not bound by that. I simply yearned to seek the path and remain free. I wanted to live in a way that my heart would genuinely and completely accept. I just wanted to live in this way. I had felt that living in this way would be the best. That meant to live with absolutely no dependence on any kind of supports to hold onto, secure position, status, wealth, home, or anything.

Black and white conflict and agony
In this way, it gradually became clear that, in any event, I wanted all of the people all over the world to become happy, and for the world to be truly vibrant in peace. At the same time, it became clear that what I truly desired was to live with absolutely no ties to status, wealth or any such things.

However, I had two ways of thought inside of me. The white part and the black part within conflicted tremendously. I think I truly wanted to live in my own way. But, there were no people around me who lived in this way. There were no such people in my generation or among the slightly older generation. It was also extremely frightening to abandon the things I had, such as the societal reputation, status, and stability. It was frightening beyond imagination. I wanted to live in the white. That is what I thought intellectually and also emotionally, but with a greater force, the fear (black) bore down on me. So, from age 23, I agonized and agonized, and contemplated and contemplated. I also read summaries of Buddha’s teachings and read the Bible.

My life depended on this matter. To live one’s life to the utmost—I wanted to live in this way. Since the conflicts were from this level, it had become virtually a life or death matter. I came to the point of wondering whether there was any value or meaning to my living. In this way, through struggling and struggling, although I didn’t become neurotic, finally, my body reached its limit and gave in. No matter how much I contemplated, I could not find a solution. No matter how many different kinds of books I read, there was no solution. I could understand the books intellectually, but it was scary. If one does this kind of thing, the body reaches its limit. I also feared that I might head toward death if I continued in this way.

In time, emotionally, I reached my limit too. Along with the exhaustion of my body and mind, probably since I was frequently using a microscope in the laboratory for my research on microorganisms, my eyes became red and extremely painful. Wondering what was happening, I read medical books at the bookstore and researched the cause.

I found that it appeared to be glaucoma, but I did not go to the doctor for a while. I was afraid to know the truth. However, at the end of December, at age 25, just before my 26th birthday on January 7, I went to the University of Tokyo Hospital, underwent tests and was diagnosed. It took about half a day, and I was very nervous. If it were truly glaucoma, everything that I had done up to that point, all the effort I had put in since childhood, would be wasted. I was so afraid that I would have to live without my eyesight. So, I was nervous during the tests, and waited anxiously until the test results were ready.

At the end of hopelessness
The doctor came and called me over. He told me, “I will give you the test results. It is glaucoma. You will probably lose your eyesight in six months.” My suspicion that it was something bad was more than 100% on-target. But, in fact, at that moment, the biggest miracle in my life up to that point occurred. That is, when the doctor said, “You will lose your eyesight in six months,” and he went on to further explanations, completely unexpectedly, my heart was very relaxed. I just felt, “Oh, that is what will happen.” I did not feel any anxiety at all. It was not a feeling of depression or hopelessness.

After listening to explanations for about 10 minutes, I left the room. The real miracle occurred when I opened the hospital door and looked up at the sky. I thought, “The world I had been looking at was completely wrong.” Until that point, I had thought that my life with eyesight and my life without eyesight would be completely different. But, even if I could not see, the meaning of my life would not be different at all. Whether I could see or not, the value and meaning of my life would not change. I understood that originally, life was this way. It was like a revelation or sign from heaven, and all of my life’s worries until then were resolved during the next week. How did I resolve my worries? I had many serious questions about life until then. However, rather than the answers to my problems emerging one by one during that week, the questions themselves disappeared.

In this way, my mind felt very clear and refreshed, and in that one week, gradually, the world looked brighter. Originally, there is nothing. For example, there is no such thing as “a person’s possession.” There is no superior and inferior. There is no discrimination, whether one has eyesight or not, or good grades or poor grades. Further, everything in this world is free (not bound). Then, the cloudy thoughts inside my head, that fogginess, changed to a clear state, and my heart and mind became very clear. I felt, “I should follow the way of this feeling.” It was a clarity that I had not experienced before. Rather than my own heart, I understood clearly that the human heart is originally like this by nature.

Live life by following one’s true heart and letting go
It was not that I understood only at that time, but from that point on, I felt, “I can just live in this way.” To put it simply, as long as one lives “with sincerity, a true heart,” even if one were to die by the roadside without anything, that would not matter. This is the best way of living. It is living without any possessions. If I may say, it is a way of living in which one puts forth all of oneself for the sake of others and the world; this is within one’s heart by nature, and this alone is enough. How I end up in society does not matter. It is not a heroic resolve, but is extremely free and light. In this way, from that time onward, I have never worked for the sake of money. I will not live in that way. It is not living for the sake of gaining something. It is also not living for the sake of possessing or having something. Let go and put forth everything. If I could live in this way, that would be good. I have lived life in this way until now. Since I had been poor until then, I did not have a house or money. It may be rude to say this, but I have no religion or temple to rely upon. But, if there is one thing I can rely upon, it is the ‘tenshin’ (pure, cloudless heart, like from before birth) at the depths of my heart, that is connected to ‘ten’ (the heavens or nature). I don’t wish to sound conceited, but I realized there is something inside oneself that cannot be considered as one’s own.

From this standpoint, automatically, all of my selfish desires floated away and were no longer a problem. Before the doctor told me, ”you will lose your eyesight,” my selfish thoughts and my true hopes were in conflict with equal strength. However, my selfish desires were chiefly emotions or thoughts in my head. After I was told about my eyesight, I realized what was deeper and originally inside. It was that kind of difference.

When I felt I wanted to live, it meant living with the true heart that is originally inside oneself by nature. Since that point, I have lived life in this way. Fortunately, I have been able to maintain a proper livelihood. On the way, food and clothing have been provided. I sought the path. Religiously speaking, I am an amateur, but certainly, I have pursued the path in my own way and walked along that path. In doing this, food and clothing are provided naturally. From experience, I think the world is made in this way. Therefore, as Christ said in his Sermon on the Mount, "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them.“ I understood there is nothing to worry about, and I felt extremely at ease. As I come to think of it, I became very active from that time.

Since I finally understood that I could just live in this way, I have lived a life in which each day is so full of joy. Before I realized it, half a year later, my eyes had improved. Of course, my eyes sometimes tire easily, but I can still see well. In my youth, I went through this kind of experience. Of course, this was not enlightenment or anything so magnificent. Assuming it was a sort of “enlightenment,” it would only be the first step. I feel I began to proceed in a pretty good direction from that time. Forty years ago, I felt as though I could see a rough sketch of the world, myself, and humans. Over the past 40 years, I feel that through actual daily life, my life has gradually become precise or finely-tuned.

The true way of living and society’s true way of being
This was the series of events that occurred from the year-end to the new-year period around my 26th birthday. It became clear that I should follow this path. Since then, although I have not graduated from overcoming all of my own problems, I have devoted my life to the next challenge of tying together the true way of living and Wada-sensei’s proposal of “establishing an ideal for the country, and thereby bringing peace to the world.” These two are very closely connected. Over the past twenty years, it has become very clear that true peace cannot be created without “self-awareness”—that is, awareness of who am I, and what is this world? (to be continued…)

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nomura@kuninoriso.jp
August 31, 2008

Recently Published Books

2008-07-27T20:04:00.001+09:00

2007 Spring:
国の理想と憲法 —「国際環境平和国家への道」
“Kuninoriso to Kenpo—Kokusai kankyo heiwa kokka e no michi”
(Original version of “Beyond National Egoism” in Japanese.)

2008 Spring:
“Beyond National Egoism—The Road to a Nation for International Peace and the Environment”

For details about the books, please see the following websites.

Japanese homepage — http://kuninoriso.jp/
English homepage — http://kuninoriso.jp/english/index.html