I am from western Japan. In western Japan, we have a typical greeting.
When we see somebody, we ask the person, “儲かりまっか？”, then the person replies “ぼちぼちでんな”.
This conversation can be translated as “How is your business going?” “It is going”. It sounds like talking about business (making money), but I believe this conversation has deeper meanings.
We say “it is going”, but we don’t say “going well” nor “going bad”. I think it is Japanese ancestors’ wisdom. Almost similar to the topic that I wrote yesterday. It is about moderate level. Not too good or not too bad. It is going. And I believe, as long as it is in progress, it’s great.
This reminds me of another common way of thinking of Japanese people. On the New Year’s Day, it is our custom to visit the local shrine to greet to the local god. We appreciate for their support for the land and the people. Also, we draw a written fortune (O-mikuji in Japanese) to learn our fortune for the new year. There are seven different fortunes. 大吉, 吉,中吉, 小吉, 末吉, 凶, 大凶. Starting from the best fortune (dai-kichi, 大吉) and ending at the least fortune (dai-kyo, 大凶).
I heard many elders saying that the middle one, 中吉, is the best. Because it is not too good or not too bad.
I believe O-mikuji is not just to check your fortune but to receive the tip to live a daily life with the harmony with other people and surrounding environment. If you draw the best luck, it means everything is going well for you, so you should keep sharing your good luck with others; family members, relatives, and friends. On the other hand, if you draw the least luck, it does not mean it is the end of the world. It means you should pay more close attention on what you say and what you think. When you don’t have much good luck, all you need to do is to make some efforts to draw good luck.
Also, I believe it is Japanese culture, which is based on our ancestors’ agricultural culture, to share with others. When somebody has more than others, the person is supposed to share the excess one to somebody who does not have. We can receive it with appreciation. Then, next time when we have excess, we can share the excess with others.
♬ Any feedback? (^^♪
three wisdom 