In September 2022, Mr. Shoukei Matsumoto delivered an online lecture for Rakuten employees.

Rakuten Online Lecture: "Mindfulness, Ancestors, and Self-Cultivation"

Lecture by Mr. Shoukei Matsumoto

Table of Contents

Mindfulness – What is Mindfulness in Japanese Buddhism?

Ancestors – Insights from the Two-Story Theory of Temples

Self-Cultivation – Beyond Self and No-Self

Leadership Questions from Japanese Buddhism

Mindfulness: What Does It Mean in Japanese Buddhism?

Today, we will explore three key topics: "Mindfulness, Ancestors, and Self-Cultivation."

Let’s begin with the concept of Mindfulness. I understand that many of you are non-Japanese employees. Before arriving in Japan, you may have envisioned Japanese Buddhism as a representation of mindfulness. Now that you’re here, how do you feel about that? Do you perceive Japanese Buddhism and culture as truly embodying mindfulness? It's essential to recognize that mindfulness is just one aspect of Japanese Buddhism. While many associate mindfulness primarily with meditation, its scope is much broader.

In Japan, there are numerous monasteries where monks engage in their training. Within these monasteries, daily responsibilities known as "Samu" are carried out, with a significant emphasis on cleaning, or "Soji." In Zen practice, monks actually spend more time on cleaning and Samu than on meditation. If you ever have the chance to observe training at a Zen temple, you will likely witness monks actively engaged in cleaning. They tend to the temple, sweep the floors, and care for the plants. What’s important to note is that every aspect of daily life can be transformed into a practice of mindfulness—even activities as simple as cooking.

This is an essential aspect of Japanese Buddhism: meditation is just one form of practice. We can turn every moment of our daily lives into an opportunity for mindfulness. Ultimately, what truly matters is how we choose to live.

If you’re interested in experiencing this aspect of Japanese Buddhism firsthand, I invite you to join us for a session called "Temple Morning,” where we engage in morning cleaning at the temple. If you look up "Temple Morning," you should find my tweets and additional information. My temple is located in Kamiyacho, Tokyo, and we hold these sessions once or twice a month. I hope to see you there.

Ancestors – Insights from the Two-Story Theory of Temples

I often explain the structure of Japanese Buddhism using a concept I call the "Two-Story Theory," rooted in my 20 years of experience as a monk. If you were to ask people, "What does Buddhism mean to you?" many might respond, "It involves visiting temples and paying respects to ancestors." Others might say, "I'm really interested in mindfulness, and I go to a good temple to meditate." These two responses reveal distinct perspectives. The first response highlights the foundational aspect of Japanese Buddhism—what I refer to as the ground level, which is dedicated to ancestor worship. Above this foundation, on the upper level, is the space for mindfulness, catering to those who are currently living.

Among older generations in Japan, many emphasize the significance of the ground level, the space for honoring ancestors. In contrast, younger generations often find the mindfulness practices on the upper level to be more relevant and accessible. So, what is the Buddhist perspective that connects these seemingly different realms of the temple—the ground level and the upper level?

My question is, "Why are ancestors important to us?" Although they may be invisible, ancestors are actually very close to us and play a significant role in supporting how we live our lives today (mindfulness).

Finding a common existence—an invisible connection—among people from diverse backgrounds is no easy task. Yet, the concept of ancestors resonates with many of us. For the older generation in Japan, ancestor worship remains incredibly meaningful. It serves as a way to invite our unknown ancestors into our visible world, allowing us to feel a connection with something beyond our understanding.

Have you ever heard of the term "Sanpo Yoshi: Three-Way Satisfaction"?

Sanpo Yoshi refers to a principle that benefits three parties. This ancient saying has been passed down among successful merchants for generations. If you want to thrive in business, embracing the concept of Sanpo Yoshi is essential.

So, what do we mean by three parties? In the context of business, it’s vital that what you offer is beneficial not only for the buyer but also for the seller. And it doesn't stop there; it must also positively impact the third party—society. This holistic approach to business ensures that success is shared among all involved.

Now, let’s shift our focus to "Shihō Yoshi: Four-Way Satisfaction." What does the fourth aspect entail? I learned this concept from a leader in the business community in Shiga Prefecture, which states: "Good for the seller, good for the buyer, good for society, and good for the teachings of Buddha." But how do we connect the Buddha's teachings to the realm of business? I believe this perspective offers a unique way to integrate the notion of the invisible presence into our multi-stakeholder thinking.

We consider the buyer, the seller, and society, but it doesn’t end there; it also encompasses the invisible presence of those beyond ourselves, reaching into both the past and the future. This cultural perspective in Japan continues to influence the trajectory of contemporary Japanese society.

Self-Cultivation: Beyond Self and No-Self

In Japanese culture, the journey of self-improvement often focuses on the concepts of beyond-self and no-self. While this may seem paradoxical, it ultimately guides us toward the state of "no-self." This idea is a distinctive aspect of Japanese Buddhism and is profoundly reflected in the culture of self-cultivation in Japan.

With this perspective, you might find that Rakuten's brand concept resonates with you on a deeper level.（https://corp.rakuten.co.jp/about/philosophy/principle/）

On a Mission: Empowerment  The concept of "大義名分" (On a Mission) embodies the idea of having a clear sense of purpose. It encourages us to transcend our individual selves in order to embrace something greater than ourselves.

Behave Ethically: Integrity "品性高潔" (Behave Ethically) underscores the significance of integrity in our actions. In Japan, there is a common belief that even when no one is watching, the sun—or some unseen force—observes our behavior.

Prepare to Succeed: Professionalism "用意周到" (Prepare to Succeed) emphasizes the vital role of preparation in achieving success. This principle brings to mind the well-known saying, "Do your best and leave the rest to fate." While thorough preparation is essential, there are times when our best efforts may not yield the expected results. This notion does not diminish the value of hard work; rather, it suggests that once we’ve given our all, we must also have faith in the outcome.

Complete Commitment: Get Things Done "信念不抜" (Complete Commitment) speaks to the importance of following through on our commitments. This idea is closely tied to the ancestral mindset, where our responsibilities often extend beyond our own lifetimes. For instance, in temples, monks have been dedicated to nurturing and preserving forests for centuries. When they plant trees, the benefits extend to future generations, not just themselves. True commitment may require us to look beyond our immediate interests and consider the impact of our actions on those who come after us.

Solidarity: Succeed as a Team "一致団結" (Solidarity) highlights the importance of teamwork in achieving success. By welcoming the unknown and unseen into our collaborative efforts, we can unlock greater strength and potential as a unified team.

Leadership Questions from Japanese Buddhism

As we conclude, I hope you’ve gained a deeper understanding of how Japanese Buddhism extends beyond the concept of mindfulness. Have any of you visited the observation deck of Tokyo Tower? From that vantage point, you can see numerous cemeteries scattered across the city. Even in the bustling heart of Tokyo, the presence of Japanese Buddhism is unmistakable.

While it may seem that Japanese Buddhism is primarily centered on ancestor worship—distinct from mindfulness and meditation—there exists a fundamental practice that invites the unknown into our lives, broadens our perspectives, and ultimately allows us to liberate ourselves from the confines of the self.

Given these unique characteristics of Japanese Buddhism, we are presented with a profoundly important question:

“How can we become better ancestors?”

This question embodies a leadership perspective within Japanese Buddhism and is exceptionally thought-provoking.

As I conclude, I leave you with this question as a parting gift. Thank you very much for having me today.