Recently in class, we listened to/ studied the Japanese American Nisei Units of WWII. A word (Yamato-damashii) was used to describe their willingness to die for America in spite of the fact that their families were being held as prisoners of war in Japanese Internment Camps.
Yamato-damashii
Yamato-damashii is a Japanese term loosely translated the "Japanese Spirit" or "Japanese Soul"...which manifests itself as a plethora of virtues.
- An "Indomitable Spirit" based on family and community harmony
- To think of yourself as unique, distinct, great
- Common-sense/ "real life" wisdom
- Resourcefulness and good judgment
- Bravery and resolve
- A willingness to sacrifice one's life
- A resolute faith
- Persistence and competitive vigilance to always try harder
Do any of our words (maybe the idea of Collective Unconsciousness) do justice to the concept, imagery, and deep expression of Yamato-damashii...was there ever an "Indomitable American Spirit" based on family and community harmony or was it just a dream?
 |
| "If a man hasn't discovered something that he will die for...he isn't fit to live." |
No comments:
Post a Comment