Soseki’s Poem and Shakyamuni’s Birth Declaration

In 1897, the novelist Soseki Natsume sent his close friend, Shiki Masaoka, this haiku: “Born as small as a violet, / Such a humble person.” Although written not long after Japan’s victory in the First Sino-Japanese War (1894–95), amid an air of elation as the country moved toward becoming a modern nation, this poem seems to exude a sentiment akin to sadness on Soseki’s part.

It is important for people to value their own individuality and live with pride. Misunderstanding this, though, can lead to arrogance—such as being overly proud of yourself or intimidating other people—and at times, even spread the dangerous mood among people everywhere that war is acceptable. Faced with that reality, I feel that Soseki’s poem is imbued with the wish to be like a roadside violet that blooms quietly, lives vigorously but inconspicuously, and is a presence that comforts and soothes the minds of those who happen to see it.

The ceremony celebrating the birth of Shakyamuni will take place on April 8, when we again reflect upon the meaning of his birth declaration, “I alone am honored, in heaven and on earth,” which he is said to have uttered shortly after his birth. This declaration can be interpreted as teaching us the importance of the humility and introspection that comport with the sentiments of Soseki’s poem, as well as true respect for oneself and others.

Each and every person has a life that is precious and unique in this world. When we realize this, we understand how foolish it is to feverishly pursue wild ambitions or argue and fight with others. At the same time, by respecting oneself and others—in other words, living in harmony with everyone—we come to better understand the meaning of being born as a human being and why we are taught that the mind of gratitude and compassion is more important than anything else.

Instead of trying to be “big shots” and lead a self-satisfied lifestyle, we will be much happier if, for instance, we bring peace to the minds of other people and build harmony around us, even if we might be unassuming, “small persons.”

The Meaning of Having Been Born

Soseki chose the violet, but what kind of flower would you choose to be like?

In this season, magnolias, cherry blossoms, and dandelions are lovely, and daphne bushes are appreciated for their soothing fragrance. Someone once stated that “there is no ranking the beauty of flowers,” and surely there are no distinctions, such as superior, inferior, pretty, or ugly, that apply to the way every kind of flower does its part to bloom as best it can.

The philosopher Kitaro Nishida (1870–1945) aptly said, “Just as flowers are most beautiful when they reveal their true nature, human beings reach the pinnacle of their beauty when they reveal their true nature.”

For those of us who study and live by the Buddha’s teachings, true human nature is none other than buddha nature, and when we all realize this and manifest our buddha nature, our lives will become like those of flowers, and we will be doing our part as best we can. Therein lies the great meaning of having been born as human beings.

However, the time at which we become aware of the meaning of life varies from person to person, and young people in particular should not be impatient or pessimistic.

To quote one of my favorite Buddhist poems: “In this world, / Live however you can, / Just stay true to focusing your mind on goodness” (Sazen Sekkei).

This poem means that you should put your mind at ease; reduce your desires, worries, and anger; and always be true to yourself.

We should maintain this attitude and never forget to put others first, especially in an era of growing anxiety and discontent. This will allow all of us to bloom splendidly as unique individuals.