The Smile Beyond Gain and Loss

Shrine maidens cleaning the grounds of the shrine

Hello.

When we speak of "conscience," most of us—myself included—tend to view it through the lens of duality: good versus evil, or a "good heart" versus a "bad heart." However, upon deeper reflection, it seems that conscience is something that transcends this simple binary.

We often hear phrases like, "It is important to act according to one’s conscience," or "If you consult your conscience, you will understand." But if conscience were not something universal, shared by everyone, then individual differences would arise, and we would eventually lose sight of what "conscience" truly is.

It may sound as if I am studying for a legal exam, but my point is this: I believe conscience is not merely a tool for judging whether an event is "right" or "wrong." To me, it feels like something far more simple, rustic, and pure.

To put it simply, I understand it as a "universal" and "unchanging" presence. In other words, it is the heart of a child—the "Dōji" (innocent child).

By nature, the spiritual world is invisible to our eyes. Perhaps it is because it is invisible that it is so precious. I believe that "consulting one's conscience" is another way of saying that we are trying to perceive this invisible existence with the "eye of the heart."

However, because it is invisible, people often replace it with visible objects and follow them blindly, eventually falling into deep trouble. It is a bit of a tragicomedy, but it is the reality.

For instance, as I mentioned in a previous article, there are people who throw trash on Mt. Fuji, yet still pray to the first sunrise of the year or seek blessings and rituals at shrines and temples.

To me, this is truly mysterious—almost to the point of laughter. Shrines and temples originated from the worship of Mother Nature. Why would someone pollute the very source of their faith while simultaneously praying for a favor?

No matter how I think about it, it remains a strange contradiction.

Furthermore, people offer large sums of money with solemn expressions to make their requests. Occasionally, I find myself observing just how profound and immense human "greed" can be.

I believe that "wishing" often stems from attachment. Attachment is rooted in the concept of "ownership," and ownership is what gives birth to conflict. On the other hand, the word "cherish" (taisetsu) does not feel attached to me. 

This is because it carries the sentiment that nothing is truly mine; everything is "on loan" or "entrusted" to us. Even this physical body must eventually be returned.

In the worst cases, people become entirely dependent on psychics, only to be asked for exorbitant amounts of money, eventually depleting their family’s savings and leading to the breakdown of the home. These situations sometimes even end in criminal cases. 

One could write about these tragedies endlessly. Yet, even in such moments, we have no choice but to return to our conscience. 

For me, the word "conscience" is a lifelong theme.

This is the conscience I envision: It is not a heavy armor of morality. Instead, it is the state of being where, when asked for a small favor, you can respond with a bright smile and a "Sure!" as naturally as breathing—long before any calculation of profit or loss enters your mind.

I feel that true conscience resides within that very lightness.

With the Spirit (Shinshin to tomo ni).

Asahi Hanasaki

From this land of prayer, I, Asahi Hanasaki, am introducing the "Harmony of Wa" to the whole world. 

I am a delivery driver in Japan who also helps protect and maintain a traditional Shinto shrine and Buddhist temple. Balancing these two worlds gives me a unique perspective on modern society. Through my writing, I aim to share the warmth of mutual aid and help readers find the courage to live another day.