"Let's Try to Live Again Tomorrow": Beyond Self-Responsibility
Title: The Spell of "Individualism" and the Heart of Mutual Aid Hello. In recent years, I feel that I have been hearing the word "individualism" echoing around us more and more frequently. However, it seems to me that very few people truly understand the real meaning of this word. As those who read this blog probably know, I am primarily involved in the protection and maintenance of a Shinto shrine and a Buddhist temple. Since I cannot make a living solely by protecting the shrine and temple, I also work as a delivery driver. The maintenance of shrines and temples can be broadly divided into three categories—you could also call them the "three pillars." The first is the maintenance of worship facilities, such as the Omiya (Inner Sanctuary) and the main hall. The second is the care for the shrine parishioners ( Ujiko ), temple supporters ( Danka ), and general visitors. And the third is the preservation of the shrine and temple as a whole. It is not a mat...