Do you say something just before you eat something for lunch or dinner? Traditionally, we Japanese say a particular word as an expression prior to eating a meal. The word is 'ITADAKIMASU'. That means "I will receive something". It is considered to be more careful way to express it that you put your hands close together and bow your head with saying the word 'ITADAKIMASU'.

Now we know the basic meaning of the word 'ITADAKIMASU' , but what is that you receive at all and what do you receive something from? I think it is deeply connected with a basic principle aof Buddhism, 'Life is Interdependent'. There is no life who can live just all by itself or completely alone. Though we usually don't think about it, there are many influences that create who we are and how we feel. We can understand it by watching the systems of nature. They are all linked together and each system in nature needs all the others to stay alive. In the economical point of view, the dishes we paid for belongs to us and then we have a right to eat them without any complaints. But Buddhists do not think so. They appreciate that they are lucky enough to have a daily meal and deeply understand that it is based on the precious sacrifice of livestock and crops.

Within modern Japanese people, I feel the number of people who say 'ITADAKIMASU' before meal is gradually diminishing. But I think it is important to keep the form 'ITADAKIMASU' because it reminds us the truth of 'Life is Interdependent' every time we do it.

I want to encourage you to do 'ITADAKIMASU' when you travel Japan. Your attitude would reminds Japanese of something important which we have forgotten.

(written by SHOKEI)

Even in this time as we can get all kinds of information on the Internet, I guess the word "Japan" strikes some people who have not yet been in Japan as a very exotic feeling. However, as Japan became one of developed countries in the 20th century, it is getting as difficult to find old-fashioned customs or cultures on a street as other cities like NY or London.

But you don't have to regret it. Though it is true that the chance you can see a scenery of good old days is gradually diminishing, for example Buddhist monks like us keep up a tradition and still observe it. And if you observe Japanese people more carefully, you will be surprised at the fact that they also still have them in some way, even in such a big city, Tokyo.

In this runnign story, we Japanese Buddhist monks discuss some issues of Japanese traditional cultures and customs in regard to Japanese Buddhism. We hope you will enjoy this article and be interested in good old Japanese cultures not only as historical relics but also as modern living ones.

• ITADAKIMASU
• Preface

2008:

July(2)