Description
– Extended version –
The original version (25:08) is here.
This fall, I stayed with a Japanese family in Tokyo. I was impressed by their pursuit of perfection in hospitality and care for their guests. What is particularly impressive is that they do not show any effort in doing so and that it does not feel forced.
Omotenashi is the Japanese way of hospitality and mindfulness. It has two origins in Buddhism. One of these is “bodhichitta,” striving for the benefit of all living beings to attain the state of Buddhahood. The second origin is mindfulness meditation. These concepts were refined by the masters of the tea ceremony into a form of mindful interaction with guests and developed into a high art.
The spirit of omotenashi is deeply rooted in the Japanese people to this day. Most Japanese strive for perfection in hospitality and are unaware that it has Buddhist origins.
Composition, mandora / lute guitar: Nao Sogabe
