一隅を照らす Ichigu wo Terasu: Light Up One Corner

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Like a lot of Bujinkan members worldwide, I have been watching the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster in Japan from afar. It is a helpless feeling. Reading the news and unable to do anything but hope things improve. If you are like me, you feel like you want to do something. To help in some way. Of course, we can donate money, but Hatsumi Sensei has a suggestion for us that can help in any situation.

He reminds us of the Japanese saying 一隅を照らす Ichigu wo terasu, which means to light up a corner. Hatsumi Sensei says,

"to be a light that brightens the surroundings."

This phrase was brought to Japan from China by Saicho:
From Wikipedia:
Saichō (最澄, September 15, 767 – June 26, 822) was a Japanese Buddhist monk credited with founding the Tendai school in Japan, based around the Chinese Tiantai tradition he was exposed to during his trip to China beginning in 804. He founded the temple and headquarters of Tendai at Enryaku-ji on Mt. Hiei near Kyoto. He is also said to have been the first to bring tea to Japan. After his death, he was awarded the posthumous title of Dengyō Daishi (伝教大師).

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What Saicho meant by “A person who can light up one corner” is the person who can do his best in any situation, wherever he happens to be, to help brighten up someone else and our community.

In the Lotus Sutra, Buddha said to light up one-just one corner. One corner, not the whole world. Just to light up to make it clear just where you are. Ichigu wo terasu. Ichigu is "one corner." Terasu is "to light up" or "to shine" one corner.

Hatsumi Soke says,

"We should always immerse ourselves in sunlight, and in Budo training, never forget to smile, and never be surprised regardless of what happens."

So go light up your corner of the world.

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