This St. Patrick’s Day, it is appropriate to think of Japan also, and to honor both the day and the moment.
There exists in both cultures, Irish and Japanese, a deep attachment to ancestral roots that go beyond nation, beyond religion, back to the forces of Nature. Like the Japanese flag that incorporates the symbolic power of the sun, so did Saint Patrick’s Celtic Cross integrate the metaphor of the sun.
The attachment to nature is complimented by an even deeper sentiment with respect to similarities in poetry. The melodic relationship and sense of destiny shared by all members of the human race is exemplified William Butler Yeats, perhaps Ireland’s most famous poet, who was heavily influenced by Japanese culture..
The borders of our minds are ever shifting
And many minds can flow into one another…
And create or reveal a single mind, a single energy.
–William Butler Yeats
Perhaps, though, it is through a comparison of the writings of Saint Patrick himself with those of Kenji Miyazawa who was one of the most popular poets in Japan during the 20th century, that we see the deep rooted similarities.
Be not Defeated by the Rain, by Kenji Miyazawa
Be not defeated by the rain, Nor let the wind prove your better.
Succumb not to the snows of winter. Nor be bested by the heat of summer.
Be strong in body. Unfettered by desire. Not enticed to anger. Cultivate a quiet joy.
Count yourself last in everything. Put others before you.
Watch well and listen closely. Hold the learned lessons dear.
A thatch-roof house, in a meadow, nestled in a pine grove’s shade.
A handful of rice, some miso, and a few vegetables to suffice for the day.
If, to the East, a child lies sick: Go forth and nurse him to health.
If, to the West, an old lady stands exhausted: Go forth, and relieve her of burden.
If, to the South, a man lies dying: Go forth with words of courage to dispel his fear.
If, to the North, an argument or fight ensues:
Go forth and beg them stop such a waste of effort and of spirit.
In times of drought, shed tears of sympathy.
In summers cold, walk in concern and empathy.
Stand aloof of the unknowing masses:
Better dismissed as useless than flattered as a “Great Man”.
This is my goal, the person I strive to become.
Breastplate Prayer, by Saint Patrick
I bind unto myself today
The virtues of the starlit heaven,
The glorious sun’s life-giving ray,
The whiteness of the moon at even,
The flashing of the lightning free,
The whirling wind’s tempestuous shocks,
The stable earth, the deep salt sea,
Around the old eternal rocks.
I bind unto myself today
The power of God to hold and lead,
His eye to watch, His might to stay,
His ear to hearken to my need.
The wisdom of my God to teach,
His hand to guide, His shield to ward,
The word of God to give me speech,
His heavenly host to be my guard.
Below is a musical selection of the Cheiftans performing with the Japanese Traditional Orchestra.