#david howenstein

June 21 (in the book “Jumbo Jumble”)

The eternal enemy of civilization is complacency. 

From bondage to spiritual faith,

From spiritual faith to great courage,

From courage to liberty,

From liberty to abundance,

From abundance to selfishness,

From selfishness to complacency,

From complacency to apathy,

From apathy to dependency,

From dependency back again to bondage. 

(Tytler, Alexander Fraser. The Decline and Fall of the Athenian Republic, quoted in John and Janice Corson, "The Rise And Fall Of Great Civilizations: From Apathy to Dependence to Slavery." Sociological Issues. September 1, 2009. Accessed August 08, 2016. http://www.corson.org/archives/sociological/S27_090109.htm.)

JR: It is interesting, and somewhat disheartening at the same time, to see this cycle repeating itself throughout history. How can we break the cycle, and move from abundance to more emotional caring? Rather than becoming complacent and apathetic, we need to proceed so that we consciously stimulate ourselves into creating more goodness and beauty in the world. It will surely take a mammoth effort to encourage people to become sources of their own stimulation and creators of good, but if we do move forward in this way, the descent into complacency can be effectively halted.

PP: Plant a seed, either literally or figuratively (like a seed of hope), and water it, bearing witness to the goodness you’ve nurtured.

(Book (Jumbo Jumble) - June 1)

Shoubunuma Park (KitaAyase (Chiyoda), 15 minutes, 2014)

(Book (Jumbo Jumble) - June 1)

Shoubunuma Park (KitaAyase (Chiyoda), 15 minutes, 2014)

Illustration by Miki Howenstein

Optimal balance creates a wonderful environment.

May 12 (in the book “Jumbo Jumble”)

Ever since the French Revolution, people throughout the world have gradually come to see both equality and individual freedom as fundamental values. Yet the two values contradict each other. Equality can be ensured only by curtailing the freedoms of those who are better off. Guaranteeing that every individual will be free to do as he wishes inevitably short-changes equality. The entire political history of the world since 1789 can be seen as a series of attempts to reconcile this contradiction. (Harari, Yuval Noah. Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers, 2015, p 164)

JR: It is easy to talk about universal values while ignoring the fact that, surely, each one clashes with certain others. Revolution  is frequently an attack against extremely corrupt systems, and the universal values hold great appeal to and hope for the masses. In the process, they easily become idealized. Yet, as history bears witness to all too often, another corrupt system arises from the ashes of the previous one UNLESS the women and men who take control after the revolution lead lives of great integrity and transparency in their efforts to harmonize conflicting ideals.

PP: Reflect on how the individuality vs. equality conflict is enacted in your own life. Do you feel this is well-balanced?

(Book (Jumbo Jumble) - May 24)

Jukai Forest (Kouyoudai Bus Stop (30 minutes by bus from Kawaguchiko (Fuji Kyuukou), 30 minutes, 2009)

 Illustration by Miki Howenstein

No question where the impact is here

April 15 (in the book “Jumbo Jumble”)

The dynamics for principles of classic nonviolence are the same: the consciousness-raising impact of the “new” force, the way non-violent resisters mobilize that force by refusing to identify the humanity of the individual aggressor with his intention (the sin is not the sinner), and finally the dramatic declaration that success is primarily spiritual and long-term rather than visible and immediate. These are all familiar landmarks of nonviolence, and each of these principles has been known to work. (Nagler, Michael N. Is There No Other Way?: The Search for a Nonviolent Future. Berkeley, CA: Berkeley Hills Books, 2001, p 249-50)

JR: Nature has no problem creating an impact with its multitude of colors, shapes and unique living characters which it is constantly molding and re-configuring. IF WE ONLY STOP TO TAKE NOTICE. Nonviolence, too, is most effective when people notice, which they do when the action is uniquely carried out and makes people feel a sense of “the divine made earthly.”

PP: Commit a nonviolent act (or a random act of kindness) that will leave a deep impression on someone.

(Book (Jumbo Jumble) - April 5)

Shinjuku Gyoen (Shinjuku Gyoen (Marunouchi), 25 minutes, 2004)

Illustration by Miki Howenstein

It can feel lonely being different.

March 21 (in the book “Jumbo Jumble”)

When you face differences with people of other faiths that present challenges to both of you, and your emotions intensify, remember to ask yourself this key question: “What does it feel like to be the other?” (Don Mackenzie, Ted Falcon, and Jamal Rahman, Getting to the Heart of Interfaith: The Eye-opening, Hope-filled Friendship of a Pastor, a Rabbi & a Sheikh (Woodstock, VT: SkyLight Paths Pub., 2009 (Kindle Edition), 133.)

JR: When you get caught up in feelings of intense frustration or anger, it becomes impossible to see the perceived cause of this feeling objectively. To step back and try to view the situation from the other’s perspective may be the most difficult, but most rewarding, thing you can do. This is because, when you do so, your rage is subdued and you can relate to him as a feeling human being rather than as an evil enemy.

PP: Who do you most despise? Put yourself in his shoes and try to understand why he acts and talks as he does.