Let's Plant A Tree (January 23, 2006)

“Let’s Plant a Tree ” [1] is a book that’s made a deep impression on me lately. Don’t be fooled by the simple title. The author, Takashi Masaki [2], is a really amazing person. He’s been in Kyushuu for the past twenty-five years, living an entirely self-sufficient life in Kumamoto. He used to be a wanderer who journeyed throughout the world for a long time, especially in India. He’s thoroughly versed in Indian philosophy, Buddhism, and Environmental Studies. It’s incredible what a wealth of information he possesses.

Last week, I got to meet Masaki for the first time. My immediate impression was of a Native American who has been brought to the big city. He has the sparkling eyes of a young boy in the body of a man of sixty. It was really a blessing to be able to see him at the Lifestyle Forum. Today (yesterday already?) I went to his lecture, which was a really purifying time, and I only wish that more people could have the chance to experience it. I really recommend reading his book as well. I won’t go into the content too much, but it focuses on having respect for Mother Earth, putting away ego and knowing the interconnectedness of all things, and beneath it all, Masaki’s strong personal philosophy. I was really moved by this book and it caused me to respect the Jomon [3] period even more. People backed then lived peacefully on this planet, all existing together meaningfully. It’s a unique time in Japanese history that has been somewhat forgotten after the Meiji Restoration, when Japan came under Western influence and became obsessed with wealth and military strength. I think that the idea of living together with nature is more pertinent now than ever. At any rate, it’s a great book. And this year, I’m actually going to plant a tree!

In the evening, I went to the Be Good Cafe for the first time this year to see Hiroki Okano (of the Tenkoo Orchestra) perform. All I will say is that it was superb. I’ve respected him forever, but seeing his solo performance today was something else entirely. The Indian flute was especially amazing. Hmm…Jomon, India…when you think about it, they’re really not so very different. I sense that these will be important themes for me in the future. At any rate, I felt as if all the grime and mud inside me was swept away, purified. I felt the harmonies from the ancient past with my whole body, like a baptism. At any rate (and I know that I’ve used this phrase way too much), my soul was shaken. Okana is the best. Yesterday (the day before yesterday?) after my amazing friend’s amazing concert, we drank until morning and then I returned home alone in the midst of a blizzard, looking like a snowman.

Sugizo ♨

Posted by SUGIZO : January 23, 2006 04:23 AM


[1] For more information, visit http://www.amazon.co.jp/exec/obidos/ASIN/4931376673/503-7198501-7414363
[2] I assume that this is the correct pronunciation of 正木 高志. If not, please let me know.
[3] Prehistoric Japanese era, 1300 – 300 BC.