daigo.org RSSBe not Defeated by the Rain
With all the Katrina madness, I’ve been thinking about what I would have done if I was in the situation. Situation like that brings best and worst of us, they say. I remembered a famous Japanese poem that I learned, and liked a lot, when I was young. I found it online. It struck me even more now that I am older. So I thought I’d post it here on my blog. I found English translation, a very good one, as well. It’s a poem called “Be not Defeated by the Rain” by Kenji Miyazawa.
Be not Defeated by the Rain
Written by Kenji Miyazawa
Translated by David SulzBe 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.
In Japanese below (or download here):
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