PICK UP!

PICK UP! (vol.3) Teruhiko Honda / Graduate School of Human-Environment Studies

There are more than 300 diversed students are enrolled in “Future-Creation (MIRAI)” Course.
In this section, we will focus on students who are engaged in unique activities and introduce their achievements and activities from their own perspectives.

The third student is Mr.Teruhiko Honda (D3) of the Graduate School of Human-Environment Studies.

 

Unlearning: Defusing from Desire

It was when I was but a small boy. Wandering through the hills behind my home, I stumbled one night and found myself sprawled across the grass gazing up at the sky. In a moment of self-engulfing “dread”, the structural framework of my being proceeded to collapse in on itself. As far as I can remember, this experience has served as ground zero for my research. Since then, I have been perpetually tormented by the question of what it means to be a human being. Why is it that, in being, we must encounter suffering? This grapple with the weight of existence has been what sustained my lifelong inquiry into the human condition.

Along the path of my inquiry, I have thrown myself into various fields: (Ginkenshibu-do* associate master, No.1 in Japan), meditation, martial arts, and academia. At first glance, these practices may appear scattered and wholly unrelated to one another. However, in the moment of practice, there comes a gleaning moment of realization where the “geist” of these fields seem to intersect.

It through these sporadic encounters that  I have become convinced of the need to tread the path of inquiry with my own feet.  However, just as this emphasis on self-practice has guided me forth in my research, it has also led me to cross paths with various mentors and colleagues. It is in the time I spend together with them that I have experienced the depth of the human relationship- of the pivotal role relationality plays in formative experience. These encounters have played an active part in reconstructing my approach- not only towards my studies- but in my attitude towards life.

In my attempt to explore the human condition, I have encountered the colossal challenge of trying to define the multifaceted nature of “being”; an endeavor made difficult if attempted solely through traditional research methodologies. Recalling the figure of the thousand-armed Avalokitesvara(Senjyu-kannon), my focus is to stay in tune with the various “disciplines” which serve as my arms as I aim to deepen my understanding down this unending path.

Moving onwards in my studies, I am sure to encounter many other “Kannon(Avalokitesvara)” in this course. It is my sincere hope to borrow the strength of your “arms” as we work to foster greater care and compassion within our shared spaces. In the process, I hope that my arms can be of service to you as well.

 

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In Ginkenshibu-do, which places great importance on decorum, the performer wears a hakama with a crest. No ornaments or haori, only a white folding fan in hand.