Here is a list of some popular Japanese philosophical terms and their short meanings:
- Wabi-sabi: Acceptance of transience and imperfection; finding beauty in the imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete.
- Zen: A form of Buddhism that emphasizes meditation and self-awareness as a means of achieving spiritual enlightenment.
- Shinto: Japan’s indigenous religion, which emphasizes the worship of nature spirits and ancestor spirits.
- Bushido: The code of conduct and way of life of the samurai, emphasizing loyalty, respect, courage, and self-discipline.
- Mono no aware: The awareness of the transience of things and the bittersweet beauty of life.
- Ikigai: The reason for being, the connection between one’s passion, mission, vocation and profession.
- Yūgen: A profound, mysterious sense of the beauty of the universe and the sad beauty of human suffering.
- Hara: The center of the body and mind, a connection to the earth, the source of inner strength and balance.
- Mokomokai: The mindfulness of the present moment and the interconnectedness of all things.
- Shugyo: A spiritual discipline and the pursuit of self-improvement through ascetic practices.
These are just a few examples of Japanese philosophical terms, and there are many more that reflect the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Japan. Many of these concepts are rooted in Buddhism and Shintoism, which have had a profound influence on Japanese culture. These terms have been adopted and adapted in various ways by different cultures, and are often used in the context of mindfulness, self-improvement, and personal development.
