they needed to be ready to die at any moment (i.e. accept that death might come), and at the same time they
needed continue fighting to protect others. The resolve to continue to hone my skills, no matter how skillful
I become and without the fear of failing, is the source of my academic success and my peace of mind.

Another aspect of Japanese culture that has made a great impression in my view of life is the
importance of kokoro (heart and soul). After having read the influential Japanese novel Kokoro, by
Natsume Soseki, I have learned that no one can see within the true heart of another person. Therefore, one
should follow the feelings and intentions that lie deep within one’s heart regardless of the opinions of
others. Confucianism teaches us that a big person follows their heart. In the past, I was reluctant to try out
new and foreign activities because people around me discouraged me from initiating them, claiming that
they were too difficult and impractical. However, in my heart, I felt that practicing these activities would
build my character and would bring enjoyment to me. Such activities included studying Japanese, and
practicing Shotokan Karate, among others. However, it was not until I was introduced to the fundamentals
of Japanese culture and way of viewing life that I realized that I needed to follow my heart, and that my
actions and ideals should not be mandated by the opinions of others, but instead by what I consider
important. I have gained great inspiration from the way the Japanese people appreciate nature and all things
that are beautiful and simple. The ideas of wabi (poverty) and sabi (loneliness) come together with the
Japanese respect toward nature because one must learn to humble oneself in order to become one with
nature. Things in nature are much more beautiful than manmade materials because things in nature possess
the element of simplicity. Simplicity in art and in nature is seen as beautiful in Japanese culture because it
allows for a more intimate and intuitive connection as compared to intricate art pieces that tend to remove
the sense of wonder and awe that goes hand in hand with simplicity. Simplicity is also seen in Japanese
literature through the elegant and powerful messages written in haikus.

The tea ceremony is a way in which Japanese people practice harmony with nature because this
ceremony exemplifies four key elements; harmony, reverence, purity, and tranquility. Harmony with nature
and others plays a crucial role in providing us with the peace of mind that helps us detach from ourselves
and others and become one with nature. As mentioned before, reverence and mindfulness are essential for
maintaining our motivation high in order to propel us to achieve greater levels of skill and intuition. The
purity and tranquility of the mind and soul is essential for the mastering of Mushin no Shin and harmony
with nature because only through quiet meditation can we achieve detachment from our egos. I am able to
use these principles of the tea ceremony when performing in many areas of my life, such as when playing
the ancient board game of Go. When playing Go, one must be able to clear one’s mind to think critically in
crucial moments. Tranquility and patience also play significant roles in playing Go because one must build
insight into subsequent moves by the opponent. This insight only comes through practice and discipline.

I believe that learning about Japanese culture has helped me become a more disciplined and
focused person in all aspects of my life. Regardless of my current success, I acknowledge that I need to
continue improving and humbling myself with the same resolve and zeal in order to attain higher levels of
achievement. These higher levels of achievement include becoming a successful professional engineer, and
continuing to improve my proficiency in the Japanese language.

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