We (Japanese) accept(ed) something in between extreme elements in dualism. We live(d) “outside” of dualism (once). Good or Evil. Right or Wrong. When we today focus on “solving” a conflict in binary opposition, there will always be “winner” and “loser”. We all have justice within ourselves, in both sides. Both winner and loser believe in their meaning to exist. Therefore, we all “fight” although the outcome of solving the issue may not bring a “happy ending” to us.
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Within such hatred and cruelty, however, there is always something we may/can value. The ongoing hatred & suffering will not define who we really are. No matter how “challenging” it is to survive for tomorrow, we can appreciate a beautiful thing today. We can be thankful to other caring people for tomorrow.
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The Japanese culture accepts something in-between the dualism – we call it “中道 – Chudo – middle way”. Sashiko was developed in extreme poverty – but the suffering didn’t define who they were. They accepted the middle and didn’t fight much. The one outcome of many we appreciate today is called “Boro”, and we can learn the process as “Sashiko”. Don’t define Sashiko in dualism. You may keep a “question” unanswered. It is okay. Instead, talk to the fabric. Fabric may bring you an answer (from yourself). Just do not ignore the voice from fabric, and more importantly, the voice around you. When we get used to ignoring “voices”, we tend to focus on logic. The logic often brings us binary opposition, and “solution” for some of us. Enjoy Sashiko (I hope I communicate what I really mean by saying “Enjoy Sashiko”.)
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八百万の神というように、自然を崇拝対象とした神道。「ご飯粒一つ残さない」が当たり前の日々で培われた刺し子は、効率や正解を求める西洋の中では、なかなかに紹介が難しいです。どちらが正しい間違いという話ではなく、「違う」ということ。そして、その違いをまず知ってもらわなければというお話。
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「唯一神」という絶対的正解がある西洋信仰において、論理的且つ法的に決断を下すことは正義です。ただ、線引きをしない文化の中に存在するものも学んで欲しいのです。不平不満（極貧の生活）の中に存在した感謝から生まれる襤褸だからこそ美しく畏れ多い。僕たちが襤褸を繕う（作ろう）とする時、必ず昔の人と意識を重ねます。僕たちがその能力の系統を引き継いでいるのは、面白い偶然ですよね。
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2021-01-19 10:21:43
What a beautiful expression.
I enjoyed your message today! Perfect for today and for ruminating on while stutching
Love this concept ❤️ thank you
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I personally enjoy your post. Relax and stay calm.
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Your post today spoke to me deeply and eloquently. You are my sashiko sensei! 💯 Domo arigato gozaimashita. ✨
Very useful and interesting to hear. Very challenging.
I am very new to Sashiko and Boro but have sewn both hand and by machine since I was a child. I have given a second life to one pair of jeans in this way and now I have started on another. I have not drawn any guidelines so I think I understand what you mean about feeling in communication with the fabric and it seems to tell me where to go next. It isn’t the neatest piece of work, but it feels very natural. The Bauhaus artist and teacher talked about drawing as ‘taking a line for a walk’ and I feel that when I sew I am taking the thread for a walk across the fabric. Me and my thread go walking together and it brings me happiness and peace.
This really spoke to me. Thank you for sharing your views. I have enjoyed your point of view and your continuous dedication to educating, not only yourself, but sharing your knowledge to educate others as well.
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Beautifully put, thank you!
Thank you ❤️
Nicee🔥🔥🔥
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