The Value and True Meaning of 'Taisetsu' (Cherishing)

The word 'taisetsu' (cherish) is written with the characters for 'big' and 'cut'.

If someone does not cherish you or respect you, have the courage to cut them off.

It also originates from the phrase 'greatly urgent'.

In other words, 'taisetsu' refers to an extreme psychological state where something is so urgent to you that you cannot leave it alone, without a moment's delay or any calculation of profit and loss.

When we apply the essence of this word to our daily lives and relationships, we can see the following profound lessons.

It means to feel the suffering and joy of others as if they were your own, deep within your heart.

To 'cherish'is a very active and strong resolve to keep facing the object of your affection with absolute sincerity, by pressing your heart closely against it.

In today's diversified society, we often force a smile even when we are actually hurting.

We pretend to be happy even when we don't want to be.

We live by deceiving ourselves and suppressing our true feelings.

From here, I would like to share my thoughts on the essence of what is 'cherished' versus what is 'fake'.

What is a fake?

Is it a counterfeit brand-name item?

Is it one's educational background?

Is it one's job title?

I do not think so.

A true fake is continuing to play the role of a self that is not yourself.

Not wanting to be disliked.

Not wanting to betray expectations.

Not wanting to ruin the atmosphere.

That kindness sometimes hurts you yourself.

As you continue to live up to someone else's expectations, you lose sight of what you want and even what you are feeling.

That may be proof that your heart is screaming little by little.

That is why I think.

The first person you must truly cherish is yourself.

It becomes difficult for someone who cannot cherish themselves to truly cherish others.

Conversely, for someone who can acknowledge, care for, and respect themselves, that kindness naturally spreads to those around them.

And there is one more thing you must not forget.

There are connections in life that must be severed.

People who look down on you.

People who use you.

People who hurt your heart repeatedly.

Keeping your distance from such people is not cold-hearted.

It is the courage to protect your own life.

Cutting tiesis not about denying someone.

It is a decision to ensure you do not lose yourself.

A limited life.

A limited amount of time.

A limited life span.

That is precisely why you should spend your time on the people who are truly important to you.

Please deliver words that are truly important.

Please cherish your truly important self.

Life changes depending on who you cherish.

And life also changes significantly depending on who you associate with.

And in the end, it is about how much you were able to cherish yourself.

I believe that is where the value of a person's life is revealed.

What does "cherish" mean to you?

Photo & philosophy donchan