Stances for the Times: A Small Dialogue Between a Chief Priest and a Junior Priest
■ A relaxed and warm conversation between a Chief Priest and a Junior Priest
— As times change, so do the things that are sought —
Junior Priest
Chief Priest, I've been thinking about this a lot lately.
Every time the era changes, the things people consider 'important' really do change, don't they?
Chief Priest
That's true.
In the past, 'having things' was the value, but now the interest has shifted toward 'how to live.'
Values move along with the times, after all.
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Junior Priest
I really think so too.
For example, even in the workplace, people who 'maintain a balance between mind and body' have come to be valued more than those who 'work a lot'.
It's a trend that would have been unthinkable just a little while ago.
Chief Priest
The axis has likely shifted from prioritizing efficiency to prioritizing peace of mind.
The more convenient things become for people, the more their 'hearts' get left behind.
I suppose this is an era where people have started to notice that.
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Junior Priest
Certainly... SNS and the speed of information are convenient, but they also have a way of putting pressure on the heart.
That is precisely why I feel the value of taking time to quietly stand still is rising.
Chief Priest
It's interesting; the noisier the era, the more stillness is sought.
The more affluent the era, the more the hunger of the heart reveals itself.
Humans are always going off in search of 'what is missing'.
Junior Priest
People are complicated, aren't they?
Chief Priest
It's fine to be complicated.
Only the Buddha, perhaps, possesses a simple heart.
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Junior Priest
Come to think of it, the consultations from people coming to the temple have changed recently, too.
In the past, it was mostly about 'family matters' or 'work matters,' but
now, I feel there are more inner worries, such as 'how I should live' or 'what I want to cherish'.
Chief Priest
The more affluent an era becomes, the more internal problems come to the fore rather than external ones.
This is a natural flow.
Once you are able to 'survive,' you begin to think about 'how to live'.
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Junior Priest
I see... But change is still a scary thing, isn't it?
Values shift suddenly, and I think there are people who can't keep up.
Chief Priest
Yes, change is scary for everyone.
However, it is the era that changes, and the root of a person doesn't change that much.
'I'm lonely,' 'I'm anxious,' 'I want to connect with someone.'
These feelings are the same now as they were in the past.
Junior Priest
So that part doesn't change.
Chief Priest
Because it doesn't change, one can find peace in change.
No matter how much the times advance, the warmth people seek remains the same.
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Junior Priest
Thinking about it that way, there are things that change and things that don't,
and it's important to keep an eye on both, isn't it?
Chief Priest
Exactly.
The things that change become 'wisdom to read the flow,' and
the things that don't change become 'support for the heart.'
It is best to live with both, rather than just one or the other.
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Junior Priest
Chief Priest, I finally understand why I feel at ease when I come here, no matter how the times change.
It's reassuring to know that amidst the waves of change, there is one thing that remains constant.
Chief Priest
That's right.
People can face change because they have peace of mind.
And because they can face change, they can take another step forward.