True Happiness - Timeless Wisdom from Japans Oldest Minimalist

The flow of the river is ceaseless, and the water never stays the same. What emotions does this word stir within you? Success? Wealth? Honor? Before you know it, they all slip through your fingers like sand. Kamuno Chomei, Japan's oldest minimalist, dared to confront this truth of impermanence. Can a person truly find freedom by owning absolutely nothing? Join us now on the journey through his extraordinary life. From Glory to Failure In 1155, Kyoto, Kamuno Chomei was born into a prestigious family that served at Shimogamo, a major Kyoto shrine. From childhood, he displayed exceptional talent in waka poetry, and his future seemed assured. But in his youth, his father suddenly died. A fierce succession struggle erupted, and he lost his hereditary post overnight. Chomei didn't give up. He fought back with his poetic talent, rebuilding his career as a poet. This felt different, a solid achievement earned through his own ability, not through bloodline. However, even when the retired emperor offered him a prestigious appointment, his relatives blocked the opportunity once again. His dreams were shattered. Furthermore, repeated disasters, great fires and earthquakes struck him down. Chomei realized everything is uncertain and impermanent, and he began to wonder, might true stability and happiness lie elsewhere? Next, Chomei made a startling decision to let go of everything. Monastic Life and Minimal Living After turning 50, Chomei fundamentally transformed his life. He chose the path of becoming a monk, Kyoto Outskirts, a three-meter square hojo hermitage. There, the ultimate minimal lifestyle began. The hermitage was modular and movable, a sustainable structure that could adapt to disasters. Days of waking to bird songs in the morning, and in the evening watching sunsets while composing waka poetry and playing the biwa. In the changing seasons, he found the true beauty woven by nature. There, having let go of attachment to possessions, Chomei gained unprecedented freedom. There was deep spiritual fulfillment dwelling in the simple life. Yet within those peaceful days, Chomei discovered a hidden trap. Hojoki and Final Self-Reflection In the final stage of his life, Chomei left his experiences and wisdom to future generations as hojoki. This work, beginning with the famous passage introduced at the opening, expressed the wisdom of impermanence. Through records of disasters, all things change. Chomei revealed the importance of accepting this reality. However, the most impressive part of hojoki is the final self-reflection. Chomei reflects that even his life in the hojo hermitage, his seeking of a quiet life itself, might have become a new form of attachment. He continued to face his doubts and inner conflicts until the very end, laying bare his authentic self. Perhaps this honesty is precisely why his words still resonate deeply in our hearts, even 800 years later. Chomei never reached perfect enlightenment. He remained lost in questions. So what then was true happiness for him? Timeless Message True happiness lies not in having more, but in accepting who you are, here and now. Not possession, but existence. Chomei found freedom. But it was an imperfect freedom. So was he unhappy? No. Chomei's way of life was a journey of constant challenge. And that's where true happiness dwelled. Not seeking perfect enlightenment, but continuing to face one's true self, continuing to walk while struggling. There lies the form of human happiness. What do you think of Chomei's way of life? And what does true happiness mean to you? Thank you for watching. See you in the next video.