Overall The root of civilization's crises (war and climate change) lies in the "human mind = dependence on desire." If a 'fundamental shift in the mind' doesn’t happen before technical solutions, society won’t move. M.C.E. (Mindful Chanting) enables this shift, and happiness at the soul level is the key to overcoming civilization dependence.
Structured Summary of Content 1. War and Climate Change as Problems of Civilization Science and technology have progressed, but they haven’t stopped war. → The cause is the cognitive structure itself of "the other is wrong" (a problem of the mind). As a first step, we need to notice these movements of the mind. Climate change has been warned about for 50–60 years, but no radical measures have been taken. → What blocks action are "desire," "competition," and "maximizing benefits thinking." 2. Limits of Symptomatic Treatments Strengthening levees and improving drainage are just 'targeted treatments.' Medical analogy: It’s not cured by antibiotics alone; restoring the life force (root treatment) is the essence. I think this perspective is necessary for the medical world. 3. The Root of Civilization is 'Desire of the Mind' Dependence on comfort accelerates civilization, creating a structure where economic growth can't be stopped. Ignoring Adam Smith’s "Theory of Moral Sentiments" and excluding the mind’s issues from economics have created modern distortions. 4. True Solutions Start with a 'Mind Shift' Deciding to scale down economic growth requires a mind not driven by desire = inner awakening. The problem isn’t the lack of technology but the 'mind that can't press the button.' 5. M.C.E. Shows a Reversal of Thinking Instead of stacking measures and solving problems last, by first establishing 'happiness at the soul level,' solutions become possible. A state of mind free from civilization dependence makes social behavioral change possible.
The long rainy season has been continuing for too long. This isn't just happening in Japan; there are reports that even in places like Thailand, there has been unusual rainfall leading to floods. Recently, there have also been massive floods caused by glacier collapses. From flash floods to linear rain bands, and globally, in recent years, heatwaves and large-scale wildfires have been occurring, directly impacting people's lives and causing poor harvests (leading to famine). Measures such as strengthening levees and improving drainage are being rushed. However, these are symptomatic treatments and only provide temporary effects. We don't know if they will be sufficient if climate change becomes even more severe in the future. What is needed is a fundamental solution, which is reducing economic activity. Not just production, but we also need to rethink our consumption activities. In short, it means aiming for and achieving a simpler lifestyle. The living culture that Japanese people have cultivated over the years in a resource-scarce land will be useful here. But even that is not enough. The reason is that we have already become dependent on modern civilization with its mass consumption, and living simply means cutting away the luxuries that have become normal. If you think about it normally, this is a tough task—a kind of ascetic practice. Doing this is almost impossible. However, there is one possibility: experiencing fulfillment at a deep level within the soul. If this can be achieved, dependence on material things and pleasure can be reduced. The satisfaction and joy gained from this would be immense. M.C.E. was established for that purpose.