恩 (“On”)

 Many have noted the kanji—for my name—on my dogi and obi is: 恩道礼 (“On-dou-rei”) So today, let’s briefly examine 恩 (“On”). In doing this I can also briefly explain an aspect of Japanese culture. 

I will begin writing in 日本語 (Japanese) followed by 英語 (English).

"恩"

「恩」とは、何らかの好意を受けたときに人が感じる深い感謝の気持ちで、 それにいくらか負い目のような気持ちも混っています。人は、自分をいつくし み育ててくれた親に恩を感じます。いろいろ世話になり目をかけてくれた雇い 主に恩を感じます。また、やさしく指導してくれた先生にも恩を感じるでしょ う。

日本では、恩を感じたら、何らかの形で恩人に尊敬の念とか忠誠心を示さな ければならないとされています。世話になった人々に贈り物をする習慣も、こ のような事情から生まれてきたのです。 

 

"ON"

“On” is the deep feeling of gratitude that people feel when they receive some kind of favor, and it is also mixed with a feeling of some sense of indebtedness. For example, people feel indebted to parents who cared for them and raised them well. Likewise, someone might feel grateful to their employer who takes care of them. Another example is that a student may feel indebted to a sensei who has taught them well. Here in Japan, it is believed that if you feel indebted to someone, you must show respect or loyalty to the benefactor in some way. Hence, the custom of giving gifts to 'seniors', 'teachers', etcetera (which is often very odd to non-Japanese) came from this situation.

"Ondorei" is my name in kanji (from my mentor, Asai Tetsuhiko Shuseki Shihan). It has a nice meaning in Japanese, from a direct Sensei/Deshi relationship. But it is not that simple. It is also steeped in 義理 (Giri), which means ‘Obligation’. This has especially guided my mission as an instructor, in addition to my daily self-training. To conclude, if there is interest, I will address 'Giri' in a future article.

 

恩道礼 (ONDOREI)

(c) Andre Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2024).