The
Japanese Mind as Reflected in their Mythology
H. Kawai |
This
study is intended to present an analysis of the unique features of
the Japanese mentality through the mythology of Japan. In the mythology
there is the most important triad, namely the Sun Goddess, the Moon
God and the Storm God. However, one of the unique features of the
Kojiki, in which the major myths of Japan are recorded, is that while
many tales of confrontation between the Sun Goddess and the Storm
God appear in its pages, no mention is made of the Moon God. Rather
than place some basic principle or powerful entity in the central
position as an overall ruling factor, the center is left inactive
and empty in order to allow a harmonious balance among the surrounding
entities to bring about a sense of organized fullfilment to the whole.
In contrast to the more common Central Power Ruled Model, I call
this the Hollow Center Balanced Model. In terms of both the internal
structure of the Japanese mentality and the mutual social relationships
which the Japanese create with each other, this Hollow Center Balanced
Model is extremly appropriate and effective. I think also that the
same Hollow Center Balance Structure acts as a strong but invisible
support to the Japanese ideology, religions, and social structure.
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