Confucian Scholar Preaches Love

 I used to be a hardcore online gamer, but now my wife has banned me from playing, leaving me with a huge amount of free time—so what should I do?

I ended up just borrowing books from the library at random. Somehow, I went from Ninomiya Kinjiro to a series on Japanese classics; I moved from Nakae Toju to Kumazawa Banzan, and now I’m onto Yamaga Soko. Who are they? I have no idea either. They seem to be Confucian scholars from the Edo period (17th century). Yamaga was a military strategist, apparently.

But it’s just so fascinating. I used to think Confucianism wasn't a religion, but that doesn't really matter.

The things they say are just great. I mean, I’m basically getting lectured and scolded every day, but I actually find it pleasurable.

They simply admonish evil and encourage good.

Don't be swayed by immediate gain.

Think about what benefits society.

So, what should I do?

Kumazawa Banzan was a disciple of Nakae Toju, and when asked,

"What should a samurai do?"

he answered,

"Love people."

That sounds like a phrase you’d hear in a certain religion—you know, the "LOVE" fanatics. But this is Confucianism, right?

I guess it doesn't really matter which one it is. In the end, they’re saying the same thing.

Back then, there was this optimistic idea called the "Unity of the Three Teachings"—the notion that Confucianism, Buddhism, and Shinto were ultimately one and the same. It feels a bit like that. Yeah, let's call this the "Unity of All Teachings."

Meanwhile, those Confucian scholars would get all worked up, fuming,

"Don't lump us in with the others! Only Confucianism is right!"

But that happens in other religions too. Well, I guess that’s just human nature. Whenever a learned master starts badmouthing other religions or sects, I always make a point to

"pretend I didn't hear it."

Kumazawa Banzan seemed to dislike Christianity, yet here he was, preaching love.

It’s all a bit confusing.

Anyway, reading books is fun. After all, it’s really just like listening to what people have to say. That’s right—listening to what various people have to say is fun. Especially when you get to hear stories from the kind of extraordinary figures who would feature in a "Great Books" series.

But then...

"A guy who does nothing but read books is no good."

It says that. It says it over and over again. Yeah, yeah—fair enough. Well, I’ve decided not to push myself. I’ll take things at my own pace, so the rest of you go on ahead. But...

"You’re no good if you spend all your time looking at the internet."

They say things like that, yet deep down, they actually *want* to be seen. Even those distinguished professors want to be read, don't they? In short, everyone’s just a *tsundere*.

Guided by love and mercy

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