Goshi¹

THE FIVE FOUNDATIONS

The Xingliziyi² states that the life of human beings and objects derives from the chi of in and the chi of yō and that originally in and yō were created from the single chi of the universe. In and yō were generated and became the Five Elements. The duo of in and yō combined with the Five Elements revolved, flowing while merging and splitting, unevenness occurred and moved away from purity; in some parts it was clear, in others, muddy, thick and also thin. Although human beings and things derive from the same source, human beings have acquired a proper composition of chi while things have an unbalanced configuration. Human beings have chi flowing through them while things have blockages in their chi. Human beings correspond to heaven and earth, for the head is round and is situated aloft, representing heaven, while the feet are at the bottom and represent the earth. Polaris is the centre of heaven and exists in the north, as the hyakue point ³ exists at the top of the head, facing the rear while the sun and the moon⁴ come and go in the south of the sky, meaning that the eyes of humans are fixed to front. Seas are where all salt water returns and collects in the lower part, [likewise the urine of human beings moves down the front]. All of these are positioned in order to attain a correctness of chi. Human beings have a proper composition of chi, while things do not; for example, the heads of animals are located at one end and the heads of plants face downwards while branches and leaves move upwards. This is all because the chi of things is skewed. For human beings, chi flows all throughout and is bright. In things, chi is obstructed and stuck. Human beings have acquired what is excellent from the Five Elements; this makes them the highest spirits of creation.⁵ For objects, chi is stuck and obstructed and without flow, like a depression sinks below a surface; because of this, righteousness passes them by.

The I Ching states that the Supreme Ultimate (taikyoku) generates two primary forces. The Zhou yi kouyi (oral traditions on the I Ching) state that the Supreme Ultimate is the origin from which heaven and earth were generated. The Supreme Ultimate is where original chi was found in chaos. This can also be known as the Great Origin (taisho) and the Great One (taiitsu). Laozi says that the Way produced the One, which is the Supreme Ultimate.

To utilize the Supreme Ultimate, know that there are five separate elements and that these concepts mixed together create ‘the mind’ and that the mind is penetrated by these five. Therefore, the mind is overflowing with the following five.

This means that originally one mind was divided into five. The ‘five’ means:

1the Way

2virtue

3benevolence

4righteousness

5courtesy

If a person understands them thoroughly, then even if they are illiterate then how can they be called ignorant? For this reason I have opened this book with a section on goshi.

Dō

THE WAY

As a human being, it is never the case that the Way is not present. The righteous Way for a human is:

•jin – benevolence

•gi – righteousness

•rei – courtesy

•chi – wisdom

•shin – fidelity

The Way is so extensive that it covers everything within the world, be it movement, breathing, speech, the written word, in and out, eating and drinking, the beginning and end – this includes all aspects. Wisdom and fidelity exist in everything, from the greater scheme of the world to insignificant aspects of personal situations, such as the four classes: samurai, peasants, craftsman and merchants. Make this a realization.

Toku

VIRTUE

If you seek for something in accordance with the Way, it will be obtained without fail. This is the virtue of the Way. To try to catch fish by climbing a tree or to attempt to catch a bird by going through water is found in the ignorance of people. ‘Being in ignorance’ means to be without correct reason, which will result in no accomplishment. ‘No accomplishment’ means that a wish to receive a fief will not be fulfilled. In all, heaven will not reward personal desire.

Virtue is that which enables all things to be achieved, be they colossal or trivial. Whether it is lord and retainer, father and son, insects, grasses and trees, from yourself to the collective universe, if a thing has a virtue, anything that is wished for can be fulfilled. If virtue meets the Way it is said to be ‘straight’. For virtue to meet the Way you have to be honest within your nature. Do not wish for your own gain, this is heaven’s will – so it is spoken.

Jin

BENEVOLENCE

You should develop and master benevolence, starting with the affection and compassion you have for those you associate with. The essence of benevolence is thus:

As with heaven there is nothing it cannot cover, as with the sea there is nothing it cannot envelop, and as with raindrops there is nothing it cannot soak through. Therefore, do not use people without affection or compassion. The world contains benevolence, no single person shall not receive it and nothing will enjoy its existence without it. Benevolence is also the way to fulfil virtue. It is said that, once acquired, the Great Brightness illuminates everywhere, it extends to all without prejudice. Even a despicable man can be a benevolent father. This is jinshin – mind of benevolence.

Gi

RIGHTEOUSNESS

Righteousness is the way people express goodness. Based on this, know that the good should be praised and the bad punished. With a mindset of righteousness achievement can be attained. Righteousness is where ri (reason and truth) exists and every decision should be made from the wellspring of such reason and truth. The good should be praised and the bad should be punished – this is exactly what righteousness is and what reason and truth are constructed of. Attaining achievement is known to be found in conducting righteousness. Righteousness forces people to have a sense of shame and without this mental attitude the ways of benevolence and virtue cannot be followed.

Rei

COURTESY

People should always practise propriety. Work hard from early morning up until late at night and know that courtesy is the foundation of human morality.

From morning to night, never lose sight of yourself but be mindful in everything you do. At all times keep this mindset in terms of your speaking, observation and listening. The goal is not to become angry or fall into dishonesty but practise courtesy spontaneously. With no intention to deceive, you will be accepted into the Way of heaven and can thus demonstrate virtue, benevolence and righteousness.

The above is called goshi – the foundation of all things.⁶

1The Koga transcription states genshi .

2 A Chinese text compiled by Chen Chun (1483–1544).

3Chinese medical point (GV 20).

4 The sun and moon here are known to be the Chinese medical point jitsugetsu (GB 24).

5i.e. the highest level of that which has been created.

6In the Koga transcription the term genshi is written, but we have used goshi for consistency.