Shyojin; the Continuous Devosion in Happy Longevity

IIn Japan, there are concept of 精進Syojin, it can be translated for continues devotion or diligence, practice with beginner’s humble mind it continues until the end of life. I have been learning through all my mentor’s way of living, includes my late grandpa and parents, and tea masters.

My dearest aunt who just turned 100 years old in January 2025, her life has been the typical textbook of syojin.  She has been strict to own self while naturally offering  happiness and comfort to others, includes myself. I asked my cousin what her secret of longevity is, and he said “ she eats, talks, and sleeps well, being positive, and keeps daily routine, that’s all.” Sounds simple, and very similar to  Harvard study for the longevity strategies, but  indeed, not easy to do.

Ever since my memories starts, she is graceful, elegant, warm, charming, and her straight pasture with smile made us calm and peace. As a chief priest of Shinto shrine until her early 90th, she has been a power source and role model of countless visitors and congregations.  I am sure…, her daily life had been full commitment  and responsibility, it should not be easy, but I never saw her distress or complain.  

Here are 5 wisdoms I learned through her life

1. Live in Gratitude – “Arigatai” and Kansya”

“有難いArigatai ,  感謝Kansha-shimasu” means for grateful, gratitude or, thankful, those are words she kept saying.  Grateful to starting new day,  ancestors,  gods, daily weather either  rain day or shinny day,  daily meals, tea, bird sing, being helped, having visitors, or being  alive. My mom was the same. Once I stop complaining but thinking positive…, I felt much happier and lighter.

2.Mindful eating, slow, enjoy, and eat diversity

She has no “ 好き嫌いSukikirai “, means eat anything served with gratitude. Her daily meals,  my cousin prepares mostly,  Japanese foods with variety of vegetables, tofu, and fish, and green tea throughout day.

She elegantly chews and chews, focusing on each bite, enjoying each bite, says “ oishii” means  delicious, until empty her plate.

Needless to say,…  she has never smoke, nor big meat eater.  Only ritual alcohol, and lots of matcha and green tea.

3. Building up community, welcoming everyone, “ Genki-dene” Be well and come again.

She cares others, family, friends, community member…, and whoever around her. She expresses very straightly for having guest, offers a cup of tea and treat, and talk. Grabs something for us to take home, and say, come again.

I can see it’s inheriting to my cousin and family tree. Whenever I visits and meet her, I feels so comfortable and want to comeback. We naturally exchange power and happiness…, that is the key to longevity.

4. Be strict to own, keep independence and  accepting limitation

As 100 years old, she knows her  limitation in daily life, however, instead of complain and being negative, she applicate with what she can and help from others.  She joins local community center’s various actives. Three time a week, she enjoys  exercise, meals, bath, study-group, or just chatting with other seniors. She still making occasional Japanese style omelets and helping dishes, but now, my cousin does the most.

She keeps her independence at home and outside as much as she can. For instance, even all day long memorial family service, she steps up and down, walks and stands straight.  polity  ask some help as needs, followed by “ Arigato, arigatai.”  Even rainy,  super-hot and cold day, she was there. How much she cares about family and keep her responsibility.

5. Her elegance and graceful pasture have never changed.

As a chief priest…, she has been piling up her physical and mental strength. Her life is a text book of    “精進shojin continuous devotion. She has been reciting long shinto prayer with big voice from deep abdomen, memorizing, and concentration.  She continues daily prayer  with my cousin. Until her 70th, she climbs up  steep mountain in Nagano prefecture for  annual ritual leading congregation members. 

Her both mental and physical strength has established throughout her life.

We continue practice, slowly I have been learning, finally, the result follow instead of chasing result.

Love you all,

My mom’s one year memorial service in October , 2024, Nara, Japan.