Thoughts on Publication Launch

Napoleon, having pursued the infinite beyond himself, ultimately experienced—even in his victory—the sorrow of disillusionment, and in the end spent his despondent final days in exile on the island of St. Helena. The seeds of an inner life can only germinate once one has become aware of the limits of pursuing the infinite beyond oneself.

“Today’s youth are only ever looking outside; they don’t know how to look within” is something I have heard before from the older and more experienced of those among us. Twentieth century thought is governed by materialism, and it is little surprise that we, who were raised in a feverish capitalist society with material desire as its driving force, were not blessed with much of an inner life.

The current global upheaval is a great tragedy caused by the materialism of the 20th century, and it may be said that it is a terrible punishment for a human society that has come to lust insatiably for an abundant, materialistic lifestyle.

Since the outbreak of war, we have not only seen but experienced firsthand the collapse of a way of life that valorizes materialism. Regrettably, however, the prolonged passive life we’ve led at the Center may have led to a certain disregard for the valuable lessons contained in the trials of the past; and given the current rapid changes in world thought I’m afraid we all might be tending towards indifference.

The publication of a literary arts journal will surely be meaningful in bringing the vitality of literary sentiment into the barren life we lead at the Center, promoting unity of thought, artistic passion, and devotion to creativity. It also provides an opportunity to reflect on and find purpose in our own lives, as it will foster the educational and personal development of the contributors as intellectuals.

Just because we are in an environment like this doesn’t mean we need to become despondent or lose the freedom of mind to seek truth and beauty. We must rid ourselves of this state of apparent death, cultivate a strong spirit for a new age, fully rejuvenate our spirits, and ultimately seek knowledge of all kinds.

In this sense, I sincerely hope that the hidden literary artists among us will cooperate wholeheartedly in the development of this newly realized Heart Mountain Bungei. We also sincerely hope that the general public will support the next edition.