The Demon Is Inside

When things don’t go well,
seize the opportunity
to make them go well.
A chance has arrived.

It’s said that the true Japanese way of thinking
is not to rely on others,
but to rely on one’s own efforts.
At the feet of
the fearsome-looking Bishamonten
are the hungry ghosts and animals.

They’re cheering us on,
telling us not to let
the hungry ghosts and animals
that dwell within our hearts
get the better of us!

People who instill fear
or speak harshly
may actually be very valuable.

****
I use washi paper and sumi ink.
Washi paper absorbs moisture from the air when humidity is high, and releases the absorbed moisture back into the air when humidity is low—
it’s said to be a traditional Japanese air purifier.

Sumi ink is also said to purify the air.