Modest Lifestyle and Your Child
Modesty is very important. It is better to keep food, clothing, and everyday
items as simple and natural as possible. An abundance of rich foods or
material goods, or an overly protective environment can make a child weak.
Children who are spoiled often cannot cope with difficulties and problems later
in life.
Many great people grew up in humble surroundings where they learned to be
moderate. Many leaders were taught from childhood to be modest. In Japan,
for example, the shogun received a very strict education. As a child, he would
accompany samurai and other adults on hunting trips. In the evening, the day.
The mood was festive, with plenty of eating and drinking. However, the future
shogun was not allowed to participate. Instead of enjoying the wild game, he
had to eat more humble fare, such as roasted brown rice and pickles.
The members of the Imperial Family received similar training. The crown prince
was not permitted to sit in a chair or on cushions if anyone in his party had to
stand. He could not eat white rice, sugar, or other refined foods. Because of
this custom, the diet of the Imperial Family, has remained simple. Even today,
members of the emperor's family eat brown rice, fresh garden vegetables,
miso soup, pickles, and sea vegetables.
After World War II, some people began to feel it was unfair that the emperor
could not enjoy meat, cheese, sugar, and other luxury items. It was even
suggested that he stop eating brown rice and, like most Japanese, begin to
eat white rice. The emperor understood their feelings but very politely told
them that he preferred to continue to eat brown rice. Someone then
suggested that brown rice did not taste as good as white rice and was more
difficult to chew. Even though he disagreed, the emperor finally compromised
by eating a mixture of partially polished rice and barley in order to please his
people. He felt it improper to eat completely polished rice, regardless of public
opinion. The diet of the Imperial Family is now more humble than that of the
average Japanese family.