The activities of people and the peace of the world are created by human effort. They do not happen automatically.
As the Jomon people would say, things like "if you do nothing, you will be given" are just fantasies.
- - It is a transformed form of the desire for power.
- The Jomon period was not a world of divine harmony, but rather a world where human desires to exclude gods and act selfishly were directly realized.
- In a sense, it is a world of beautiful power dynamics.
- The Jomon period was a society where a large number of people were equal to an absolute strong person.
- It was a "fiction" devised by the rulers to alleviate the harsh and difficult hunting life, a fiction that "things are given even without doing anything," which is completely the opposite of reality.
- People who were the ruling class at that time often reminisce about the life where "things were given even without doing anything."
- The reality where "everyone can live without doing anything" will never come.
- It is a society with social pressure to believe in the fiction that "things are already given even without doing anything," imposed by the rulers.
- A charismatic leader leads, creates a group of obedient people who "give," and makes them serve the rulers.
- It is a distorted form of the "law of attraction," where others are implicitly exploited with their consent.
- In a sense, everyone played a certain role in that society (which is the same as today).
- Things that were possible in the past, when the population was small and isolated communities had little contact, are now impossible due to the increased population.
- The hunting life that was possible when the population was small and nature was abundant is now impossible.
- The current hunting life is a structure where some people exploit the majority of ordinary people, treating them as slaves.
- Although the Jomon period is often described as peaceful, in reality, the origin of power-based domination was in the Jomon period.
- The Jomon period was the prototype of a society of nobles and slaves.
- It was an era without cleverness, where power-based domination was straightforward.
- There is an intention to revive that straightforward power-based domination with clever logic.
In spirituality and cults, people are often misled into believing that things will happen without any effort, and this inaction is justified. However, in reality, nothing changes unless someone takes action, and the world is heading towards destruction. Action is necessary.
This is the opposite of the irresponsible claims of some spiritual leaders who say, "We will have a society without leaders, a free society," or "You don't have to do anything." Some spiritual leaders mock the world, try to lead people, and undermine those who are trying to make a difference by spreading their ideas, suppressing the actions of others, and trying to elevate their own position. It may be difficult for those who are trying to change reality to accept the belief that "we will eventually achieve a desired life without doing anything."
Recently, the idea of "Jomon" has become popular, suggesting that everything will be provided by nature. However, this is only possible when there is more nature than people, or when the population is very small and nature is relatively abundant. Sometimes, those who advocate for Jomon are unconsciously affirming population reduction (even if they deny it verbally or in their minds). When people dream of and seek a society where "nature is abundant and there are few people, and everything is provided without doing anything," that world will not exist unless the population decreases, because the Earth's resources and land are finite. However, some in the spiritual community ignore this fact and dream of a reality where nature provides everything, even as the population increases. Yet, they preach the importance of life and avoid getting their hands dirty. This is why the world is not changing, because people are relying on imagination instead of facing reality, and they are making empty promises.
It is possible that someone who truly believes in the teachings of Jomon might seize land (such as Okinawa or the South) and try to realize that ideal. Imagine what would happen to the people who originally lived there. In this way, when everyone proposes something that is impossible and creates a fantasy, and someone tries to make it a reality, it foreshadows conflict. A paradise where only a few people can live will be monopolized. Wouldn't it be better to create a world where everyone can live happily in their own way? This is not about living as you please, as in the Jomon way, but is something created by wisdom.
Substantive change is needed to change this world.
The world that this world should be heading towards is not a society where "individuals live freely," as some spiritual people promote the Jomon lifestyle, but a society where order and hierarchy exist beautifully.
When spirituality talks about Jomon or freedom, it sometimes leads people in the wrong direction. Even in Jomon, there is no freedom. First of all, it absolutely depends on external factors such as climate and nature, and therefore, freedom is lost. To live in a Jomon way, there must be a lot of nature, a warm climate, and a small population. However, this is obviously impossible. The population continues to increase, and nature decreases. The number of places with a warm climate is also limited. It is obvious that people in Okinawa or the South cannot live the same way in other regions, yet some people who live in warm places say that everyone else can do the same. In a Jomon way, living without any difficulties is impossible, so the romance of seeking the impossible is what connects to such claims. Claiming something that is impossible seems like a kind of deception. Instead, it is truly necessary to show people the reality and create a better world by establishing order and hierarchy.
Also, there is a misunderstanding that there are no leaders in Jomon society, but it is more accurate to say that there was a leader who no one could oppose. The idea of "no second-in-command" is discussed in Machiavelli, and it seems that Jomon was a society where there was only a "number one" and everyone else was equal, which was almost equal under the "number one." The difference between Jomon and the later Yayoi period, when the absolute power of the "number one" emerged, is the scope of that power. While the Yayoi period had a larger territory, the basic structure was the same. In Jomon, there was no "number two," while in the Yayoi period, there were many "number twos," which led to conflict. Those who spread the lie that there were no leaders in Jomon are often those who "only see what they want to see."
During the Jomon period, there were leaders, and during the Yayoi period, there were also leaders. Therefore, the reason for conflicts after the Yayoi period is that there were forces that sought to establish order (where 1 controls 2-5) and forces that sought to dominate others through desire (where 5 controls 1-4). These two forces were in a state of equilibrium.
If the hierarchy of order is from top (1) to bottom (2-5), then it can be said to be a correct form of governance. On the other hand, if the bottom (5) dominates the top (1-4), it can be said to be an incorrect form of governance. It can also be said that this is the dominance of good over evil, and such an incorrect order needs to be corrected.
Therefore, conflicts arise when those in power become corrupt and seek to restore order. This can also be considered a righteous struggle.
However, there are people who use this kind of excuse or justification to dominate others. In reality, almost everyone is at a similar level on Earth, so it is not appropriate for countries or organizations to use this as an excuse to dominate others. While it is true that Japanese people may have slightly higher vibrations, other countries are unlikely to accept this, so it is better to assume that everyone is at the same level on Earth. Therefore, forces that try to legitimize their dominance with this kind of excuse often have a deceptive element. However, there are always people who are true leaders. They are not cunning or those who use grand narratives, but rather, they understand the true hierarchy.
In the past, there have been many cases where those at the bottom (5) pressured those at the top (1) and forced them to relinquish power. However, this spread the incorrect order (5) and should not have been done. This is a point of reflection. There were times when it was mistakenly said that power was justice. And we can see the suffering of the weak leaders (1) at that time.
Things are actually quite simple. It is best if those in power (1) who understand the principles govern. If those who understand the principles govern, then even those who do not understand (5) will be somewhat satisfied. Those who do not understand the principles will resort to force, so it is necessary to have the power to repel them. However, fundamentally, it is best if those who understand the principles govern the country.
If this can be achieved, there is no need for democracy. However, in the current situation, democracy is considered a good system because it is within the range where the basic principles are being upheld.
While the lineage of a dictator may continue to hold power, a democracy, which can propose a better order, is arguably superior in the long run. The first dictator may be excellent, but there is no guarantee that subsequent members of the lineage will be. Democracy allows for the selection of more capable people from the general population. While democracy is not perfect, it allows people to choose their future through elections, which increases the likelihood of selecting more capable people in various ways. This is a matter of choice, and there is no need to think of the structure of this world with fixed ideas. What matters is whether it is governed by morality and ethics. Whether it is a benevolent dictatorship or a democratic government, both can be good.
In a democracy, there is a risk of electing eloquent or cunning people. To prevent the abuse of power, it is important to adhere to the basic principle of "fulfilling the promises and policies declared in the manifestos" and not doing other things at will. The current political system places importance on "words," but fundamentally, it is a democratic political system that trusts "people." It is necessary to shift this towards a system that places more emphasis on "words."
As the Bible says, "In the beginning was the Word," and in politics, the "first word" is the policy and manifesto declared during the election. It is necessary to be faithful to this word. Words have great meaning and power.
Therefore, as a basic framework, a structure of governance is necessary, with those who understand morality at the top. And the "first word" should be considered the "first light," and we must be faithful to that first word.
If the world is like this, it will become peaceful, and conflicts will disappear.
The essence of the Jomon period was "harmony," not a hierarchical structure.
However, there are people who emphasize only the "freedom to live" that the Jomon period advocated, and who want to "live freely by simply receiving what is given, like in the Jomon period." Indeed, in the Jomon period, it was possible in a warm climate with a small human population and a close relationship with nature. However, it is clear that this is not possible in the modern world.
Jomon Points:
A. The state of being. This is a point to learn (but varies from person to person).
B. Living by receiving what is given by nature. This is limited in modern times. Pursuing this leads to a society of nobles and slaves, and justifies the struggle for good land and the enslavement of others. Therefore, even though it is something that is impossible in modern times, many spiritual people emphasize this as an important point.
I think that when we talk about Jomon, there are combinations of arguments regarding the above two points:
- Only A
- Only B
- Both A and B
It seems that the argument of only A is not common. However, I think that only the argument of A is what can be learned from Jomon. It seems impossible for everyone to realize B in the modern era.
It is obvious that living only on what is given by nature is impossible in the modern era. Therefore, if we revive Jomon as B, it would mean that there are nobles who are given everything without doing anything, and a large number of slaves who support them. In fact, a certain cult that claims that everything is given has ridiculed ordinary people as "people of the lower realm" and "(energetic) slaves," and boasts of being "royals." This cult has a tendency to have a flashy and rigid appearance regarding the "state of being" like A, but it is not Jomon-like, and it is only extracting the B part of Jomon. I think that the structure of nobles and slaves is the ultimate destination of B-like Jomon in the modern era. If the idea is that only selected people can live while being supported by other slaves, then no matter how much you dream of it, everyone will not be happy. Because, if you are only given things, where are the people who will give them? Instead of giving and supporting each other, if you are only receiving without doing anything, the idea of Jomon, which says that you are given everything without doing anything, is actually a society of nobles and slaves, but people are only looking at the convenient aspects without paying attention to that structure, or they are simply boasting about their position by ridiculing others. What a boring people they are. There are people who say nice things while ignoring the structure.
Even plants need care, even though some can grow on their own. Who will take care of them? Moreover, land is necessary. If you grow food without leaving it unattended, it is obvious that everyone will not be able to secure that vast land. If you leave it unattended like Jomon, the yield will be lower than in modern times, so a vast amount of land is needed to secure the yield. The argument of B is flawed, but people are only seeing what they want to see. Only the A part is possible. It is not B-like freedom, but a certain amount of management is necessary to effectively use the limited land to grow crops. However, people who argue for B ignore that. In some cases, they think that "slaves will do it," and they say to the slaves, "You can do it too." There is a separation there.
If no one notices this structure, and someone desires a life where they are given everything without doing anything, and that is tolerated by those around them, then a society with nobles and slaves will be realized and sustained, just like the ruling class in the Jomon era. It will be a reproduction of a noble life supported by the labor of many ordinary people. Although the ruling class in Jomon was not as flashy or noble as the nobles in modern times, the structure of the ruling class is reproduced in the form of nobles in modern times. Many ordinary people are unaware of this, and they naively think that they too can become like that, and they agree with such policies. Once a consensus is reached among the people, the society structure of nobles and slaves will be fixed. Then, ordinary people will have to work as the ones who give, and they will know that the "society where you can live without working" that they were promised will never come, and they will despair at the reality in front of them. Only a few people can live without doing anything, and many people will feel betrayed, but at the same time, they will gradually discover an absolute wall that has been created, and they will realize that they have done something irreversible. However, eventually, they will give up and despair, and at the same time, the despair of the common people will be glossed over and ignored, and eventually, they will no longer question the situation with the hierarchical structure of nobles and slaves. If people easily agree to such sweet stories, this will happen. Therefore, it is important not to agree to such easy and sweet stories.
Once, as with the timeline of the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere, when people deceive others into slavery while simultaneously justifying it as a positive thing, God will not allow that society to continue. At that time, the world will either be destroyed or the timeline will be reset, repeating the tragedy of a discarded timeline. God will not allow such a deceptive society to exist. If He did, the problem would spread, leaving a legacy of resentment for future generations. Therefore, it is necessary to reset the world and start over. God has made this judgment many times before. When slavery is fixed as a hierarchy in a society, that society will not be allowed to continue.
In the Jomon period, it can be argued that everyone believed they were free, but in reality, they were enslaved, and their way of life was almost completely fixed, meaning there was no freedom. However, for some reason, those who talk about the Jomon period often talk about freedom. While there was no freedom in individual lives, there was a "freedom" in the sense of "being," but even that was limited by the Jomon people's way of life. This is the essence of the Jomon period being "A." In such a situation, there is no need to create a hierarchy of nobles and slaves, yet, for some reason, those who talk about the Jomon period often talk about "living with what is given" rather than the true "being," either explicitly or implicitly. If you do not notice this structure, when you talk about the Jomon period, it may refer to an absolute hierarchical society. It may simply be that they are wrapping it in the term "Jomon."
Think about it. If people were hunting during the Jomon period, it means they were doing something similar to what modern hunters do. That would certainly be hard work. Without modern firearms, it would be quite difficult to hunt with a bow. If you look at the Ainu people of the Meiji period, it is certain that they were highly trained hunters. However, when people talk about the Jomon period, they say "nothing is given," and many spiritually inclined people naively believe it. It should have been a difficult situation where they could not eat anything if they did not catch anything while hunting, and there would have been years of good harvests and years of bad harvests. However, for some reason, a certain number of people believe in the fiction that "in the Jomon period, nature gave everything without doing anything."
In reality, the person who first said such things was often a leader living in the Jomon period, who did not go hunting themselves, but lived as the "village chief," literally "doing nothing." Such a person would certainly miss the "Jomon period where they could live without doing anything." Of course, this was supported by a large number of ordinary people, who supported the village chief's life of doing nothing. It is sometimes nice to hear such nostalgic stories, but not everyone can live that way.
This is similar to the relationship between nobles and slaves in modern times. There are a certain number of people who are trying to revive such a hierarchical structure, using the term "Jomon" as a euphemism. The person may or may not be aware of this structure, and sometimes they may simply be stupid and have no ill intentions, but the general public or slaves support the situation where they can do nothing. It seems that it started with a situation where they began to say such things in order to revive themselves as a king or village chief. As the claim of the Jomon period spread, the situation became unclear. Ultimately, it is clear that it was a structure of "village chief and other general people," which is no different from the modern structure of "ruling class and ordinary people." The difference is simply that the scale was smaller and the power was smaller compared to the Yayoi period and later, but the structure itself was not much different between the Jomon and Yayoi periods. In the Jomon period, the relationship was close due to the small scale, and feelings and a sense of family existed, but after the Yayoi period, the relationship became distant as the scale increased. Therefore, the structure of the Jomon period can be said to be a prototype of the "noble and slave" structure that would come later, and at the same time, it could also be a prototype of a "familial nation." In either case, there was a hierarchy, and it was not an "equal society" as claimed by people who talk about the Jomon period. The "equality" in the Jomon period is only "equality among the common people," and there was a hierarchical structure. People who talk about the Jomon period are unconcerned with the structure and say that everyone is equal, but in reality, there was a hierarchy. On the other hand, while there are indeed Jomon aspects that hint at a familial society, the structure is hierarchical, and there is a ruling class.
The structure of a village is affirmed when the village chief possesses ethics, wisdom, and morality. However, if the chief maintains power through force, it creates a system of domination that leads to disharmony. Both of these existed in the Jomon period. The former represents a correct form of governance, while the latter, a form of domination, creates nobles and slaves. Unless a structure based on the three Gn principles, guided by individuals with common sense and reason, is established, the hierarchy will inevitably devolve into a system of nobles and slaves, regardless of how much people talk about Jomon. This is a crucial point to consider.
What some people call "equality" in the Jomon period refers to the equality of commoners, and there are instances where the goal is a society where the ruling class can live comfortably without doing anything.
As for the Jomon period, long before it became a spiritual topic, I, or perhaps someone else, possessed a primal memory of that era, which I occasionally recall. Let's explore that.
From my perspective, the people of the Jomon period were very greedy. While women were generally considered kind, they were also greedy. Men were often rough, using violence and pressure to obtain possessions and women. It seemed that almost 99% of the people were not interested in ethics or philosophy, but only in what was necessary for their daily lives. Women were attracted to "fighting men" and felt resentment or contempt towards "men who did not fight." Therefore, men exerted direct power, while women indirectly benefited by instigating conflict between men, and women, in a sense, were also affirming power. This doesn't necessarily mean it was bad, but the Jomon period was an era of domination by power. Both men and women were greedy during that time.
It seems that this greediness of the Jomon period still exists in 5% to 10% of people today. Furthermore, the basic nature of this era is not that different from the Jomon period, and it doesn't seem particularly different from how spiritual people talk about the Jomon period.
Long ago, it seems that the gods sent incarnations (male) to enlighten the people even in the primitive Jomon era. However, in the simple society of the Jomon period, spiritual discussions were not understood. Men were overwhelmed by the pressure, and even when spiritual matters were discussed, they dismissed them as "useless for daily life." Women, initially interested in these incarnations, eventually turned against them when strong men appeared, threatening the incarnations and trying to take the women. The women then sided with the strong men. This was the kind of society the Jomon period was.
Perhaps because of this, the gods abandoned the world of the Jomon period. They thought, "It is useless to talk about ethics in a primitive and greedy world where power is everything," and waited for a more civilized era. Or rather, since the gods can transcend time and space, they didn't wait, but moved on to a later era. In this way, the Jomon period was a time when the gods abandoned humanity, a time when beast-like humans ruled.
There may have been other entities claiming to be gods, but at least I didn't know any. Of course, a universal god that exists beyond time and space is always present, and angels can transcend time, so they were likely present at that time as well. However, the gods did not actively intervene in the Jomon period (and the Stone Age).
This was the understanding and involvement of the gods in relation to the Jomon period.
Therefore, for a considerable period of the Jomon period, there was no contact with the gods. This means that longing for the world of the Jomon period may be a desire to live freely and according to one's desires, without interference from the gods, and a longing for a time when that was possible.
"Ah, in the Jomon period, there were no gods telling us what to do, and we were free to live as we pleased. I want to go back to that era."
When I see people praising the Jomon period, it sometimes sounds as if they are saying just that.
It can be said that there is a conflict between gods and humans, and that the desire of humans to live as they please is longing for a "free society" called "Jomon." When something is described as "spiritual," it may give the impression that there is always a divine intention, but here, when we talk about "Jomon," it is more about human intention, which is desire.
The Jomon period, rather than being a peaceful world, was a time when human desires were openly expressed. The people of that era, like animals, had their desires fulfilled directly. Just as bears are wild, strong, majestic, and beautiful, the people of the Jomon period were also wild, strong, and beautiful in their pursuit of desires. I often see a resemblance between bears and the Jomon people. Of course, the Jomon people were more human because they could speak, but there is something in common between them and bears in terms of their wildness, strength, and the beauty of being true to their desires.
Therefore, even though the degree may be different, the fundamental nature of human desires may not have been that different from the present day. In modern society, education exists, and there is some understanding of culture, but some uneducated people are greedy and only interested in things that are visible and close by. Just like the Jomon people, there are people who are wild, vulgar, materialistic, and driven by desires. Perhaps some people in modern society should learn from the Jomon period, as they are more cunning and dirty, and in terms of being true to their desires. The basic nature of men and women, who prefer strength, has not changed from the Jomon period to the present day. So, what is the "society we should aim for"? When I compare it to reality, I am surprised to see that there are many people who praise the Jomon period.
Recently, phrases like "reviving the Jomon period" and "the peaceful Jomon era" have appeared in spiritual contexts, and I wondered what to make of it. It is quite different from reality. If the word "Jomon" is used as a marketing tool by people who do not know the reality, and simply attracts people, there is not much harm in it. However, it is quite confusing when it is spoken as if it was actually like that.
If the Jomon period was a system of domination by force, then the Jomon period means a system in which a small number of people benefit by exploiting the majority of the people, who are forced to conform to the idea of "equality among commoners."
In other words, it is as if someone is saying, "I will live without doing anything in the Jomon period, so you commoners should support my life." This claim is often heard from people around the "village chief" and his entourage. The wives of the powerful village chief, or those around him, lived a comfortable life without doing anything, and it seems that some people want to recreate that easy time and position. When people use the Jomon period to look down on others and assert their superiority, they are often in the position of the general public, looking down on others who support their privileged class. I sometimes see such an image. When people talk about the Jomon period, it often includes a desire for a privileged class. There are times when the desire for domination can be seen in the thinking of those who talk about the Jomon period.
It can also be said to be a distorted form of the "law of attraction." When people desire a life where they do not have to work, they attract the things and people necessary to achieve that. And, there are people who actually provide and work to support that kind of life. In that case, the people who are attracted are those who are blind and not yet awakened. They are, in a sense, being manipulated, like hypnosis. And so, there is a pattern in which people who are willing to serve appear, and a small number of people enjoy it.
It may seem like a happy life, but it is the life of nobles and slaves.
However, the people who are serving, the slaves, often have no soul and are simply moving like machines. Slaves are like that.
What I want to ask is, "Is that really a happy life for you, the noble?" Are you trying to cover up your desire for domination with a facade of nobility or royalty? Perhaps people with a strong desire for domination are happy with that.
As people grow, they often use the well-being and happiness of those around them as a criterion for their own happiness. If the people around you are only slaves, obedient, and have no inconveniences, is that really a happy life?
If that is what you consider to be happiness, then you are simply hiding your desire to conquer and dominate behind the facade of nobility or royalty.
If we are aiming for a society without domination, we must make these deceptive feelings and desires clear and correct them.
However, these words often do not reach many people, and people tend to be true to their desires. Therefore, even if I say these things, some Jomon enthusiasts will think, "What are you talking about?" and will not pay attention to it, and some will even take a mocking attitude towards those who point it out. For example, some people may laugh and look down on those who criticize the gap between rich and poor, or they may try to assert their superiority by looking down on others. They are so busy finding someone to look down on that they may not notice this structure, or they may turn a blind eye. Some people who are happy to say, "We can live a life where we don't have to do anything like the Jomon period," may simply be seeing what they want to see and hearing what they want to hear. They may laugh at those who point it out, and say, "That's not relevant," or arrogantly say, "Only those with a certain level of intelligence can understand my ideas," and distance themselves. They do not change their own ideas, and they do not listen to the opinions of others. While they talk about "freedom" in words, in reality, they deprive others of their freedom and enjoy their own freedom, and when they are told something, they use the phrase "freedom for all people" to deceive others and protect their position as beneficiaries, and they look down on others to maintain that position. They are incomprehensible. In addition to their inherent nature of blindly believing that their own ideas are completely correct, that blind faith is amplified and exaggerated by the excuse of "Jomon." In such an arrogant state, they will suppress and ignore anything that might challenge their desires, and when they occasionally find a position where they can "continue to receive," they will never let go of it. They try to maintain a friendly demeanor with the people around them, trying to maintain a position of "receiving rather than giving," like a young lady or a noble. And, the general commoners support them, but they do not question the structure of "givers and receivers." If they cannot get what they want, they become unhappy, ignore it, and when they do get it, they enjoy a brief moment of happiness. If this cycle of desire and striving to fulfill it is the ultimate destination for those who believe in "Jomon," is it really an ideal society? Is it really that different from the current society? Perhaps it is even worse than the current society, because they are less intelligent.
Once someone establishes themselves as a beneficiary, they are unlikely to relinquish that position. They will perpetually place others in the role of servants and strive to maintain a state of "being given everything without doing anything," much like the Jomon people, according to their perception. This is the underlying desire and perspective on others that lies within the minds of those who smugly use the term "Jomon" to assert their dominance. It's not a particularly pleasant notion. The seemingly innocent phrase "a free society where people receive everything without doing anything, like the Jomon people" often masks these underlying sentiments. While these intentions are rarely stated directly, they are frequently veiled in euphemisms. I occasionally sense such intentions.
However, it seems that 80% of people simply believe in the Jomon period without deeper understanding, while the remaining 20% may either harbor ulterior motives or are simply unaware of the reality. Therefore, pointing out these issues might only provoke resentment from the naive 80%, making it a futile endeavor. Nevertheless, it's necessary to address this because the term "Jomon" often carries these connotations, and someone needs to speak out.
Furthermore, the term "Jomon" is often associated with peace.
Indeed, Jomon society was primarily a village-based society that did not establish large-scale power structures. Therefore, it might appear peaceful at first glance, lacking any apparent form of domination. However, as mentioned earlier, the people of Jomon were greedy, strong, and, to put it mildly, possessed the avarice of the most ruthless individuals of the Showa era, amplified tenfold. They sought to obtain what they desired through force, intimidating and pressuring others, sometimes resorting to violence to achieve their goals and establish a clear hierarchy. Thus, power dynamics existed within the village society, and men with power could acquire women and form relationships.
This society, built by such greedy individuals, evolved into the Yayoi and modern societies. Therefore, while large-scale wars were absent due to the small population, the Jomon village society was not a peaceful era in the sense that the ruling class perceived it to be. The common people were not as satisfied as they are today, they had to work, and the reality was that it was the origin of power-based domination.
The image of subordinates willingly serving their superiors seems to be a constant throughout history. Therefore, if this was the origin of power-based domination, it is not so different from the modern world. The only difference is the absence of large-scale wars, but the underlying reality remains largely unchanged.
Therefore, if we consider the origin of power-based domination, it existed in the Jomon period, which is far from the "peaceful and conflict-free era" that spiritual individuals often romanticize. While spiritual interpretations of the Jomon period often portray a society disconnected from modern realities, the truth is that the seeds of conflict in modern society were sown in the Jomon period.
Wars are not solely the result of politicians' and capitalists' schemes; they often arise from the accumulation of resentment among the people, which eventually overwhelms the government's ability to suppress it. Even if someone instigates a war, the underlying cause is usually the unresolved emotions and resentments of individuals. Therefore, in this sense, the existence of conflict and strife among people in the Jomon period suggests that the seeds of war were already present. This is an undeniable fact. Ignoring this and naively claiming that the "Jomon period was a peaceful era without conflict" is a distortion of reality, a form of self-defense, and a way for individuals to project their own idealized image onto the past. Some people may use the term "Jomon" to mask the reality of power-based domination, creating a false sense of comfort and security.
Therefore, the term "Jomon" often leads to confusing and misleading discussions. While the phrase may resonate with those who share similar fantasies and self-defensive mechanisms, it often lacks a genuine understanding of the underlying reality.
However, despite this, it is important to acknowledge that, in the Jomon period, people were not directly enslaved in the same way as in other historical periods. They generally took care of their own needs and were assertive towards others. Therefore, while it is true that there were no slaves in the Jomon period, it was certainly not an era where people could live without doing anything. While the general population was not enslaved, they were not given anything for free, and everyone had their own roles to play. The village leader held a position of authority and provided guidance.
Simply put, it can be said that the structure was divided by "roles," although the way of thinking is different. What about this is the "Jomon" society where things are given even if you don't do anything? Isn't it simply that everyone in the village is sharing the work of heavy labor? Even for water, it's hard to go get it, and there must have been times when it rained, and times when it was dry. Since everyone was having a hard time, it might be said that the villagers needed to believe in the fiction that "things are given even if you don't do anything." Rather, it seems that that is the truth. Because it was very difficult, the people of the Jomon period needed to believe in the fiction that "things will be given even if you don't do anything."
It seems that the village chief could live without doing anything when the harvest was good. The village chief was entrusted with the survival of the group, and it seems that some consideration was necessary. Therefore, it can also be said that the Jomon period was a relatively difficult time. On the other hand, when talking about the Jomon period in modern times, it seems to focus only on the parts that are desirable, without paying attention to the difficult parts.
Leaders and rulers have always used rhetoric to soothe the dissatisfaction of the common people or to divert their attention. In this case of the Jomon period, the hypothesis that such words were used to make people accept the heavy labor and to divert their attention is quite plausible.
Sometimes, I hear stories like, "The Jomon period was warm, so the forests were rich." However, in reality, that was not such a major issue. Rather, it seems that the increase in population and the decrease in distribution were more important.
Also, when the Jomon period or some ideology is talked about, there are often souls who have actually experienced life in such a society, and they are often talking about their experiences, telling the good aspects. However, that is something that was possible in that environment, and most of it is not possible in modern times. Nevertheless, it is said as if it is possible in modern times, which is irresponsible. Sometimes, it is said with confidence, in a way that looks down on others. There are many causes for this, but often, it is because they are unable to adapt to modern society, and they look down on others to satisfy their self-esteem. There is no point in dealing with such people seriously; they will simply be tossed around for the benefit of someone else. They dream of a certain society, but that society will never come. Because, at least in this life, it is impossible for "everyone" to be in a society with as much nature and as few people as the Jomon period. It is of course possible for some people to be in such a situation, and if it is for one's own sake, then it is fine. However, the listener dreams of "a society where many people can live that kind of life," while the speaker irresponsibly says, "it is only for those who want to," creating a gap in understanding. Many people think that only they should be comfortable. The end result of that is a society of nobles and slaves. Is there a beautiful future in that?
Isn't it happier to have a society where everyone works appropriately, and many people are in the middle class, rather than a society of nobles and slaves where "everything is given even if you don't work"? The spiritual idea of "Jomon where everything is given" is an expression that uses a euphemism, as if it were a harmonious integration with nature, but in reality, it is just a changed expression of the "early retirement" desire represented by "Rich Dad Poor Dad." Just as there are many people who participate in seminars to earn money, only to have the high seminar fees disappear and nothing changes, there are people who dream of not working in the Jomon period and participate in expensive seminars, listen to what the spiritual instructor says, and feel good, but in the end, their usual lives remain the same, and they end up wandering between dreams and reality. The Jomon period and spiritual instructors who talk about such unattainable dreams are safe because they are on the side that exploits, but the many fans who support them will never have an easy life. Such a society where dreams are told and only a few people prosper creates a distorted situation.
Under the command of "things are given even if you don't do anything," those who agree and participate will be placed in a situation where they are given a mountain of labor, and they will be forced by those around them to "accept that labor with joy and cheerfulness," and if they don't, they will be ostracized or treated as "inferior citizens." On the other hand, a noble class will emerge where some people enjoy the benefits and are literally "given everything even if they don't do anything," and they will use various arguments and unspoken pressure to keep such people as "eternal laborers." It is similar to the situation where modern NPOs and NGOs, or environmental activists, are actually just being "exploited" while claiming to be doing something good. Objectively, they are just working, but they dream of a life where "only things are given," and eventually they will be disillusioned. The people who were involved in environmental activities or NPOs/NGOs will eventually come to their senses and leave, just as we see it here in the "Jomon" period.
In every era, there are those who stir things up, those who profit, and those who are deceived. Some enthusiastically participate, dreaming for a while, only to become disillusioned and leave. That, I think, is the fate of "Jomon."
Instead, wouldn't a normal society where everyone does their part and contributes appropriately be healthier? In such a society, things are not simply given, but everyone fulfills their role, finds meaning in their work, and lives a fulfilling life.
Many "spiritual" teachings about "making things easy" are often just expressions of a desire for something for nothing. True spirituality lies beyond that. Engaging with people who talk about such desires and dreams only leads to exploitation, wasting time and money. There are many cults and spiritual leaders who use good-sounding slogans and offer expensive seminars. While they may enjoy a good life supported by the seminar fees, most participants do not experience the same. Such instructors are either malicious, knowing what they are doing, or simply foolish. It would be foolish to believe in the glamorous dreams they promise.
Furthermore, as mentioned earlier, we must also be wary of those who use a grand narrative to control and dominate.
Some may be convinced that "Jomon" is a family-like environment. However, if the underlying structure implicitly assumes a hierarchy of nobles and slaves, we must be wary of those who manipulate others with such clever justifications to profit. If someone truly has morals and acts accordingly, their words and actions will align. However, if they only talk about good things but lack action, it means they simply want slaves, so we must avoid being deceived. In reality, it's not always that obvious, and as the saying goes, "The road to hell is paved with good intentions." Therefore, discerning such people requires considerable life experience.
Based on these considerations, if a society truly allows everyone to choose their own path and form a hierarchy, peace will come to the world. This is a rather mundane idea, requiring intelligence and wisdom.
However, in many cases, people are drawn to promises of quick riches and easy living, failing to realize that many of today's "spiritual" teachings are simply repackaged information products or scams.
There is also a true form of spirituality. However, nowadays, there are many seminars that claim to offer the "real thing" but only provide a superficial introduction at a high price, which some students gratefully attend. They mistakenly believe that they are getting "true teachings" through these expensive seminars, when true higher teachings cannot be obtained with money.
Ultimately, the essence of spirituality lies in fulfilling one's role, and that role is work. Therefore, the most important thing is to work hard, but many "spiritual" teachings do not say that.
If you are seeking an easy spirituality that promises a life of leisure without work, you will end up wasting money on expensive seminars and achieving nothing, or you may end up on the side of exploiting others by running your own seminars. While some scams may result in refunds or complaints, spiritual seminars often have a structure where some people claim to feel something, even if it's a misunderstanding, which convinces others. That's why they are less likely to receive complaints. This structure, where people profit from spiritual seminars, irresponsibly change or manipulate others, and those who take it seriously are deceived, is becoming increasingly common.
While there are genuine spiritual teachings mixed in, most of the time, true spirituality is innate, and it's not very common for people to awaken after birth. This is because spiritual growth seems to take generations.
However, many people are lured by "spiritual" seminars that promise freedom from work and dramatic growth, only to end up supporting a certain cult organization without achieving much growth. And if they don't have money, they are abandoned by the cult. This is a heartless situation, a classic example of "the end of the rope is the end of the relationship" in cults. It's a spiritual trap.
It's not about those spiritual traps, but if there are people who work healthily, have roles, and live in a society that is structured hierarchically, then people will be able to live with confidence. That hierarchy must be based on morality and must be something that people can understand and accept.
So, what kind of person can you trust? You have to see if their words and actions match. You will encounter situations where people say the right things but their actions don't align, which is a spiritual trap. It takes life experience to see if someone's words and actions match. In many cases, people are deceived by spiritual things. And as a result, a certain number of people become averse to spirituality.
If most people only think of spirituality as an easy way to make money, then peace will never come to this world. In that case, it might be better to forget about spirituality. It's easier to let go of dogmas.
On the other hand, it's better to work hard in a normal job than to dabble in spirituality.
It's a simple story, but when society is stratified based on morality, peace will come to this world.
To achieve this, the first thing that is needed is for each individual to be moral. And when politicians become even more moral, the world will be led in a good direction. It may seem like a fantasy now, but reforms are needed to aim for that ideal.
In reality, there is a branched timeline where the Earth has already been destroyed, and people temporarily evacuated in a spaceship and returned to Earth, trying to rebuild in small communities. There, a village society like Jomon has emerged, and if nature returns, it will be rich, and with support from aliens, people seem to be living a life that is quite what they want. So, if you want, you might be reborn in that timeline. However, in that world, people are quite stubborn, and the situation is reproduced in Japan, where there are stubborn and unintelligent people in rural areas who are difficult to communicate with. It might be a troublesome situation. Even so, those who seek Jomon might go there, but the situation with a small number of people is like a rural area in Japan, and if the people there are good, that's fine, but there are also strange people, and living in a small community with those people is like living in an inescapable rural area, so I don't really recommend it. There are also people who are mistaken about spirituality, who believe in distorted teachings of Jomon, or who believe in the fiction of New Age and spirituality, and have a sense of being chosen, which is quite a troublesome situation. If seeking Jomon leads to a timeline of destruction and rebirth, I don't think it's a happy situation.
It would be better to improve the world properly in the current timeline and choose a life with diversity. That is more recommended than living a homogeneous life in a Jomon society. But that is something each individual must choose, so I have no right to say anything about it.