“Hi bi kore kōjitsu”
Finding Beauty in Our Everyday Lives
Shared by Reni
日々是好日 which means “every day is a good day” I personally like to say “every day is a beautiful day.” One of my favorite concepts from Japanese life philosophy.
I first encountered this phrase in The Wisdom of Tea by Noriko Morishita’s book about her journey in learning about the traditional tea ceremony. The story was later adapted into a beautiful movie which came out in the year of 2018 directed by Tatsushi Ômori.
In the book, Morishita and her friend Michiko during their first tea ceremony practice come across a calligraphy scroll bearing at their sensei’s home. Later on, it becomes a recurring motif in their practice, serving as a constant reminder to find beauty and gratitude in each day.
Michiko and I kneeled in the formal posture, to which we were unaccustomed.
“Nori?” Michiko whispered.
“What?” For some reason, I lowered my voice too.
“What does that say?”
Michiko was looking at the flowing calligraphy on the scroll in the alcove and the frame above the picture rail opposite.
“… I can’t read it.”
Entering the room Aunt Takeda followed the direction of our gaze and smiled broadly.
The one in the frame says, ‘Every day is a good Day,’ ‘Nichinichi kore kojitsu’ By the end of her book her character finds her own conclusion on how to cherish each moment of her life; “Everything in here-including me-was connected, woven together like threads in a single bolt of fabric.”
Interestingly, this phrase isn’t limited to tea ceremonies. It has deep roots in Zen Buddhism and is at least 300 years old. During my conversation with Kaz. He even recalled a teisho by Rev Ito in 2012 where he interpreted it as “Every Day is a Birthday,” emphasizing the idea of new beginnings and opportunities. While I was listening to his recordings I noticed his pure excitement by saying “beautiful day.” The way he carried his voice made me feel like I’m on the right pathway of my long journey.
My sensei, Noriko Lake, helped me externalize my own version by designing and creating especially one for me. I keep my scroll within sight and I remind myself that this philosophy challenges us to change our perspective, even when we can’t change our circumstances. It’s about finding beauty in the everyday, appreciating the present moment, and while in this world I think I try to live with a grateful heart.
Hakone Zendo 