周神耀 | Phil Chou
周神耀心靈小菜園系列—114 | Pastor Phil Chou Spiritual Garden Series – 114
「侘寂」起原於宋代的道教, 後來傳到禪宗。又傳到日本。其文化受影響發展出一種特殊的美學。接納短暫不完美為美。比一般所謂的「缺陷美」更進入深層。此美感的概念是在覺悟到生命無常不完整之中, 去欣賞質樸不對稱的美。「侘」（wabi)（わび) 表現簡陋樸素優雅。「寂」（sabí)(さび)䆁出時間易逝萬物無常。
“Wabi-Sabi” originated from Taoism during the Song Dynasty and later spread to Zen Buddhism before making its way to Japan. The aesthetic philosophy influenced Japanese culture and developed into a unique artistic sensibility—embracing imperfection and transience as beauty. It goes beyond the common idea of “flawed beauty” and reaches a deeper level. This aesthetic concept is rooted in the awareness of life’s impermanence and incompleteness, appreciating the beauty of simplicity and asymmetry. Wabi (侘, わび) expresses elegant simplicity and rustic beauty. Sabi (寂, さび) conveys the passage of time and the impermanence of all things.
從奈良時代, 日本已經把這美學概念發展開來, 進到插花,陶瓷, 茶道, 建築, 繪畫, 庭園設計的領域。表現得淋漓盡致。也影響到日本人修心養性方面的文化。
Since the Nara period, Japan has incorporated this aesthetic into various art forms, including ikebana (flower arrangement), ceramics, tea ceremony, architecture, painting, and garden design. It has become a deeply ingrained cultural expression, even influencing personal spiritual refinement
當我在思想這種美的意境時, 也意識到基督信仰𥚃謙遜的美德品性。聖經的教導𥚃有沒有能和此種日本文化契合, 從而對日本的宣教有所助益？感謝上帝！有不少！
Reflecting on this aesthetic, I also recognize the virtue of humility within Christian teachings. Does the Bible offer wisdom that aligns with this Japanese cultural concept, contributing to the mission of spreading Christianity in Japan? Thank God—indeed, it does!
首先, 基督徒應當讓內住的聖靈在他裹面自由運行, 潛移默化。時間到就能結出聖靈的果子：「仁愛,喜樂, 和平, 忍耐,恩慈,良善,信實,溫柔,節制」 （加拉太 5:22）。安靜等候聖靈直到人裏面的靈聽到聖靈的微聲。另外還有經節：
First, Christians should allow the Holy Spirit to move freely within them, shaping their character over time. When the moment arrives, the believer will bear the fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22). Quietly waiting on the Holy Spirit until one hears its subtle voice is also emphasized in Scripture:
「你們即是神的選民聖潔蒙愛的人, 就要存憐憫恩慈謙虛溫柔忍耐的心」 （歌羅西 3:12）。
“As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” (Colossians 3:12)
「敬畏耶和華是智慧的訓誨, 尊榮以前必有謙卑」（箴言 15:33）。
“The fear of the Lord teaches wisdom, and humility precedes honor.” (Proverbs 15:33)
「凡事謙虛溫柔忍耐, 用愛心互相寬容, 用和平彼此聯絡, 竭力保守聖靈所賜合而為一的心」（以弗所 4:2-3）
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:2-3)
「只要以𥚃面存著長久溫柔安靜的心為妝飾」（彼得前書 3:4）。
“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment but from your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit.” (1 Peter 3:4)
「你們得救在乎歸回安息；你們得力在乎平靜安穩」（以賽亞書 30:15）。
“In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and trust shall be your strength.” (Isaiah 30:15)
我們曾討論過, 同樣是亞洲的國家為什麼韓國人接受福音比較容易而日本人接受福音比較困難？韓國的基督徒約31% 日本只有1%。除了韓國人因韓戰困苦流離無依無靠的遭遇, 使多人歸主外, 是否跟民族性及文化的差異有關。依我的了解日本的文化注重整體劃一。個人表現不被重視與鼓勵。不喜張揚炫耀。突出的釘子要打平。也許宣教方式不宜只用個人談道而是進入社區用小型懇談佈道會。教會的事工多注重安靜聆聽聖靈聲音的敬拜方式。可以學效貴格會的聚會。好像保羅說向猶太人傳福音他就做猶太人, 像化外的人傳福音就做化外的人。我們不知道。但應當試著用各種方式把福音種子撤出去。
We have often discussed why Korea has embraced Christianity more readily than Japan. Korea’s Christian population is around 31%, while Japan’s is only 1%. Besides Korea’s suffering during the Korean War, which led many to seek faith, could cultural and national characteristics be a factor? From my understanding, Japan values collective harmony over individual expression. Personal achievements are not emphasized, and standing out is discouraged—hence the proverb “The nail that sticks out gets hammered down.” Thus, perhaps the mission in Japan should not focus solely on individual evangelism but rather on community-centered gatherings, such as small discussion-based events. Churches should prioritize contemplative worship, emphasizing silent listening to the Holy Spirit, similar to Quaker meetings. Paul himself adapted his approach to different cultural contexts: “To the Jews, I became like a Jew; to those outside the law, I became like one outside the law.” We do not know for sure, but we must try different ways to sow the seeds of the Gospel.
石破茂是日本新首相。他是基督徒。這是自從1978 的太平正芳首相迄今, 未有過的比較虔誠的基督徒。我們祈願日本宣教的事工能有新的進展。願神開拓自從16世紀天主教宣教師 Francis Xavier（方濟各沙勿略）以來, 福音的種子被壓制了四百多年, 其中有不少人因信仰殉道。肯求神此時此刻讓福音種子生根, 流的血沒有白流, 終於重新在日本土地發芽開花結果!!
Recently, Shigeru Ishiba was elected Japan’s new Prime Minister. He is a Christian—the most devout prime minister Japan has had since Takeo Miki in 1978. We pray that this marks a new chapter for Christianity in Japan. May God revive the Gospel seed that has been suppressed since Francis Xavier’s Catholic missionary efforts in the 16th century, when many faithful martyrs laid down their lives. We humbly ask that the blood shed for faith was not in vain—that, at long last, the Gospel may take root, blossom, and bear fruit in Japan!