The ancient Onmyoji, Japan's esoteric cosmologists and spiritual guides, offer timeless wisdom that can transform our modern understanding of economics and social infrastructure. Their practices were deeply rooted in maintaining balance—both within individuals and within the community—emphasizing the interconnectedness of emotional well-being, social harmony, and environmental health. I’ve enjoyed diving into Onmyoji after watching a Netflix series (depicted above - no spoilers here) - elements of which can be seen in a lot of Japanese Manga and Anime (See Spirited Away). I think it is worth stepping into this philosophy in looking at issues of spiritual contracts, inequality, emotional & economic disparity, and ecological degradation.
Note: I acknowledge the complexity of Onmyoji and Onmyodo philosophy and practices and approach this topic with deep respect for its cultural and historical context. It is important to recognize that the Onmyoji tradition is diverse and multifaceted, and while this journal entry simplifies complex issues, it aims to highlight the potential benefits of holistic principles.
The Onmyoji Tradition: A Brief Overview
According to “Divinatory Practices and Knowledge in Early Modern Japan: Redefining Onmyōdō from the Inside” Onmyoji were practitioners of Onmyodo, an ancient Japanese philosophy that blended elements of cosmology, divination, and spiritual guidance (based on the Chinese philosophies of yin and yang and wuxing (five elements)). Central to their practice was the belief that balance and harmony were crucial for the well-being of individuals and the community. They viewed promises and commitments not just as social obligations but as spiritual contracts that, when unfulfilled, could disrupt the cosmic order and bring about misfortune and discord. In other words, breaking trust or social bonds was seen in a similar way to how ecologists look at depleted soils and deforestation - as the end of life itself.
Emotional Balance and Economic Equity
In the Onmyoji tradition, emotional and economic balances are seen as intertwined. Emotional connections and the fulfillment of commitments were essential to maintaining social harmony. Today, this translates into the understanding that economic disparities and emotional distress are deeply connected; inequality breeds social unrest, which in turn undermines social, economic and environmental stability.
By recognizing this interdependence, we can approach resource coordination and economic policies with a mindset that values emotional and social health as much as financial or environmental metrics. Fair resource distribution practices, and community-based economic models like Commitment Pooling are ways to foster this balance, ensuring that economic systems do not merely serve the few but support the well-being of all.
The Cost of Imbalance
The Onmyoji believed that failing to honor commitments and allowing imbalances to persist led to both personal and communal suffering. This insight is particularly relevant today, as economic inequality and environmental degradation are major sources of global distress. When resources are concentrated in the hands of a few, and economic systems prioritize profit over people, it leads to widespread inequality and emotional strain.
Moreover, these imbalances contribute to environmental degradation. Exploitative economic practices rip apart our social fabric, deplete natural resources and harm ecosystems, reflecting a broader disharmony between humanity and nature. The Onmyoji - like Grassroots Economists - understood that humans are part of the natural world, and our well-being is deeply connected to the health of our environment.
Holistic Solutions for a Sustainable Future
Drawing on Onmyoji wisdom, we can develop holistic solutions that address the root causes of imbalance. This involves recognizing that economic policies should not only aim for growth but also for fairness, sustainability, and emotional well-being. Key approaches include:
Community Involvement and Shared Responsibility: Encouraging collective action and community-based decision-making can help ensure that resources are distributed fairly and that economic benefits are shared. This mirrors the Onmyoji emphasis on communal rituals and shared responsibility for maintaining balance.
Integrating Emotional and Social Health: Policies and practices that consider emotional well-being—such as workplace wellness programs, mental health support, and social safety nets—can help create a more harmonious and productive society.
Sustainable Economic Practices: Emphasizing sustainable and ethical practices in business and resource management can help protect the environment and ensure that economic activities do not deplete the natural resources on which we all depend.
Rituals and Symbolic Acts: Incorporating symbolic acts and public acknowledgments of commitments and successes can strengthen social bonds and reinforce the importance of maintaining balance. This can be as simple as community celebrations, public recognition of ethical businesses, or rituals that mark significant economic achievements.
Embracing Onmyoji Wisdom for Today’s Economics and Environment
In the spirit of the ancient Onmyoji, achieving emotional balance and equitable resource coordination is essential for restoring and building robust social infrastructures. The Onmyoji understood that emotional connections are intrinsically linked to economic balance; one cannot exist without the other. Recognizing imbalances in emotion, inequality, and economics as interconnected sources of human and environmental suffering, the Onmyoji would address these issues holistically. They knew that human well-being and the health of our natural world are intertwined, and that harmony in one fosters harmony in the other, reflecting our deep connection as nature itself.
By embracing the wisdom of the ancestors, we can work towards a future where the health of our social infrastructure is as crucial as the health of the soil. Centering our efforts in bringing humanity into harmony is not just a moral imperative but a prerequisite for the continuation of life on this planet.