The Japanese phrase "mottainai" which roughly translates to mean "better not waste" can be considered synonymous with the wisdom of Japanese mothers. This phrase has inspired and given hope to environmentalists the world over, in tackling our environmental problems.
No matter how small something might seem, behind the spirit to not waste, lies the affectionate heart of a mother who fosters in others, a deep respect for life and consideration for everyone.
- Daisaku Ikeda
Japanese text:
「もったおない」――この日本の母の“知恵の代名詞”ともいうべき言葉が、環境問題を打開する道として、世界に希望を広げている。
どんなものも無駄にしないという慈しみ心――この「母の心」が、命お尊ぶ心、他者を思いやる心を育むからだ。
[MOTTAI NAI] - KONO NIHON NO HAHA NO "CHIE NO DAIMEISHI" TO MO IUBEKI KOTOBA GA, KANKYO MONDAI O DAKAI SURU MICHI TOSHITE, SEKAI NI KIBO O HITOGETEIRU.
DONNA MONO MO MUDA SHINAI TO IU ITSUKUSHIMI NO KOKORO - KONO [HAHA NO KOKORO] GA, INOCHI O TOTOBU KOKORO, TASHA O OMOIYARU KOKORO O HAGUKUMU KARA DA.
(Josei ni okuru kotoba 365 nichi, pg. 160)
No matter how small something might seem, behind the spirit to not waste, lies the affectionate heart of a mother who fosters in others, a deep respect for life and consideration for everyone.
- Daisaku Ikeda
Japanese text:
「もったおない」――この日本の母の“知恵の代名詞”ともいうべき言葉が、環境問題を打開する道として、世界に希望を広げている。
どんなものも無駄にしないという慈しみ心――この「母の心」が、命お尊ぶ心、他者を思いやる心を育むからだ。
[MOTTAI NAI] - KONO NIHON NO HAHA NO "CHIE NO DAIMEISHI" TO MO IUBEKI KOTOBA GA, KANKYO MONDAI O DAKAI SURU MICHI TOSHITE, SEKAI NI KIBO O HITOGETEIRU.
DONNA MONO MO MUDA SHINAI TO IU ITSUKUSHIMI NO KOKORO - KONO [HAHA NO KOKORO] GA, INOCHI O TOTOBU KOKORO, TASHA O OMOIYARU KOKORO O HAGUKUMU KARA DA.
(Josei ni okuru kotoba 365 nichi, pg. 160)
