Tokugawa period started in Japan in 1603. Edo, present day Tokyo, became the capital of the shogunate. It lasted until 1867 when the Meiji Restoration brought the end of feudalism in Japan. The social scene of Edo period was frozen and mobility between classes was forbidden. Iki, the aesthetic of this period, is an expression of the interaction between the urban commoners: prosperous merchants, artisans, geisha, and samurai. Iki is the elegance and refinement of the geisha. It is spontaneous, original, ephemeral, subtle, and subdued. Iki is the resignation of the weeping willow, dripping in the cold November drizzle. It is discrete, tolerant and bearable. Iki does not overshadow, intrude, or oppress. It is not vulgar, self-righteous, and assuming. Iki is the art of the middle ground and abhors extremes. It is simply being cool and kind even in rebellion.
Iki is seeking prosperity, cultivating talents, and living in moderation.
Tewahedo: Being made one
A great debate started in the Christian Church during the fifth century, concerning the nature of Christ. The Council of Chalcedon decreed in 451 AD that Christ has two natures, human and divine. Many bishops refused this doctrine and founded the Coptic Church, with a separate pope in Alexandria, Egypt. Tewahedo is the Coptic Church of Ethiopia and Abyssinia. The name comes from ancient Ge’ez language and it means “being made one.”
The Universe is made one by quantum entities that show a dual nature as both particles and waves. Humanity is made one by all the people in their dual role as both contributors and beneficiaries.
The Internet
In 1989 Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web, and developed the first web server and web browser. Building on concepts that originated in the early 60’s, the Internet was born, and the world took to it like a duck to water. This new technology put people in touch, eliminated borders and barriers, and brought a new hope of freedom and equality. The Internet is backing away from the early promises. Freedoms are being curtailed. Equality is just political rhetoric. Geisha is demystified. The voice of extreme is louder than the voice of reason.
