Omoiyari

Here I am back with my weekly zine, “Rediscover Yourself”. Today, I want to share a concept with you called “Omoiyari”. I stumbled upon this gem while doing research for my book, “Unmasked Leadership”.

Omoiyari (思いやり) is often translated as empathy, but it actually has a much broader meaning. In fact, there is no equivalent word in English for Omoiyari, so let's break it down. The term consists of two parts: “omoi” (思い), which means thought or concern for others, and “yari”, derived from “yaru” (やる), which means to give or send something to others. So, Omoiyari literally means “to send your altruistic feelings to others.”

The concept of "Omoiyari" is deeply embedded in Japanese culture and philosophy, reflecting a nuanced understanding of empathy, compassion, and social harmony that has evolved over centuries. Unlike the Western notion of empathy, which primarily focuses on the capacity to understand and share the feelings of another, Omoiyari extends beyond this to encompass anticipatory consideration and a proactive approach to the needs and feelings of others.

For example:

- When you go shopping and have multiple bags, store staff might offer you a larger bag to make your life easier or carry the bags for your to your car.

- Sometimes Omoiyari involves doing nothing or keeping silent—like speaking quietly in public places or putting phones on silent mode on trains so as not to disturb fellow passengers.

- Omoiyari isn't just about superiors helping those beneath them; it's voluntary help for anyone in need.

So next time you encounter an opportunity for Omoiyari, remember: it's not just about feeling—it's about thoughtful action that makes the world a little kinder and more considerate. ??

As the fundamental principles underlying Omoiyari, such as empathy, compassion, and consideration for others, are universal and can be found in various cultures and philosophical teachings around the world, including Indian teachings and the Vedas.

In Indian philosophy, particularly within the teachings of the Vedas and later philosophical texts, there are concepts that echo the essence of Omoiyari:

1. Ahimsa: Often translated as 'non-violence,' ahimsa is a key virtue in Indian philosophy, particularly in Jainism, Buddhism, and Hinduism. It goes beyond physical non-violence and encompasses thoughts and words, encouraging individuals to act with kindness and consideration towards all living beings. This aligns with the idea of being mindful of others' feelings and well-being, a core aspect of Omoiyari.
2. Karuna: In Buddhism, which has influenced Indian spiritual practices, 'karuna' is the concept of compassion, an empathetic sharing of others' suffering with a desire to alleviate it. This is similar to the proactive empathy and compassion that Omoiyari represents.
3. Seva: Seva, or selfless service, is a significant concept in Sikhism and Hinduism. It emphasizes serving others without expectation of reward, reflecting the selflessness aspect of Omoiyari. Through seva, individuals act with care and consideration for the benefit of others, aligning with the anticipatory and proactive nature of Omoiyari.
4. Dharma: In the broader sense, dharma represents duty, righteousness, and the moral order. Part of one's dharma is to act in ways that uphold social harmony and the welfare of others, resonating with the idea of considering the impact of one's actions on others, as emphasized in Omoiyari.

Today you learnt about Omoiyari and related concepts from Indian culture. So, next week, watch this space for some practical ways in which Omoiyari can be implemented and have an everlasting impact on your relationships at work, home, and within your community!