The Shikon no Tama

No. It did not take me long to come up with a name...rather, to find a name suitable for this blog.

I found it to be more suitable than any.

Shikon no Tama, translates to The Jewel of Four Souls. It is a concept that exists in the InuYasha universe:

also known as the Sacred Jewel or Shikon Jewel, is a powerful marble-sized jewel which grants whoever possesses it with immense power. Shikon, is formed from the Japanese words, 'shi' meaning four, and 'kon' meaning soul. 四 (in Chinese writing system (ancestoral to Japanese)) means four (shi). 魂 (in Chinese writing system (as well as Japanese)) means soul (kon). 玉 (in Chinese and Japanese) Jade or royal stone (tama). Making the Shikon no Tama.

[taken from Inuyasha Wiki: http://inuyasha.wikia.com/wiki/Shikon_no_Tama]

There are four essential characterisitcs to the Jewel of Four Souls. They are the four souls that are described in the shinto philosophy:

Aramitama (荒魂, Courage), Nigimitama (和魂, Friendship), Kushimitama (奇魂, Wisdom) and Sakimitama (幸魂, Love). When a person contains these for spirits at their maximum, they unite to form a really strong and powerful balance within the soul that can be used for either good or evil.

Some may find it strange to reference anime for philosophic meanderings. But, an anime is just as rich with meaning as a Hollywood or indie movie. The only difference is the cast from one is created visually on paper; the cast from the other are people.

~~~~~~~~~~

Aramitama (荒魂, Courage)
Nigimitama (和魂, Friendship)
Kushimitama (奇魂, Wisdom)
Sakimitama (幸魂, Love)

These four characteristics beautifully sums up the quality of my journey. There will be some things posted that you may find disturbing; some that will make you laugh or cry tears of joy [or sorrow].

If any of us were to take a close look at any one's story, I think there would be room for laughter, tears, and sorrow.

Life...

But as Marcus Aurelius once said: "The Universe is change, and Life a mere opinion."