More Than Just a Purpose

The True Essence of Ikigai: More Than Just a Purpose
Beyond the Diagrams: Discovering the Deep Meaning of Ikigai in Japanese Culture

One frequently discussed aspect of Japanese culture is the concept of ‘Ikigai’. However, a cursory internet search often yields simplistic diagrams urging you to 'find your purpose.' These representations can be misleading and fail to capture the true essence of what Ikigai means in Japanese society.

So, what is Ikigai actually?

To truly understand Ikigai, we need to break it down into its components. The first part, 'Iki', comes from the verb 生き, meaning ‘to live’. The second part is ‘Kai’, which, when combined, changes to ‘Gai’, forming ‘Ikigai’.

While many articles translate Ikigai as ‘life purpose’, I find ‘value’ or ‘worth’ more accurate. The term ‘purpose’ can imply a singular, lifelong quest, often accompanied by undue pressure.

In Western contexts, Ikigai is often portrayed as a singular goal you search for throughout your life. In contrast, the Japanese perspective is more fluid. The word can imply multiple sources of Ikigai, reflecting various aspects of one’s life simultaneously. It’s not necessarily something you seek out; rather, it’s something that naturally occurs, enhancing your life and bringing joy.

Ikigai is a subtle but powerful social contract in Japanese society, intertwined with the relationships between sempai (seniors) and kohai (juniors) and the deep respect for masters of particular crafts. It often involves unspoken understandings and shared values that contribute to individual fulfilment and social harmony.

Interestingly, while work is highly valued in Japanese culture, Ikigai is rarely associated with professional endeavours. Instead, it’s typically linked to deeply personal aspects of life, those things that motivate you to get up in the morning. This distinction is often overlooked in the simplified diagrams commonly found online.

Ikigai can be used in two ways in Japanese: it can refer to a specific person, object, or activity that brings you joy, or it can describe a state of being. When Japanese people say ‘I feel Ikigai’, they mean they feel their life is worth living, they feel a sense of belonging, and they are motivated to live.

Ultimately, Ikigai is the little spark that gets you going each day. It’s not just a purpose but a multitude of values and joys that make life worthwhile. By understanding this deeper meaning, we can appreciate the richness of Ikigai and how it contributes to a fulfilling life. All Ikigai is, is this little spark in the morning that gets you going.