Understanding and Practicing the Meaning of "Sewa" | Kikuko Ota (Dean of the Faculty of Nursing and Medical Care)

2011.03.09

April is just around the corner. To all of you who are about to step into a new world through employment or higher education, to those of you whose hearts are filled with anticipation at your new place of learning, and to those of you who are making various plans for your student life starting in the spring semester—I hope that each and every one of you has a wonderful start.

We cannot live alone. Even if we are not conscious of it, we are supported by many people, such as family and friends. At the same time, we also value supporting others, such as encouraging and comforting our friends.

What, then, does it mean to "support" someone? Let's explore this meaning through "The Meaning of the Character 'Sewa'" in Chapter 14 of Yukichi Fukuzawa's "Gakumon no Susume" (An Encouragement of Learning).

Fukuzawa states that "sewa" (care) has two meanings. One is *hogo* (protection), and the other is *meirei* (command or instruction). He says that it is important for "sewa" to encompass both of these meanings, and that to truly provide "sewa" is to have both in good balance.

*Hogo* (protection) means watching over and guarding someone, giving them material goods, spending time for them, and ensuring they do not lose their interests or face.

*Meirei* (command/instruction) is explained as thinking on behalf of the person, directing them to do what is considered beneficial for them, advising against what is not, and offering heartfelt counsel with all one's might.

In other words, while one might think *meirei* means unilaterally telling someone what to do, that is not the case. It means putting oneself in the other person's shoes and offering advice with sincere and deep consideration.

Continuously giving money to a prodigal son is a form of "sewa" that is all *hogo* and no *meirei*. Conversely, not providing a child with adequate food and clothing is a form where *meirei* is strong and *hogo* is weak. In "sewa," there should be no imbalance between *hogo* and *meirei*; both must be perfectly aligned and equally distributed.

The crucial point is that both *hogo* and *meirei* must always be done from the other person's perspective. It means that because you care deeply for the other person, you must sometimes have the courage to say what needs to be said, even at the risk of being disliked.

These are very profound words that explain the essence of how one person provides "sewa" for another. From a nursing standpoint, they also provide a clue to understanding what nursing is.

We live our lives receiving "sewa" from others and giving "sewa" to others. It will become increasingly important in the times to come to fully grasp the meanings of *hogo* and *meirei* contained within the word "sewa," so that we ourselves can provide good "sewa," increase the number of people around us who understand it, and in turn, be able to receive good "sewa."

(Date of publication: 2011/03/09)