Beautiful people

I'm lucky that my travels far and work wide have brought me in contact with some wonderful people, even if they are only transitory experiences. Last Thursday, one of those beautiful people, Tomoji Kawano, sadly died of stomach cancer. I met him at Rally Australia, which he wanted to contest to fulfil a dream. He was an incredibly happy, humble, peaceful and philosophical person. Someone that many people I know could learn from. I know I did. He is survived by three small children and a wife. He was 44 years old.

Part of the following poem was on his rally car, written by the Japanese poet, Kenji Miyazawa.

Ame ni mo makezu
Be not defeated by the rain, Nor let the wind prove your better.
Succumb not to the snows of winter. Nor be bested by the heat of summer.

Be strong in body. Unfettered by desire. Not enticed to anger. Cultivate a quiet joy.
Count yourself last in everything. Put others before you.
Watch well and listen closely. Hold the learned lessons dear.

A thatch-roof house, in a meadow, nestled in a pine grove's shade.

A handful of rice, some miso, and a few vegetables to suffice for the day.

If, to the East, a child lies sick: Go forth and nurse him to health.
If, to the West, an old lady stands exhausted: Go forth, and relieve her of burden.
If, to the South, a man lies dying: Go forth with words of courage to dispel his fear.
If, to the North, an argument or fight ensues:
Go forth and beg them stop such a waste of effort and of spirit.

In times of drought, shed tears of sympathy.
In summers cold, walk in concern and empathy.

Stand aloof of the unknowing masses:
Better dismissed as useless than flattered as a "Great Man".

This is my goal, the person I strive to become.