This site has limited support for your browser. We recommend switching to Edge, Chrome, Safari, or Firefox.

Premium Japanese Tea from Kyoto to your home.

Shopping Cart

Your cart is empty

Continue Shopping

What is 五省 (Gosei) which translates to "Five Reflections"?

五省 (Gosei), which translates to "Five Reflections," is an ancient Japanese practice originating from the Imperial Japanese Naval Academy.

It serves as framework for self-reflection, encouraging individuals to evaluate their actions, intentions, and attitudes regularly.

The Five Reflections (五省):
誠意 (Seii):

Did I act with sincerity and integrity?
This asks us to reflect on whether we were honest, genuine, and aligned with our core values in our interactions.

言行 (Genkō):
  • Were my words and actions consistent?
  • This encourages us to consider whether our behaviors matched our spoken commitments.
気力 (Kiriki):
  • Did I maintain strong willpower and determination?
  • A reflection on perseverance and staying resolute even in challenging situations.
努力 (Doryoku):
  • Did I strive to improve myself?
  • This prompts us to evaluate whether we actively worked towards personal or professional growth.
不精 (Fusei):
  • Did I honor the spirit of frugality and diligence?
  • A reminder to practice humility, avoid wastefulness, and remain diligent in our efforts.
Why is 五省 Important?
Originally intended to instill discipline and character in naval cadets, the principles of 五省 transcend their historical context. 

Today, this practice is used as a tool for self-improvement and mindfulness, urging us to:
Look beyond our achievements and reflect on the quality of our actions.
Align our actions with our values.
Identify areas for growth in our personal and professional lives.

Practical Application:
You can use 五省 as a daily or yearly practice by asking yourself these questions and journaling your responses. It’s a simple yet profound way to ensure continuous self-awareness and growth.

Let's take time to reflect and admire the beauty around us.

Source: https://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/mocs/mocs/tradition/gosei/index.html

Comments (0)

Leave a comment