In these days of intense heat, a thought occurs to me: how did people of old endure this season?

As Kenko Hoshi wrote, “On the fifth day of the fifth month, one bathes in iris-scented water and hangs medicinal sachets. This is to prevent summer ailments.” This custom continues today, its deep meaning a manifestation of our ancestors’ wisdom.

Thus, refusing to be defeated by today’s heat, I too immersed myself in an iris bath. Upon emerging, both body and mind feel refreshed, as if the heat is forgotten. Surely, people of old must have felt the same.

The monk also wrote, “Around the fifth month, one plucks the beautiful snake gourd and places it upon one’s desk.” A cooling sight indeed. In today’s world, it would be akin to placing a pot of morning glories by the window. The green leaves and white flowers cool the eyes and soothe the heart.

Even our food reflects the wisdom of enduring summer. “Ice from the ice house is delivered from the first day of the sixth month,” the monk says. In modern terms, this might be the origin of shaved ice. The cold icy treats we enjoy are perhaps an expression of the thousand-year-old desire to seek coolness.

However, our modern world has conveniences surpassing those of old. With the aid of electric fans and air conditioning, enduring the heat has become easy. Yet, it is sad that these conveniences often make us forget the coolness of nature.

At times, I step into the garden for the evening cool. The sound of the wind, the chirping of insects, the light of the moon – all feel pleasant. People of old must have also found solace in such natural blessings.

The monk’s words state, “In building a house, one should plan with summer in mind.” Indeed, this is true. How one spends the hottest times greatly influences one’s life throughout the year.

Tonight too, raising the bamboo blinds to gaze at the moon, with a fan in hand and frozen grape wine to my lips, I find the utmost coolness. I feel as though the people of old must have done the same.

Though the heat is severe, if one knows the art of enduring it, summer too becomes an enjoyable season. Borrowing the wisdom of the ancients, using modern conveniences, let us quietly appreciate summer with a calm heart.

Reflections in leisure, by Koki Masato