Kokoro (Inner Balance)

The Matter of Kokoro in Japan (Inner Balance)

Kokoro is often translated into our language as “heart,” but more accurately as a unity of “heart–mind–spirit.” In Japanese culture, however, it is a much deeper and more integrated concept. It represents a person’s inner self—encompassing not only feelings, but also thoughts and character.

To be a good person, it suggests: “It is not enough to think correctly; you must also feel rightly and be sincere.” It teaches us to create harmony between what comes from within and what we express outwardly. In essence, Kokoro can be seen as the balance between a “feeling mind” and a “thinking heart,” and as a symbol of becoming a truly good human being.