Mori Shinzo

The following is from Miki Nakura:

Japanese educator and philosopher Mori Shinzo (森信三:https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/森信三) met Okada Torajiro-sensei when he was young and was so moved by the beauty of his posture and personality that he subsequently began practicing Seiza seriously and later advocated "立腰教育" which means education of erecting the lower back/hips. He advocated that, above all else, erecting the lower back (maintaining an upright posture) is a pillar of early childhood education. This has been introduced in many kindergartens in Japan.

Mori Shinzo-sensei has left behind many teachings about erecting hips/lower back (standing upright.) For example, he repeatedly emphasizes its importance, using different expressions: "Always keeping your hips straight - this is the top-secret technique that instills character in a human being," "By keeping your hips straight, humans can prevent self-division," and "Having straight hips is like storing an endless source of energy."

In fact, by straightening their bodies and keeping their hips straight, children are able to get in touch with their innate sincerity, dispel selfishness, listen to others, and express their own opinions, and grow into what is known as independent children.

"立腰教育 Ritsuyo-kyoiku" which means education by erecting hips/ lower back, an educational method advocated by philosopher and educator Shinzo Mori, promotes mental and physical growth through a "straight hips" posture. Maintaining proper posture is expected to lead to mental clarity, self-discipline, and improved concentration and stamina.

Purpose and Benefits of  Straight Hips Education
Achieving balance between mind and body: Based on the concept of "mind and body are one," we believe that standing upright leads to mental growth.

Fostering self-discipline: By standing upright, students aim to establish their own identity and develop proactive action skills.

Improved concentration and stamina: Maintaining proper posture fosters mental calm, concentration, and the ability to persevere in all endeavors.

Fostering morality: Mastering basic human posture forms the foundation of moral education.

How to Practice
Sit with your hips straight: The basic principle is to sit with your buttocks firmly planted in a chair and your back straight.
Practice in daily life: Incorporate correct posture into your daily habits and actions (greetings, cleaning, getting up from your seat, etc.).
Daily accumulation: Set aside a short time each day to practice "straighten hips" and continue to practice to increase the effectiveness.
Involvement of childcare workers and teachers: We teach with warmth, love, and empathy, helping children to naturally acquire good posture in their daily lives, so that they will feel that "it feels better to maintain good posture."

For your further information:

https://www.hoikuplus.com/post/usefulnurtureinfo/2231

https://rin-shimizu.jp/rituyou.html

http://www.seizanotomo.jp/quarterly_mag_pdf/seizano_no_tomo_vol55.pdf

Let me give an example from architecture. There is the famous five-story pagoda of Horyu-ji Temple in Nara, Japan. It is a national treasure of Japan that was built in the 7th century, and is one of the oldest surviving wooden buildings in the world. As you know, earthquakes occur frequently in Japan, and the pagoda has shook many times, but it has never collapsed. This is because the central pillar stands firmly on a solid foundation stone in accordance with the law of physical gravity, and no matter how much it sways, it returns to its original position. We humans are the same. If we always live our lives with our hips firmly erected and our stomachs full of strength, without leaning on them, our body and mind will become stable, and we will naturally develop an independent spirit. Although our minds may be shaken by various situations, we will be able to calm down. If you look at the balancing toy, you can see that it is the same thing. This is the principle of "body and mind as one" and the basis of Seiza. Okada Torajiro-sensei said the following:

The Seiza sitting posture is in accordance with natural law. The reason why a five-story pagoda does not fall is because the vertical line is solid and the physical balance is maintained. If you sit in the Seiza posture, it will not fall even if you are pushed from any direction.

Okada Sensei said something very interesting.

The Seiza sitting posture is like a carpenter's plumb-bob, and it cannot be changed for the carpenter's convenience. A slight difference makes the difference between heaven and earth.

A carpenter relies on his plumb-bob.

Jesus Christ probably got the hint of rebuilding humans from building a house.

In fact, Jesus was the son of a carpenter.

With best regards,

Miki