Logic, Aristotelian: The foundation of Western scientific thinking “…based on the law of identity (A is A), the law of contradiction (A is not non-A), and the law of the excluded middle (X cannot be A and non-A at the same time)….This logic is negated by the Order of the Universe….Without deep thinking, the statement ‘A is A’ is valid. But from the careful observation of the world and our experiences, it is obvious that there is no A in existence identical to another A. In other words, ‘A is A’ is imaginary thinking, not realistic, because A is always changing. A is no more A at the next second. Such thinking is paradoxical thinking well expressed by the teachings of Lao Tsu, Buddha, and other Oriental wise men. George Ohsawa called this paradoxical thinking ‘supreme judgment.’ In his seven stages of judgment, it can be seen as the last, or the first.” (Kaleidoscope 206)
Change: Something that occurs differently in the future than if no action is taken in the present. There are four types of change: stepped, linear, spiralic, and cyclic. “In the stepped pattern there are no changes for a time, and then there is a sudden change. In the linear pattern, some changes happen every day in a certain proportion; a graph will be closer to a straight line or curve, but not the zigzag line of a stepped change…Another path for change is the spiralic way of change. There are two aspects of spiralic change. One is centrifugal and the other is centripetal…The last pattern of change is a cyclic one. These changes are manifested in natural rhythmic cycles. Our daily activity, hunger, bowel movement, sugar metabolism, etc., are changing by daily or hourly cycles. Then there are the monthly cycles, like menstruation or ovulation.” (Kaleidoscope 246-247)
Everything Changes: A shortened version of the sixth theorem of the Unifying Principle and used in some writings for the fifth law of the seven laws of the Order of the Universe. “In this world, all is subject to change; everything changes. Only the Order of the Universe remains unchanged. It’s only natural that the finite world obeys this order of the Universe because the former arises from the latter. This order is extremely simple; yet, it explains everything in the phenomenal world that can be understood in terms of yin and yang.” (Order of the Universe 42)
Order of the Universe: Macrobiotic philosophy begins with the concept that everything emanates from the Infinite (Oneness) in an orderly progression that is knowable. This progression is the order of the universe, tracing the transformation from Universal Life (the Infinite) to individual life in seven worlds or steps in which each world creates and nourishes each subsequent one. The seven worlds are: Infinity, polarity, vibration, pre-atomic, elements, vegetal, and animal. See also Seven Laws of the Order of the Universe.
Truth: That which does not change. The only thing that doesn’t change in the finite (relative) world is the fact that everything changes, the implication being that the Infinite World is the real, true One.
Justice, absolute: The impartial law that applies to all that exists and that leads to deserved punishment for violations of the order of the universe or the just reward for following it.
Instinct-Intuition: Another name for Oneness or perfect consciousness. Instinct is a natural spontaneity or quality that leads to adaptability. Intuition is innate supreme judgment leading to an automatic inner knowing or feeling.
Nonduality: Macrobiotics is a nondual philosophy that literally means “not two.” It is opposed to dualism—the view that two substances (matter and spirit for example) are completely separate from each other. This idea negates monism—the theory that there is only one entity or principle that is the basis of reality. This Oneness produces all things through the interactions of connected yet opposing forces or tendencies.
Seven Laws of the Order of the Universe: Seven laws or principles that form the basis for all laws of physical nature. These principles do not change and thus work in both the finite and infinite worlds. They may be used to resolve all conflicts by understanding that antagonisms are also complementary. The seven laws are:
Everything Changes: A shortened version of the sixth theorem of the Unifying Principle and used in some writings for the fifth law of the seven laws of the Order of the Universe. “In this world, all is subject to change; everything changes. Only the Order of the Universe remains unchanged. It’s only natural that the finite world obeys this order of the Universe because the former arises from the latter. This order is extremely simple; yet, it explains everything in the phenomenal world that can be understood in terms of yin and yang.” (Order of the Universe 42)
Stages of Sickness: Just as there is an orderly progression of life, there is an orderly progression of sickness beginning with fatigue and pain and ending with spiritual disease characterized by arrogance and intolerance. These diseases are often interconnected.
NOTE: The remedies listed in this dictionary are provided for informational purposes only. No external or food remedy cures a disease; rather it is used to relieve symptoms and to encourage healing. Caution is required if dealing with cancer or other serious illness. In all cases, consult one of the following home remedy books for specific instructions and a qualified health care provider. (Several of these books are currently out of print but may be found in libraries or from out-of-print book suppliers.)
• Aihara, Cornellia and Herman Aihara with Carl Ferré. Natural Healing from Head to Toe. Garden City Park, NY: Avery Publishing Group, 1994.
• Muramoto, Noboru. Healing Ourselves. New York: Avon Books, 1973.
• Ohsawa, George. Practical Guide to Far Eastern Macrobiotic Medicine. Chico, CA: George Ohsawa Macrobiotic Foundation, 1976.
• Kushi, Michio and Alex Jack. Macrobiotic Path to Total Health. New York: Balantine Books, 2003.
• Kushi, Michio with Marc van Cauwenberge, MD. Macrobiotic Home Remedies. New York: Japan Publications, 1985.
In addition, many other macrobiotic books contain sections on home remedies and these may be useful as well.
