KATSUMA
Copyright © 2002 James Deacon
Katsuma
means: 'Action', and refers to the law of cause and effect.
The
concept of katsuma encapsulates the understanding that
every thought, word, action, or experience (i.e. reaction / response
to situation, circumstance or events,) no matter how seemingly
small or insignificant, will have consequences - be they beneficial
or otherwise.
Our
present circumstances - state of health, relationships, mindset,
achievements, etc - are all essentially the result of past thoughts,
words, actions & experiences; and our future circumstances
will be influenced by current thoughts, words, actions & experiences.
Katsuma
speaks to us of the power latent within action - of the power
and importance of thought, word & action - & also encourages
us to be mindful of the probable outcomes resulting from our actions.
In Te-Ate practices, the primarily focus on katsuma is
in an aetiological sense: inquiry into the origin/causation of
im-balance, dis-order & dis-ease (be it physical, emotional,
interpersonal, spiritual, environmental, etc).
By perceiving clearly how dis-harmonious states arise, not only
can we initiate remedial action in order to restore the desired
state of dynamic balance (be it in our selves, our relationships
or our environment), but we can - more importantly - begin to
take personal responsibility for reducing the likelihood of dis-harmonious
states arising in the first place.