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The Shōninki - Volume Three

Emotional Metacognition: Insights from the 'Shoninki

I delved into a section of the latter part of the "Shoninki" which discusses one's own emotional states as well as those of others. It strongly resonated with the knowledge one would expect from a counselor. At the very outset, the text states, "Begin with the heart granted to you from heaven, and endeavor to understand it deeply. By meticulously reflecting on all facets and observing the hearts of others, you will discern their emotional states." I interpreted this as a call to recognize both the tangible, physical self and what one might refer to as the essential or soulful nature. In other words, the teachings seem to suggest that mere intellect or consciousness isn’t adequate for truly "reflecting on all aspects." This aligns with what is termed today as emotional metacognition. It underscores the importance of recognizing unconscious depths, suggesting that tuning into bodily sensations and practices like meditation are prerequisites.

The Shōninki ( Japanese 正 忍 記) is a medieval ninja document from Kishū province.

Written by Natori Masatake in 1681 it describes the espionage strategies of the shinobi from Kishū. Together with the Bansenshukai and Ninpiden it is one of three major extant writings of the ninja.[1] An original copy of the Shōninki is in the State Library of Tokyo.

Reference:【Shōninki - Wikipedia】 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sh%C5%8Dninki
Reference:【Shoninki】 https://web.archive.org/web/20130506124542/http://www.ninpo.org/historicalrecords/shnnkmkrk.htm   

Ge

Begin with your own heart, which was given to you from heaven, and know it well. Reflect on every aspect of it, then look at a person's heart and you shall be able to see its emotional state.
These which are inherent in one's heart are:

Happiness. Seeking happiness is the heart's original emotion.  

Reference:【shoninki ge 1】 https://web.archive.org/web/20130508125739/http://www.ninpo.org/historicalrecords/shoninkige1.htm  Related Reads:【Ways to Increase Psychological Safety: A Deep Dive into Acceptance】  

Anger. This too is an original emotion.
Sadness. It is the original emotion of all sentient beings.
Pleasure. The heart longs for anything that gives it pleasure.
Love. Love is an original emotion.
Evil. A strong evil character is an original nature.
Desire. This is an original nature deeply ingrained in one's heart.

* The terms "emotion" and "nature" are interchangeable and should be thought of as such while reading the text. Emotions arise from human nature. For example, an evil person will express anger, while a compassionate person will show love.  

Reference:【shoninki ge 2】 https://web.archive.org/web/20100206095225/http://www.ninpo.org/historicalrecords/shoninkige2.htm 

The aforementioned are the Seven Emotions. In the Buddhist Law these are Happiness, Anger, Worry, Volition, Sorrow, Fear and Sensation, which are similar [to the Seven Emotions mentioned earlier]. Furthermore, the Seven Emotions are incomplete when a person is born. That person whose Seven Emotions are complete [at birth], is a saint. 

The causes for changes [of the Seven Emotions] are numerous. For example, acquiring property, a rise in rank and status, accumulating gold and silver, or many other reasons will bring joy to a person. However, it is difficult to make a distinction among the causes for happiness.  

Reference:【shoninki ge 3】 https://web.archive.org/web/20100206095229/http://www.ninpo.org/historicalrecords/shoninkige3.htm 

For example, principle is similar to a sound heard by the ear. Even if there is an obstacle the sound will reach the ear unchanged. [However], wisdom is similar to seeing an object. If there is a sheet of paper in front of one's eyes it is impossible to see that object.  

Reference:【shoninki ge 4】 https://web.archive.org/web/20100206104217/http://www.ninpo.org/historicalrecords/shoninkige4.htm

Related Reads:【Profound Empathy and Its Cultivation: Utilizing Visceral Tactile Cognition】