Furuya Sensei posted this to his Daily Message on December 3, 2002.
A relationship with another person is not easy. The true connection between two people is always spiritual and therefore very tenuous. It is always based on trust, respect, love, a common point of interest or destiny. Most of us base our friendships on money or advantage, this is not good.
The samurai used to say, "Ichigo Ichie” (一期一会) or “one time, one meeting.” To them, everything was a one-shot deal. Based ichigo ichi, we should meet and treat each person as if it is the last time we will ever see them. This was very true in the days of the samurai on the battlefield. Every morning, we wake up not knowing if we will see the evening or if we will ever share the next meal with our friend.
There is nothing more precious than our relationships whether it be family or friends. Everything must be done to maintain them and preserve and nurture them - we are not on the battlefield! If we want a peaceful society of harmony and friendship, we must do everything in our power to make it such.
I see people come and go in the dojo all the time. Becoming a member of a dojo is not like shopping at a grocery store running from one to the another for the best bargain or prices. Becoming a member of the dojo is like becoming a member of a family. This is a very important concept of the dojo and we have forgotten it today. A dojo is an “old" family where everyone sticks together though thick and thin.
Why do I feel it is so important to stick together through thick and thin? Because of "Ichigo Ichie." Because we never know when we or the other will be gone.
Watch Furuya Sensei demonstrating in 1990.