The Ainu and the Bear (The Gift of the Cycle of Life)

Every grain of millet, and every piece of meat and fish, contains the life of another. We feed on the life of others. We are part of a cycle of fleshly and spiritual life. When we recognize this, we are able to become kinder. Towards others. Towards the land. Towards our own selves. This tale of life and spirit is drawn from the deep wisdom of the Ainu, northern Japan's indigenous people.