Therefore, because of our limited vision, he felt that we would be unable to comprehend the natural order of the universe. He explains that this total understanding of the natural order of things is possible only through concentration and dedication. Whether a task is great or small, it should be completed to perfection. Through total focus on the task at hand, be it sweeping a kitchen or preparing a bowl of porridge for a mendicant monk, a person will gain an acute awareness of the natural order of the universe. Although Prince Shotoku and Dogen lived in very different periods of time, I have learned from each of them.
Progress is slow, and the process is time consuming.
And, as I view the corporate structure on a daily basis, the results are not always evident. But, because of the strength and depth of my conviction, I will continue. The tradition of equality and service began when our founder, Tomiro Nagase, decided to make a quality bar of soap that was affordable. This was the basis for our corporate philosophy of commitment. As the years progressed, we added the wisdom of experience, and I have more recently introduced my strong belief in the ideal of equality among our employees.