Tsukimi and the rabbit in the moon: sacrifice has its limits

As September begins, Japan quietly shifts into a season of reflection. The air grows cooler, the cicadas fade, and the moon begins to take center stage. This is the time of Tsukimi, the traditional Japanese moon-viewing festival that honors the beauty of the autumn moon and invites us to pause, appreciate, and reconnect.

Tsukimi isn’t just about admiring the moon. It’s about slowing down. People gather with loved ones, enjoy seasonal foods like tsukimi dango. sweet rice dumplings, and reflect on the changing season. It’s a moment to acknowledge impermanence, beauty, and gratitude.

And there’s a story behind the moon too.

In Japanese folklore, many people say they see a rabbit in the moon, not a man, as in Western tales. The story goes that a deity came down to Earth disguised as a beggar and asked three animals for food: a monkey, a fox, and a rabbit. The monkey gathered fruit, the fox caught fish, but the rabbit, having nothing to offer, jumped into the fire to sacrifice itself.

Moved by the rabbit’s extraordinary selflessness, the deity didn’t let the act go unnoticed. Instead, it honored the rabbit by placing its image in the moon: a quiet, eternal symbol of compassion, generosity, and the willingness to give without expecting anything in return.

It’s a powerful story, but also a reminder that sacrifice has its limits. In our work, relationships, and daily lives, we often give a lot of ourselves. But unlike the rabbit, we don’t need to burn out to prove our worth.

Mindfulness means knowing when to give, and when to rest. It means showing up with care, but also preserving our energy for the long journey ahead.

So this Monday, as September begins, take a moment to look up. Whether you light a candle, make a simple meal, or just sit quietly for five minutes, let it be your own version of Tsukimi. A way to welcome the new month with intention, and maybe spot a rabbit in the moon, reminding you to be kind to others, and to yourself.