Eastern Value

Ilmu Padi is a southeast Asian philosophy of life inspired by the lifecycle of rice. Reflecting one's maturity, self-attainment and accomplishments with the growth of the rice paddy plant. In Indonesian, it says "seperti padi, semakin berisi, semakin merunduk" which translates to "be like the rice stalk, as it is laden with ripening grains, it bows down". 

What is meant by this beautiful ancient wisdom?

If the rice stalk is still young and not yet full, it stands upright. But when it is all grown up and full of rice grains it bends its head low. A metaphor for personal growth as we mature, as we get better educated, as we get older, as we become more well-off, we should be more humble about our achievements and possessions.

In Japan a similar saying is used to teach the proper way of bowing, "The mature rice plant bends its head low". That's why Japanese bowing their head as a gesture to show respect to someone else or to express gratitude. Ojigi or 'the bow' is an essential manner for the Japanese people.

Ilmu Padi is about humility that comes with true wisdom. A reality for the rice paddy, an aspiration for man which deserves its place at the Perfectibility of Man.