2024年08月19日
Monday August 19th, 2024 (6th Reiwa)
On July 24th, I went to the city of Yokohama. It had been three years since we last visited for the wedding of our youngest daughter in October. This time, I was going to visit her family, but an unfortunate inconvenience arose unexpectedly. Instead, I took a tour of the naval port at Yokosuka Naval Base (the photo shows the KUMANO, a Mogami-class frigate).
On August 5th, I attended the "Maria Seiren concert" (organized by Min-on). The photo on the left was taken by me during the curtain call with her permission, so the blurriness of the photo is my responsibility.The heatwave with temperatures exceeding 35 degrees seems to be coming to an end after 26 consecutive days. But chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is not influenced directly by the environment. As you know well, because Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is just such a diligent practice (The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, p. 214).
2024年07月14日
Sunday July 14th, 2024 (6th Reiwa)
On July 7th, I attended the “Santrofi Japan Tour 2024” (held by Min-on). Through their music, I felt deeply that rhythm is a universal language for humanity, and that living itself is rhythm. Rhythm makes me feel alive. It is wonderful to live feeling the rhythm. I was reminded of these truths.
My mentor said the following: Mr. Ikeda described the Buddhist law--the inherent power of life, which Nichiren defined as Nam-myoho-renge-kyo--as "the fundamental power activating and moving all stars, planets, and other celestial bodies in the universe." Members of the SGI "embrace faith in this great Mystic Law and chant the most powerful and supreme rhythm of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo." (from Developing a Robust, Victorious Life: Daisaku Ikeda Addresses the January Leaders Meeting, January 9, 2010.)
My mentor said the following: Mr. Ikeda described the Buddhist law--the inherent power of life, which Nichiren defined as Nam-myoho-renge-kyo--as "the fundamental power activating and moving all stars, planets, and other celestial bodies in the universe." Members of the SGI "embrace faith in this great Mystic Law and chant the most powerful and supreme rhythm of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo." (from Developing a Robust, Victorious Life: Daisaku Ikeda Addresses the January Leaders Meeting, January 9, 2010.)
2024年06月16日
Sunday June 16th, 2024 (6th Reiwa).
On June 5th, I attended Vieira Amaral's piano concert for the 30th anniversary of his Japan tour (held by Min-on). I watched his fingers, which produced the music that fascinated me throughout the concert without blinking.
It was my first time experiencing such piano music with deep emotion. What impressed me? Perhaps something conveyed by his state of life? In any case, he certainly gave me an excellent experience.
The rainy season (stagnation of the rainy season front) is about to begin in this part of Japan. On rainy days, I do not want to go out. As the saying goes, 'Sei-kou u-doku' (enjoying quiet indoor activities on rainy days), so I can't just sit and read a book while listening to music. Although it will be summer as soon as the rainy season ends, I have not yet finished taking care of the tropical and subtropical plants that have been growing over the winter. In addition, I have started playing video games. My already busy days have become even busier recently. Anyway, I'm having fun every day, and that's what's important.
The other day, after seeing some of Apple's iOS 18 content, I felt that everyone else has such a busy life that they needed something useful like that. It's hard work, isn't it? I also thought that I didn't need it, but of course, I'm not uninterested (I have a feeling I might buy an iPad, macOS Sequoia).
An important passage from the Gosho to keep in mind is: "Although I and my disciples may encounter various difficulties, if we do not harbor doubts in our hearts, we will as a matter of course attain Buddhahood" (The Opening of the Eyes, p.238).
It was my first time experiencing such piano music with deep emotion. What impressed me? Perhaps something conveyed by his state of life? In any case, he certainly gave me an excellent experience.The rainy season (stagnation of the rainy season front) is about to begin in this part of Japan. On rainy days, I do not want to go out. As the saying goes, 'Sei-kou u-doku' (enjoying quiet indoor activities on rainy days), so I can't just sit and read a book while listening to music. Although it will be summer as soon as the rainy season ends, I have not yet finished taking care of the tropical and subtropical plants that have been growing over the winter. In addition, I have started playing video games. My already busy days have become even busier recently. Anyway, I'm having fun every day, and that's what's important.
The other day, after seeing some of Apple's iOS 18 content, I felt that everyone else has such a busy life that they needed something useful like that. It's hard work, isn't it? I also thought that I didn't need it, but of course, I'm not uninterested (I have a feeling I might buy an iPad, macOS Sequoia).
An important passage from the Gosho to keep in mind is: "Although I and my disciples may encounter various difficulties, if we do not harbor doubts in our hearts, we will as a matter of course attain Buddhahood" (The Opening of the Eyes, p.238).
