人と花、海と星 -記録だけになった昨今-

　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).  

　We went to the “Exhibition of Stories of Food and Life” on Sunday, April 28th (held by Soka Gakkai). It was a small event but had excellent content. My grandchildren had a lot of fun, and so did I.
　My daughter's family and I visited the Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Garden on Wednesday, May 1st. No wonder the place was very crowded during Golden Week. (I like rhinoceros.)
　I went to the 70th Anniversary Concert by Arima Thoru and Noche Cubana with a guest appearance by Linda Yamamoto (held by MIN-ON) on Tuesday, May 14th. They are around 70 but still young. So am I. Music makes us feel ten years younger.

　I went to a Concert, "Sarah Àlainn Quartet MAY there be Harmony" (held by MIN-ON) on Sunday, May 19th. I couldn't believe my eyes for a moment at that instant. She was just“Maetel (In THE GALAXY EXPRESS 999)” herself, really! Therefore, I was revived by their live music. It is just the power of music.

　Thus, during this period, I am busy every year. I was unhappy from the viewpoint of common sense, but there arose a great feeling of satisfaction and fulfillment at the same wonderful.
　"Arouse deep faith, and diligently polish your mirror day and night. How should you polish it? Only by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo." (On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime)  

　On April 5th, I attended the comedy show held by Min-on, titled "Asakusa Comedy Big March" (link to the Japanese site). Whenever there is laughter, there is happiness. The laughter put me in a relaxed state.
　The maximum temperature was 25°C on March 31st, which is typical for summer temperatures in Japan. In fact, winter is over at that time and then spring has just arrived. Today's maximum tenparature was 24.0℃ in this connection.
Speaking of spring, I remember the following passage: “Those who believe in the Lotus Sutra are as if in winter, but winter always turns to spring” (To the lay nun Myōichi, 1275).
　Cherry blossoms are famous in Japan during spring. Speaking of cherry blossoms, I remember "The principle of cherry, plum, peach and damson (link for annotation)", which is one of the most popular passages among Japanese members. May spring bring hope to people all over the world.

　After a long time, I went to Central Japan International Airport (Centrair) on April 10th to see my daughter's family off. I wondered if it was such a small airport.