Good morning!
We have the beautiful bright sun with the light of the New Year. The New Year days until today, the seventh of January, we call matsu-no-uchi (松の内), “within the pine (decoration),” in Japan. We put kadomatu (門松), “gate pines,” together with bamboo and plum trees. Evergreen pine symbolizes long life. Evergreen bamboo symbolizes fast growth. Plums bloom beautifully and send strong scent in the wintry wind.
We enjoy the everlasting, ever fresh and beautiful nature. When we stop our busy living, sit still and serene, we see the beautiful bountiful nature around us. If we run after money, matter, power, etc., we miss it and miss our life. When we sit down, we come back to our original home and return to our true life. Whenever we sit in zazen, we find ourselves in limitless life. So, let us enjoy the beautiful brilliant sun and surroundings embracing us.
1/7/12
