New Year Dharma Talk for 2025

2025.01.02.

"Connections" – A Fresh Start

Happy New Year to you all.
The Chinese zodiac for this year is represented by the kanji "巳" (mi), which resembles the shape of a fetus and symbolizes "a fresh start" or "new birth." The snake, the animal associated with this zodiac sign, sheds its skin, symbolizing "rebirth" or "renewal."

It is fascinating how everything appears fresh when we enter a new year. There is a saying, "Nichinichi Aratanari" (Every day is new), which teaches us to live each day as if we are being "born anew," even if life seems repetitive. This phrase originates from the ancient Chinese classic The Great Learning and has been frequently quoted in Zen practice throughout history.

Our lives are sustained by "en" (connections or karmic ties). These connections may be visible or invisible, but they are diverse and intricate. They sustain us and allow us to experience the cycle of being "born anew" every day. This is why I chose the word "縁" (en) to write on the calligraphy for this year's zodiac theme.

Approximately 2,500 years ago, after meditating under the Bodhi tree, the Buddha attained enlightenment. The essence of this awakening is expressed as "engi" (dependent origination), which means that all things arise from connections. Everything that happens in this world has a cause, a connection, and then a result. The Buddha expressed his insight by declaring that "all existence is sacred and shines with inherent light."

Let us cherish the people and events we encounter each day. Perhaps the connections we form are born from our own actions. Reflecting on this, I strive to live with awareness and discipline. Through the accumulation of good connections, I hope we can transform our society and world into something even better.

I sincerely wish this year will be a wonderful one for everyone. May you be blessed with good health and happiness.

Mt. Ichibata Temple Head Priest (Ichibata Yakushi Chief Abbot)
Daiko Iizuka
Gassho (With palms together in reverence)

——
[Calligraphy]
Inscription: Daiko Iizuka (Chief Abbot)
Illustration: Gasshin Iizuka