Limited-Edition Spring Goshuin “Mishō”

2025.04.01.

Limited-Edition Spring Goshuin “Mishō”

This special goshuin (temple seal) is available only during the Hana Matsuri period in early April. It bears the character for “微笑” (Mishō), which means “a gentle smile.”

In Buddhism, “Mishō” is read in a unique way (rather than its usual pronunciation “bisho”). It comes from a famous Zen story called “Nenge Mishō” (The Flower and the Subtle Smile).

The Story of “Nenge Mishō”
One day, the Buddha was giving a sermon to his disciples. Instead of speaking, he simply held up a flower. The disciples were puzzled—what was the meaning of this silent gesture?

Only one among them, Mahākāśyapa, smiled. Seeing this, the Buddha was deeply pleased and said, “My true teaching has been transmitted to Kāśyapa.”

This story teaches that the essence of enlightenment cannot always be conveyed through words. True understanding comes from a heart that is pure, open, and free from attachments—like smiling at the simple beauty of a flower.

A Smile in the Gentle Spring Breeze
As the warm winds of spring arrive, cherry blossoms bloom, and flowers open one by one, as if nature itself is smiling.

In this season of renewal, may we also find gratitude in our daily lives and share our own gentle smiles with the world.

[Calligraphy by Daikō Iizuka, Chief Priest of Ichibata Yakushi]