October Reflection: Inner Peace

2025.10.01.

Inner Peace

By Daikō Iizuka, Head Priest

Hello everyone, this is Daikō Iizuka, head priest of Ichibata Yakushi.
It is now October, and the air is clear and refreshing with the arrival of autumn.

Last month, I shared that I joined the Summer School of the Buddhist Society in London—a one-week program of zazen and Buddhist study. Each day was filled with meditation, lectures, and deep conversations with other participants. It felt as if I had returned to my own days of monastic training, focusing single-mindedly on the practice. I also enjoyed meeting monks and practitioners from Tibetan, Thai, and Bhutanese traditions.

Among the many memorable experiences, one that deeply moved me was learning about a new film to be released next year about His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism. Recognized as the reincarnation of his predecessor, he ascended to leadership at the age of four. After being forced to leave his homeland during the Tibetan uprising, he renounced his political power and has since devoted his life to teaching peace and compassion to people around the world. Now at the age of ninety, his message continues to shine brightly.

The film, titled “Wisdom of Happiness,” is a documentary created by supporters from around the world. It portrays his warmth, his affection for his family, and his gentle, compassionate presence. I had the rare opportunity to view the entire film before its public release, and it touched me deeply.

Its release in Japan is expected next year. The film’s message transcends nationality, culture, and religion. It speaks directly to the heart and reminds us of the simple essence of being human. I translated a few lines from the trailer below:

“To all my brothers and sisters living on this small planet—
When your mind is disturbed, take a deep breath in, and slowly breathe out.
I do not speak of God, nor of the next life.
I speak of this life—our one and only life.
The eight billion people of this world, friend or foe, all wish for peace.
But peace does not fall from the sky.
The twenty-first century will not be an easy time. Many challenges await us.
Actions that disturb peace arise from emotions that disturb the heart.
That is why our world now needs wisdom about the mind and the emotions—
how to face them, how to calm them, and how to live with them wisely.
The true purpose of life is happiness and joy.
When one attains inner peace, one already possesses a happy life.”

How simple, and yet how profound these words are.
The Dalai Lama speaks only of “inner peace,” and that simplicity itself feels deeply refreshing.
Listening to his message, I too felt my heart saying, “Yes—let’s keep going forward.”

Finally, I would like to share a local announcement.
On Sunday, October 19 at 10:30 a.m., we will hold the Kannon Hall Completion Ceremony at Ichibata Yakushi. The construction is still underway and will likely finish just in time. This has been made possible only through the warm support of so many people. Truly, this autumn is a season of gratitude.

The new Kannon Hall stands at one of the most scenic spots in Ichibata Yakushi. With wide windows and an open veranda, it was designed as a “Sky Hall” where visitors can sit quietly and reflect within. As autumn deepens, may our hearts deepen as well.

I wish you all peace, good health, and happiness.