January Reflection: Soar — Living Fully in This Very Moment

2026.01.01.

Soar — Living Fully in This Very Moment

By Daikō Iizuka, Head Priest

Happy New Year. My name is Daiko Iizuka, the head priest of this temple. I sincerely wish you all the best in the year ahead.

For those born in the Year of the Horse according to the East Asian zodiac, congratulations in particular. And for those born in the Fire Horse year (Hinoe-uma), this year marks your 60th birthday, which in Japan is called Kanreki—a very special milestone symbolizing rebirth and a new beginning. My warmest congratulations to you.

For this year’s calligraphy, I chose the single character “翔” (Shō), meaning to soar or to fly freely. The artwork was painted by Gesshin. The image is that of a horse soaring across the sky—as if spreading wings, rising high, and moving freely without restraint.

It expresses a wish to be released from old limitations, to break out of one’s shell, and to renew oneself day by day. I hope this image encourages you to break free from routine, to live with openness and generosity, and to approach each day with a fresh heart.

This message is, of course, for the young—please soar boldly and without hesitation.
But it is equally for those who have lived many years. Please believe that this very moment is the peak season of your life—because in truth, it is. I hope you will live today to the fullest and soar through this moment with all your heart.

The Buddha once taught a parable known as “the Four Kinds of Good Horses.”
The first horse begins to move simply by sensing the rider’s intention, even before the whip touches it. The second moves when the whip lightly touches its skin. The third moves only after being struck. And the fourth moves only after being struck again and again.

This teaching is not really about horses. It is a reflection on human life—on how we respond to birth, aging, illness, and death, the fundamental challenges shared by all people.
It gently reminds us that each moment is precious and irreplaceable, and that awakening sooner, rather than later, allows us to live more freely and fully.

So let us soar in this very moment. I will do so as well.
Each day is new. May you enjoy peace, good health, and lasting happiness in the year to come.