May I extend my warmest New Year’s greetings to all of you. I trust that you have been able to welcome in the New Year in bright spirits. I also want to express my sincere gratitude for the efforts you devoted to the path of single-hearted salvation during the past year through your respective roles and positions. Now that we have ushered in a brand-new year, let all of us refresh our minds and commit ourselves to making steady progress this year.
It is important for those of us who follow the path to be firmly convinced that we will never go wrong so long as we keep walking in full accord with what Oyasama taught us. Based on that conviction, let us strive to help one another so that we can spread the Joyous Life in ever wider circles, starting with the people nearest to us.
Let us take care not to be swayed by the deepening sense of anxiety and confusion that prevails in present-day society. Reflecting on the hastening of the Parent who desires to save all people throughout the world, let us work hard to sprinkle the fragrance of the teachings and engage in savation work in unity of mind, while maintaining a bright and spirited mind at all times.
New Year’s Day
Zenji Nakayama
The Shinbashira