17th Sep. 2019
Starting from the concert in Kyoto on September 11, our activities in Kyoto and Mt. Hiei have already come to an end. I’ll be returning to Tokyo tomorrow. On the 12th was the concert at our guest house, and we had guests from Ethiopia on both the 11th and 12th. I was delighted to invite an Ethiopian guest to our tea room on Mt. Hiei, where the mountain slope looks like its garden. Whenever we hold a tea ceremony, deer come by one after another, as if to take turns, to greet us—just as one deer says hello and walks off, another one comes and does the same. It’s a lovely place. The guest from Ethiopia enjoyed his time. In the small space of the tea room, we become honest and connect in our hearts, enjoying our conversation. I saw the future. I’m blessed to have a place where such pleasant conversation takes place. I wish to invite guests from across the world, people we connect with in our hearts. In the tea room, using ceramic cups handmade by Master Idaki Shin, I serve coffee roasted by him, roasted especially for the tea ceremony. The coffee is exquisite. I brew each cup using a bamboo ladle. My heart becomes purified and clear, and I spend time in happiness. If I could share the experience with people all over the world—the vision I saw is a path leading to the realization of peace.
Before a tea ceremony, I arrange flowers in vases handmade by Master Idaki Shin. I enjoy every moment of the arrangement while talking with the flowers. I’m pleased to enjoy the presence of the flowers together with the guests.
In the inner garden of the tea house is a workspace for my marbling artworks. A wind blows from the mountain slope. Beyond the mountain is Lake Biwako. Wind from the ancient lake; clear water of Mt. Hiei; many souls, existences, our lives connect and interact. Patterns that emerge from the communion shake my soul. Heading towards the realization of peace, I will keep expressing my true feelings to pave the way. Thank you very much.
