On May 13th, my birthday, I welcomed the day of the “Legends of Koguryo Rediscovered.” The birds began singing all at once, celebrating together. The wind was infinitely clear, carrying with it a world of profound transparency. With my heart dancing at the thought that a new era was beginning today and that a new life was about to unfold, I joyfully made my way to the venue. As the performance drew near, tension naturally intensified and various thoughts arose within me, yet knowing well that there was no other way but to entrust everything to Great Being, I prepared myself. From the time of rehearsal, the music caused goosebumps all over my body, and I felt with my whole being that today’s “Legends of Koguryo Rediscovered” was entirely different, that a new era had truly opened. During the performance, it felt as though I were dancing across the heavens, racing over the sea, or becoming a horse galloping through vast grasslands. Light and joyful, I enjoyed the stage the whole time. Then appeared before me the scene of the dark era completely closing and a new era opening. It was a new dawn. From this day forward, as a new era begins and a new life unfolds, the soul rejoiced in freedom. While onstage, I envisioned a scene. It was the sight of human beings suffering treated like “objects,” crammed tightly into boxes. The era in which such a society was built and people were unable to live a true human life is coming to an end. Beginning today, life in an infinite world begins—a life in which we may live freely and expansively, with shining souls, living for eternity. I could see that peace would be realized.
Here in Mitaka, to be able to welcome Master Idaki Shin, to listen to a performance heralding the opening of a new era, and to gather together with everyone to welcome this new era, filled me with immeasurable joy and gratitude. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for this wonderful birthday, this extraordinary “Legends of Koguryo Rediscovered,” the dawn of a new era, and the beginning of a new life.