Today is Master Idaki Shin's birthday. It is also the long-awaited day of Master Idaki Shin's concert. Master Idaki Shin himself declared that he would perform on the piano without using the pedals, and this new beginning started today. We were told that it was to regain rhythm.
As for me, I entered a state in which I was no longer conscious of my body and I became so light that it felt as though I had no body. Then I became connected to a light, an existence I would describe as Great Being, or god. Deeply moved, I trembled as I experienced that the rhythm of life is connected to god.
I also felt that I was being nurtured with strength to face and accept reality directly. When there is a reality I do not wish to see, or one from which I want to turn away, I have a tendency to look away. It has been this way since childhood. Today, through the sound of the piano, my body clearly experienced what it means "to be here."
If I am here, I can face and accept reality directly. Then I can take the first step toward a solution. I felt it was incredibly free and joyful.
I could never have anticipated or imagined that the premonition I had—that a new life would begin today—would manifest itself this way. Yet my mind and body were undoubtedly being nurtured to face reality squarely and to take the steps needed to bring about change. Furthermore, this experience continues. I am truly looking forward to the next concert.
I feel as though I have just been born. I sincerely hope that I can properly experience each and every concert, continue to grow, and cultivate the sensitivity and life that lead to god.
At the same time, I can see that if all human beings could have experiences such as this, the world would become a better place. I always return to the fundamental point that living properly creates peace. If each and every person lives honestly and properly as a human being, I believe that a better world will surely be created.
I am sincerely grateful that I was able to share Master Idaki Shin's opening birthday concert with everyone. The concert was sold out. Experiencing the concert in a completely full hall was truly exceptional.
Thank you very much.