Today, at Kaze-no Hall of Mitaka City Arts Center, I attended with great anticipation Master Idaki Shin’s concert, where he said he would express “the Earth’s rhythm.” I felt that something momentous would happen. I felt through my body that everything in this world was being drawn into the center, leaving no possibility but transformation. I saw my own axis and clearly understood that whenever the axis is in my mind, I was completely out of alignment with life, the Earth, and the universe. The instant I felt the axis of the universe, the Earth, and my own life become united, I knew with my whole being that it was the highest state of being with the utmost comfort and nothingness. It is beyond words, yet my life itself recognized it as supreme. Naturally, I understood that, from now on, we could no longer live if we strayed from this. Something extraordinary occurred. To have been allowed to be present, and to undergo such a transformation through my own body, filled me with profound gratitude and reverence. I could only bow my head deeply as gratitude welled up from within. The word ‘axis’ arose naturally in me. Once that axis became fixed, I could see with unmistakable clarity how this society is a shallow darkness constructed around material things and money. I realized, too, that trying to conform to such a society only clouds life within us. I saw a vision of discovering one’s own center, becoming united with the Earth and the universe, taking a step forward, and creating a world in which human beings can truly live. From the depths of my heart, I wished to live that way from this day onward. The beauty of the final encore was beyond anything words could describe. It touched the depth of my inner being and moved me profoundly; though words failed me, my tears expressed what language could not. I sincerely wish that people throughout the world could share this experience, for then everyone could discover the meaning of being born and live a life filled with purpose. With the resolve to bring about such a time, I stood today upon a new starting line, determined to begin living anew from tomorrow. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.