As thunder rumbled and torrential rain passed, I made my way to Tokyo Komaya. While the roads are heavily congested these days, I have become acutely aware, while driving, of how people's nerves have grown increasingly sensitive. I have come to accept the fact that I, too, have become considerably more cautious and at times even nervous, and I make an effort, whatever the circumstances, to regain an inner state with the light of life that is connected to light far beyond. The moment I enter Tokyo Komaya, I regain my center. I feel that this place is an oasis, a place where I can reclaim myself, a place from which to create the future, much like Wunu Mountain Fortress, the birthplace of Koguryo. Recently, within the light-scape of my life, I have been seeing a great tree standing at Wunu Mountain Fortress, reaching into the universe. I recognize it as “the soul of nation-building.” Until now, it has been covered, concealed, and hiding beneath the earth, but I can now see a vision in which a sprout emerges from beneath the soil and light appears. I see that, if it were to emerge just as it is, a spirit that will become the center from which to create a new nation would stand within. My soul trembles at the sight.
Today, we held the “Gathering of a Journey Through the Land of Koguryo” at Tokyo Komaya. We screened the visual works of Wunu Mountain Fortress, the birthplace of Koguryo; Wandu Mountain Fortress; and Mount Paektu, filmed by Master Idaki Shin, who also composed the music. Enveloped by a presence as though I were in the land of Koguryo, I was surrounded by its energy. Whenever I go to the land of Koguryo, my own being emerges. I believe that experiencing my being emerge there while remaining in Tokyo, and living by revealing that being, can become a force that transforms a world in crisis. With this conviction, I continue my activities, wishing to contribute to world peace wherever I may be. I am deeply grateful and joyful to see that, by regaining one’s true self and becoming a life that stands as a pillar of the vast universe, one can become the center of a new world and lay its foundation. At our poetry gathering with everyone, there are also moments when, touched by expressions of the soul, tears overflow. When the soul is expressed, it is rewarded and revived. I am profoundly grateful for a life that offers such opportunities. I also have the privilege of preparing the Komaya Special Ceremony Coffee, specially roasted by Master Idaki Shin and unavailable anywhere else but at Tokyo Komaya. Sharing this moment with everyone as we drink it is truly exceptional. I feel the richness of life, and simply being together, simply sharing a cup of coffee together, bring me happiness. Thank you very much for allowing me to experience another wonderful time today.