Under the Yasaka Pagoda, at Koma Gallery Cafe, we held “Keiko Koma – My Story.” I feel that the souls of my ancestors who created the ancient capital are together with me. In the space of Koma, filled with endlessly profound stillness, where I can feel deeply within my internality while being together with the souls, sincere gratitude arises within me for the happiness of being able to speak about my life. When I speak, I feel the souls listening to me in profound stillness. I am deeply grateful to be able to commune in life and heart with those who attend, and to share this beautiful space together.
The warmth of gathering together around a table made from a single slab of wood also seeps deeply into my heart. The photographs of the land of Koguryo displayed on the wall radiate an energy that makes me feel as though I were in the land of Koguryo itself. When I whisper within my heart, “This is Koguryo,” joy emerges from within my life. I am happy if, wherever I may be, I can live as though I were living in the land of Koguryo. And existence manifests itself. I always feel that a world in which each person can manifest his or her existence is a good world. The desire wells up within me to continue conveying that as many people as possible may manifest and live their true authentic selves, their existence, and create peace.
After the talk, the time spent enjoying coffee roasted by Master Idaki Shin together with the special matcha dorayaki made at Yasaka Koma Gallery Cafe is also a joyful and enriching time. When it was time to leave Yasaka, a feeling of deep affection welled up within me. Saying within myself, “I will return here again,” I greeted the souls and took my leave. Yasaka Koma Gallery Cafe has become, for me, a place to where my soul returns.
If I have a place to return to, I can wholeheartedly venture outward, farther and farther.
I am sincerely grateful to have been able to share this precious time at dusk on a summer day with everyone.