Shoma HIguchi

On the final day, when I left the temple, I felt a strong sense of reluctance.

On the final day, when I left the temple, I felt a strong sense of reluctance. My most honest feeling right now is that I want to learn more and make it my own.

The change I’m currently feeling is that I have become more mindful of whether things are neatly arranged or if I am focused on the present moment. I have also realized many areas where I am still lacking. Particularly, it feels like a challenge to align my body, speech, and mind, to continue directing my feelings toward others, and to maintain awareness. However, I believe I am standing once again at the starting point.

Moving forward, my goal is to continue to strike the rhythm I learned during the temple stay in my heart while focusing on each task with skill and gratitude, and to live today to the fullest. To help me remember, I have written out the daily schedule and pinned it to the wall.

Just as humans undergo metabolism, the temple also goes through its own process of change. The pillars are replaced, monks come and go, and very little of the original structure remains. I was told about this. In the midst of this, I understand that the reason the temple has endured for so long is because people continue to move forward with the teachings of the Buddha at the core.

I believe this is the same in companies, communities, and groups—something that aims toward a common goal will endure for a long time. I want to learn about this kind of social structure from the temple, which has been a pioneer in this regard.

Lastly, I would like to thank the monks who took care of me, my fellow practitioners, and everyone who joined the stay. I am deeply grateful for the valuable and wonderful training I received. May all of you continue to live healthily.

Gassho