A spring equinox memorial service was held at Shokoji Temple on March 20, 2025.
An unexpected heavy snowfall occurred the day before, on March 19th, and the temple grounds were enveloped in a world of silver.
However, on March 20th, the day of the spring equinox, the weather changed completely. The sky was clear and blue, and the warm spring sunshine enveloped the temple grounds. The scenery woven by the spring light was like a blessing from nature.
Blessed by the fine weather, many worshippers came to the shrine and offered their hearts to pay tribute to their ancestors.
The equinox is not just a time to remember the deceased, but also an important opportunity to reexamine one's own way of life. "How should I be now?", "How should I live from now on?" - we are called to reaffirm our state of mind, something that we tend to forget in the midst of our busy daily lives, and to put it into practice.
This year, the spring equinox at Shokoji Temple was greeted by mild weather, a stark contrast to the bitter cold of the previous day. There was a sense of warmth and peace in the sight of worshippers quietly joining their hands and offering heartfelt prayers.
I am sure that I will be able to see you again with a smiling face at the next Buddhist service, and I feel as if I have been strangely energized by seeing you there.
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