Japanese people place great importance on the concept of "impurity."
It is said that this is to ward off the "withered energy" and to fill the body and mind with energy. This is the meaning behind many of the traditional actions performed during the New Year holidays.
The same can be said for the introspection that Shokoji Temple places great importance on. It is important to reaffirm the important things that we tend to forget in our busy lives, to spend each day peacefully in mind and body, and to be reborn in the Pure Land at the end.
Forgetting what is important and being confused about life can truly be described as a state of "impurity."
In the new year, we undergo introspection and chant the Nembutsu through Shussui-e. Repeating this process will improve the quality of your life.
Let's just continue to work hard every day this year.
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