Monthly Words

To welcome the New Year, I would like to share the words of Manshi Kiyozawa（1863-1903）, a prominent philosopher and Buddhist reformer of the Meiji era who deeply influenced great writers like Natsume Soseki.

He once wrote:

"For us to live in this world, we must have a single, perfect footing (Rikkyakuchi)."

"Footing" (Rikkyakuchi) refers to a place where you truly belong, or a spiritual foundation you can lean on. Do you have a place where you can confidently say, "This is where I stand"? And is that place truly secure forever?

You might think this is a heavy question for the start of the year. However, there is no question more profound. For some, it may be family; for others, their workplace, friends, or community.

But these things change against our will. The more we depend on them, the more they may transform into something "inconvenient" or painful for us. Perhaps there is no such thing as a "permanently secure" place in this world. As the Buddha taught: "Shogyo Mujo" (All things are impermanent; everything is in a state of flux).

Yet, this is not about nihilism. Our footing feels unstable precisely because we cling only to things in this world—things that are destined to change.

In a famous essay, the author Naoya Shiga(1883-1971) described himself as "a single drop of water in the Nile." He realized that throughout history, there has never been another "drop" like him, nor will there ever be again. Yet, he accepted that he was still just one drop in a vast, eternal river. He said, "And that is perfectly fine." He was able to say this because he had found his true "footing."

In this new year, let us reflect: On what foundation do we stand in this once-in-a-lifetime journey?