Spring is just around the corner!

I am in Nara.

Shunie/ Omizutori (water-drawing ceremony) has started at Nigatsudo Hall of Todaiji Temple from 3/1 to 3/14.

The famous omatsumo starts at 19:00~.

Shuni-e at Nigatsudo Hall of Todaiji Temple is popularly known as “Omizutori” (water-drawing ceremony).

This traditional Nara event has never been interrupted since 752 (Tempyo Shoho 4), and this year marks the 1,273rd time it has been held.

The “Omatsumo” (torchlight) that runs across the stage of Nigatsudo is often seen on TV and in magazines, and has become a famous symbol of the arrival of spring.

Eleven selected monks purify themselves and stay in the hall as performers to pray to the main deity, the eleven-faced Kannon, for world peace and the happiness of people.

The Buddhist memorial service that takes place in the hall late at night is not well known.

This year again, due to the Corona disaster, people are not allowed to listen to the service inside the hall.

The mannerisms and events of the Buddhist memorial service, which can be heard leaking from the tatami room called “bureau” inside the hall, are performed with a rich musicality.

But unfortunately, I will not be able to listen to it again this year…

The act of praying has continued for more than 1,250 years without interruption as long as human beings have existed.

Prayer” is the act of “putting one’s intention” on God or Buddha…

Tomorrow, March 5, the highlight of the first half of the festival will be the “Shinmyocho,” the reading of the “Past Book,” and the “Running…

I also want to join hands with people around the world so that they can live prosperous, happy and peaceful days…

Thank you, thank you…