Significance of Risshun

I have told you about the meaning of Risshun every year for some time, so perhaps it is not necessary to speak of it again. However, this is an exceedingly important time for God's plan and its importance becomes greater each year.

I cannot go into this too deeply, but all members will notice the fact that purification becomes more severe and stronger at this time. This happens both on Risshun and on June 15th, which are the two big turning points of the year. By this, I mean that changes become more noticeable at these turning points.

However, there is a difference between the way the spiritual vibration changes in February and the way it changes in June. The change that comes with the turning point in February is that God's action takes a new major direction.

The change in June is different from that, for it is then that the spiritual realm becomes brighter, that kaso, the spirit of fire, increases.

I may say that the turning in February is God's time of reckoning, the time when we pay off our spiritual debts (the sins and clouds accumulated during the Age of Night), whereas June 15 is the time when the spiritual realm in general becomes brighter, and this reflects on our lives.

Meishu-sama, February 5, 1952

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Finding Happiness in Purification and Imperfection

In the traditional Japanese calendar, the first day of spring, which falls in early February, is called "Risshun." Many Japanese farmers still follow tradition based on the sun's movement for their farming activities in alignment with this date.

Setsubun is a traditional Japanese festival celebrated the day before Risshun. Families celebrate by tossing roasted soybeans outside the door of their house to chase out the Oni (mischievous spirits). Fathers might dress up as Oni to make the occasion more fun for the children. While tossing the beans, the children shout, "Oni wa soto!  Fuku wa uchi!" which means Oni out! Happiness in!

Happiness is a universal emotion, and the celebration of Risshun is joyful. When viewed through a spiritual lens, it can also include purifications that are part of the transformation process, which can be more challenging.

As we welcome the start of the cycle when daylight increases, the Divine Light expands in the spiritual world, accelerating purification on many levels—individually and collectively. For many, this is also a crucial time of change, upheaval, and uncertainty, and we might sometimes have to remind ourselves to remain joyful to feel a sense of purpose.  

There is a Japanese word called kintsugi, which translates as "golden joinery." It is an uncommon word in Japanese but familiar in lacquerwork. It relates to a Japanese art form of repairing broken pottery. This delicate repair process involves meticulous work using lacquer mixed with precious materials like powdered gold, silver, or platinum.

The result is quite extraordinary. There is no attempt to conceal the imperfections because the cracks and joints are visible. As a process of philosophy, this represents embracing flaws and imperfections. It treats the breakage and repair as part of an object's history rather than disguising it. Instead of discarding or allowing the purpose of service to end, highlighting the cracks and repairs is simply marking an event in the object's life.

It is similar to the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi, which highlights the acceptance of imperfection and appreciation of any irregularities occurring during construction or natural creation. Most of us have been similarly "repaired" at some point in our lifetime.

We are imperfect beings in an imperfect world and our defects, faults, fissures, and dents might make us feel hesitant and doubt our usefulness. The truth is that when we arrive at that place in life where we look back and evaluate things, our most significant experiences and life lessons can be defined by the personal purifications we have experienced, when youth and beauty have faded away. Our most difficult experiences can better help others facing similar adversities. Walking through the fires of purification is not unlike becoming products of kintsugi pottery.

Unlike the exquisite the art masterpieces that Meishu-sama acquired for his collection—the Wisteria Tea Jar or Korin's Red and White Plum Blossom Screen—humans are not museum pieces. We have more in common with mended pottery pieces than with perfect national treasures.

Our rough and broken edges are patched up and repaired with love, compassion, gratitude, and the Light of Johrei. It is said that lacquer work can often be better appreciated in half-light, where the delicate and subtle details become defined. Likewise, serving sincerely, without bright lights and proclamations, can be recognized by the Creator.

During this time of year, as nature awakens and we begin to feel the breath of spring, we welcome the flowering and new growth in our lives. It is also a time to celebrate the increase of Divine Light and Power and allow less room for negativity. The power of one percent is even more critical now as negative forces seek to sow seeds of confusion and separation.

Meishu-sama always began his important work during this time. He directed attention to his spiritual mission starting on February 4, 1928; on this day, the first publication of his essential Teachings was introduced. On February 4, 1950, a new organizational structure was formed. Also, construction of the main buildings and holy sanctuaries accelerated during this time.

A reminder: Meishu-sama's Teachings help us understand the importance of Johrei practice. They offer practical steps toward mind and body health through the benefits of natural farming and the appreciation of the arts and flower arranging, helping to steer us toward a true and natural state of happiness.

Johrei Fellowship