A New Year

As the light of the new year unfolds, winter reveals its teachings in the quiet embrace of the Zen Temple where I live. Far from being a backdrop, the cold is an ancestral guide, whispering truths through the crisp air and the serene, snow-covered garden.

In these reflective days, when the world seems to draw inward, I've found a new opportunity for deep introspection. In this stripped-down world, the canvas of my mind has been wide open, ready for new creations and explorations.

I invite you to join me in this journey of discovery and creation as we enter this new year together. My wish is that we find warmth in our inner reflections, beauty in the stark landscapes, and inspiration in the quiet, powerful embrace of winter. May this year unfold with the grace of a Zen garden in winter and endless possibilities in the empty, open spaces.

- Sokei