With the retirement of Rev. Ogura Sōshun following the successful completion of his term as Chief Abbot of Myōshin-ji, I have been entrusted with the deep responsibility of succeeding him in the position of Chairman of the Organizing Committee for Mimyō Daishi’s 650th-Year Semicentennial Memorial Observance. This is, in fact, the second time I have had the privilege of participating in a major memorial observance for Myōshin-ji’s esteemed second abbot. Fifty years ago, on the occasion of Mimyō Daishi’s 600th-Year Semicentennial Memorial Observance, I served as the attendant of the ceremony’s Chairman, the late Kajiura Itsugai Rōshi. At the time I was still an inexperienced novice monk, so all I really remember is my struggle to keep up with everyone else.
Recently I had the opportunity to watch a video of the 600th-Year Semicentennial Memorial Observance. The ornamentation for that ceremony, which had a certain handmade appearance, differed considerably from that to be used for the upcoming event, but the enthusiasm of the numerous believers who attended and assisted in the ceremony was simply overwhelming. Everyone’s ardent desire to honor Mimyō Daishi’s precious legacy and contribute to the success of the ceremony was clearly evident. In this spirit lies the true meaning of these memorial services. It is my sincere hope that, keeping firmly in mind the final request of Kanzan Egan to Mimyō Daishi, “Kō, sono moto o tsutomeyō” (I beseech you, examine the source!), we may strive together to celebrate Mimyō’s memory in a spirit both pure and true.