New Year’s Day marks the first day, the first month, the beginning of the year and the start of spring. A person who celebrates this day will gain virtue and be loved by all, just as the moon becomes full gradually, moving from west to east, and the sun shines more brightly traveling from east to west.
(written by Nichiren Daishonin, the founder of Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism, wrote this to his followers in 13th century Japan.)
Making determinations and chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo indicates the significance of New Year’s Day. Even though one may be dressed in beautiful clothes and filled with determination for the new year, without chanting Daimoku (Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo), determinations will be short-lived and self-centered. When the festivities are over, one simply returns to a world of delusion and old problems. Read more about the New Year’s Day Buddhist ceremony (The Gantan Gongyo) on our Head Temple’s web site.
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