Dear Dharma friends,
Namu Amida Butsu.
As this year draws to a close, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you who have cherished your connection with Three Wheels, whether near or far. Your support throughout the year has been truly invaluable, and I am deeply thankful for the many moments we have shared in listening to the Dharma together.
As we reflect on the past months and quietly look forward to the year ahead, we may notice that life does not always unfold as we hope. Plans may change, obstacles may arise, and at times we may feel discouraged, frustrated, or even blame ourselves.
Shin Buddhist teachings remind us that it is precisely this self—unable to live as we intend—that is deeply embraced by Amida Buddha. Amida’s Original Vow is not a conditional promise. It embraces us exactly as we are, even when we are swayed by blind passions or lost in our own way.
As we approach the New Year, may it be a time to awaken to the light that has always been supporting us. This is the working of Inconceivable Light and Infinite Life, continuously illuminating our lives.
No one knows what the coming year will bring. Joy, sorrow, and even unexpected challenges are sure to arise. Yet through it all, Amida Buddha continues to call to us as Namu Amida Butsu, gently guiding us toward the world of truth.
With this spirit, we would like to welcome the New Year together in the presence of the Nenbutsu. Three Wheels will hold the traditional Shusho-e (New Year Service) on New Year’s Day as an opportunity to begin the year in this way.
Shusho-e (New Year Service)
Date and time: 1 January at 13:00
Programme: Service followed by the traditional ceremony of receiving Toso, a Japanese New Year herbal drink
Venue: Three Wheels, 55 Carbery Avenue, London, W3 9AB
Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/2082482542?pwd=MEtuU241RVZzdU4wblZ1QU1oYmFFUT09
I hope this will be a peaceful and meaningful time to take our first steps of the New Year while entrusting ourselves to Amida Buddha’s Original Vow. You are warmly welcome to join us, and if you plan to attend in person, we would be grateful if you could let us know in advance.
Wherever we may be, may we continue to walk together in the year ahead, supporting and encouraging one another as we receive the Nenbutsu.
With deep gratitude for the year now ending, and sincere wishes that the coming year may be peaceful and meaningful for each of you,
Kenshin Ishii
Director, Three Wheels