Today marks the start of the Shinkiko retreat seminar in Miyazaki. The venue is a hotel overlooking Aoshima Island and the “Oni no Sentaku-iwa” (Ogre’s Washboard) rock formations. Aoshima is a site steeped in the mythology of Yamasachihiko and Toyotama-hime; with archaeological traces of Yayoi-period rituals still present, it is regarded as a sacred place dating back to prehistoric times. The surrounding “Ogre’s Washboard” formations are natural sculptures created over millions of years as geological strata were uplifted and subsequently eroded by the waves. I am delighted to hold this retreat seminar in a new location during this year, which marks the 40th anniversary of Shinkiko. I feel a profound connection in being able to receive Ki energy on this land where prayers have been offered since ancient times.
Around the time this venue was selected, I happened to hear a radio program episode set on Aoshima. It was a show featuring readings by Tae Kimura—a program I have listened to for many years. In the story, the protagonist, feeling stuck in their career in the travel industry, visits Miyazaki and hears a story about waves from the head priest of Aoshima Shrine. The teaching was that waves follow a set rhythm—small, medium, and large—and that once a large wave passes, movement becomes possible again; therefore, one should not fight the waves but simply wait for the right moment. Hearing this allowed the protagonist to finally let go of their tension. I felt a sense of serendipity in encountering this story just after the training venue had been decided.
This concept resonates deeply when viewed from the perspective of Ki (life energy). Shinkiko is energy derived from the universe, and the Ki relay device serves to harness this energy and make it available for us to receive. By continuously receiving this energy—24 hours a day, 365 days a year—even negative Ki is gradually infused with the light-like energy of Shinkiko. No matter how heavy the negative Ki may be, it will inevitably transform into light—though this process can sometimes take time. The key is to avoid attracting further negative Ki through a negative mindset; instead, focus on finding the good in things and cultivate an attitude of surrender and trust.
Rather than trying to force your way through by struggling against the current, it can actually be a shortcut to have the courage to wait for the right moment while steadfastly receiving Shinkiko energy. We all tend to want to control things through our own efforts alone, but as beings who are part of nature, there are times when we need to surrender ourselves to the flow. Ceasing to resist and waiting quietly while receiving the energy—I feel that this, too, is a form of purifying the heart.
In this place where prayers have been offered since ancient times, I hope that through the retreat seminar starting today, each participant will become aware of the rhythmic waves within themselves and take home the key to letting go of tension.