What kind of person are you? If you wish to know the answer, simply look closely into a mirror, for your true inner state reflects entirely upon your facial expressions. In the same way, the physical symptoms we experience mirror our daily life habits, and our involuntary gestures naturally reveal whether our soul dwells in a state of deep peace and serenity.

Those who live their lives experiencing genuine happiness tend to radiate a beautiful warmth through their daily greetings and smiles. Conversely, when a heart is captured by sorrow or misfortune, it becomes difficult to offer a cheerful greeting or to share a genuinely bright smile. While we must never judge others based on appearances alone, the subtle expressions on a person’s face provide valuable insights into their inner character. The impact our appearance has on others—and on our own minds—is undeniably profound.

Since ancient times, those revered as sages have possessed the keen ability to look past outer forms and clearly perceive the unseen, true essence of a person. If our external appearance influences those around us, it has an equally powerful effect on our own state of mind. When your confidence begins to waver, stand up straight and correct your posture. When your heart feels heavy, look in the mirror and make a conscious effort to smile. If you wish to welcome happiness, be the first to extend a warm greeting. Even if it feels artificial at first, start by shaping your face into a gentle smile.

While this small act may not instantly solve the heavy problems you face, your kind smile might be the very light that lifts the heavy burden from someone else’s heart. Choosing to put aside your personal concerns to offer joy and happiness to others is never a wasted effort, nor are you losing anything. Please never fall into the trap of thinking that you alone are suffering a disadvantage. There is an ancient truth that reminds us: “Even when no one seems to be looking, a sacred presence is always watching over you.” Across different lands, this presence has been called “God” or “Buddha.” Some cultures likened it to the great sun that warms the entire world, offering deep prayers of gratitude to its light. While this ultimate reality may remain invisible to our eyes, we in our Shin tradition call it “Amida Buddha”—the ultimate presence of compassion that always gazes upon you and celebrates your sincere efforts to sustain a smile for the sake of others.

Every human being naturally wishes to remain happy at all times. Yet, maintaining a continuous state of happiness is nearly impossible because everything in this world is in a constant state of flux and impermanence. Therefore, instead of clinging desperately to our own happiness, let us simply and purely wish for the happiness of all those around us. When every individual shifts their focus to wishing for the well-being of others, it ultimately means the entire world is wishing for your happiness as well. In Buddhism, we call this profound, unselfish mindset the “heart of compassion,” and it encompasses the entirety of the Buddha’s mind. Today, most of you have come to this temple to pray for the eternal peace and happiness of your departed family members. It is my deepest hope that through this beautiful act of love for your departed ones, you may naturally receive the Buddha’s infinite compassion into your own lives. Namandabu.