Good afternoon, everyone. Think of the sky you looked up at on your way here today—the drifting clouds, the gentle breeze brushing against your cheek. What will tomorrow bring? Surely, everyone is seeking happiness. Yet, each of these simple, ordinary sensations is, in truth, the irreplaceable “world” itself.

We often spend our days filled with unnecessary tension, constantly striving to “improve” ourselves or chasing after some idealized image of being an “admirable person.” But what does it truly mean to be good or admirable? No matter how much we stretch ourselves to meet expectations, or how deeply we fall into self-reproach, we cannot separate ourselves from the great current of life for even a single second.

Tomorrow, you might be filled with laughter, or you might be weeping in sorrow. It is even possible that you may no longer be anywhere in this physical world. Whatever your state may be at any given moment—whether laughing or crying—your existence is a beautiful expression of reality, constantly changing form and flowing in perfect rhythm with the universe.

There is absolutely no need to pride yourself on being a “good person,” nor is there any reason to despair over being “flawed” in order to live your life. Within the warm, unpretentious light of our everyday routine, we have been tenderly embraced from the very beginning. Through the compassionate eyes of the Buddha, every experience is nothing less than a part of one precious, sacred cycle.

We never needed to journey to some distant realm to find salvation, nor do we need to rush to accomplish extraordinary deeds. We are simply invited to live our days within this quiet, unwavering light, doing the best we can at each moment. Even if a deep shadow happens to fall beneath our feet, remember that even that temporary darkness is an event taking place within the light, safely enveloped by the Buddha’s warm and watchful gaze. Let us cherish this day of gratitude together. Namandabu.