The Feeling and Awareness of Festivals

Life is more artistic than art itself. Clearly, without life there is no art; art enriches life, yet life creates art. Existence lies in life, and life is existence. The kind of life one leads shapes the kind of life one has. Without affectation or pretension, living groundedly and fully is enough. Life consists of daily bits and pieces. Through creating to the best of one’s ability, one constructs the context of life, which holds its own sensations and perceptions. All flavors—sweet, sour, bitter, and spicy—are present. This is the pure state and atmosphere of life. Whether one likes it or not, whether one feels at ease or not, suffering and happiness depend on one’s attitude toward life. Attitude and intention determine life and highlight the intensity and saturation of a brilliant life. Everything is a factor in growth. Regardless of how one views sweet, sour, bitter, or spicy experiences, they transform into energy and wisdom.

New Year or Lunar New Year are both special yet ordinary days. They are simply about living days, and living days is more important than celebrating the New Year because days must always be lived. However, the New Year carries symbolic significance. Amidst shifting stars and changing times, it reminds us of seasonal transitions, the revival of all things, and climatic changes. Festivals also ease the pace of folk life, allowing people to pause, listen, and observe the festivals of natural life and their consciousness of existence. It calls overseas wanderers back to their homeland, reminding them not to forget their roots. Love sings loudly during festivals, expressing heartfelt sentiments. Especially in recent years, I have been fortunate to celebrate the New Year in my hometown. Treading on the land and connecting with my homeland, I enjoy the context and atmosphere of the festival, transforming it into life energy and consciousness of existence.