Part IV — Meeting with Akishige Matsumoto

JPN 9-11. Sri Chinmoy first met Akishige Matsumoto, Honorary Doctor of Laws and Chairman of the Executive Office of the Japan Republic Association, in 1986. During Sri Chinmoy's 1987 trip to Japan, he met with Mr. Matsumoto several times. These are excerpts from their reunion on 27 September 1987 in Kyoto.

_Sri Chinmoy:_ The moment I see you, I see a sea of peace, a sea of joy. I see your heart of purity.

Mr. Matsumoto: Your words are too precious for me. I am very grateful, very grateful for your words. As a Japanese saying goes, "From this one meeting will come myriad opportunities." With this spirit I have been waiting for your arrival in Japan.

Sri Chinmoy: My heart is extremely moved and extremely grateful for your precious words. You and I are sailing in the same boat-the boat that carries the truth-seekers and God-lovers to the Golden Shore. We are sailing and piloting this same boat towards humanity's complete perfection in life.

You are playing a most significant role not only for Japan, but also for the entire world, with your life of sacrifice and your heart of oneness. You are a special gift for mankind. Not only I, but also my disciples all around the world treasure you inside our hearts. Every day, in my most powerful meditations, I treasure you inside my heart.

Mr. Matsumoto: Thank you, thank you! The Emperor of Japan just had an operation and is scheduled to remain hospitalised for one or two weeks. You have come to Japan at the right time. Your visit here will cure the Emperor. Your visit to Japan has brightened up the entire world. Kyoto is the old capital of Japan, a place of tradition. Your visit here in this town means that we are purified by your presence.

I feel that you have come with a heart which is as illumining as the sun. We are welcoming you with utmost gratitude to Kyoto. Today we are having a special reception for the 15th Anniversary of the China/Japan Friendship Treaty. On the occasion of this anniversary, representatives from China, including the leader of the China/Japan Friendship Association, are arriving. Kyoto is rejoicing because a representative of China has arrived, as well as yourself, a representative of India.

Sri Chinmoy: Japan, China and India: these three countries are the heart of the East. The sun rises in Japan, and this light India and China also feel. If these three countries can work and serve together, they can be the perfect example of brotherhood among countries for the entire world. My dearest brother-friend, Matsumoto, with your heart you have established this oneness with Japan, China and India. We are dancing with joy in your heart-garden.

Mr. Matsumoto: Thank you, thank you.

From:Sri Chinmoy,Japan: Soul-Beauty's Heart-Garden, Agni Press, 1993
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