In the year following the Ceremony of the Inheritance of the Dharma Lamp, beginning with the First Memorial Day Ceremony on January 5, 1992, President Nichiko Niwano has written two pieces of New Year’s calligraphy each year as guiding principles for members in the year ahead.

Of the two pieces introduced each year, one changes every ten years. It has progressed from “Simplicity” to “Gassho” and then to “Light,” and the current theme is “Soshin” (pure-heartedness). The other piece changes every year and expresses in calligraphy words that President Niwano felt were appropriate for the times.

Each piece of New Year’s calligraphy carries its own meaning and reflects President Niwano’s wish that people will awaken to the joy of having been born as human beings and having encountered the Buddha Dharma.

The collection The Heart of President Nichiko Niwano: Through New Year’s Calligraphy looks back on the annual Go-shinkyo, the President’s First Dharma Talk of the New Year, published in the Kosei Shimbun from 1992 to 2026, together with the New Year’s calligraphy through which he expressed his thoughts.

The thumbnail images have been color processed.