Word 051
Along the ancient approach to Kasuga Grand Shrine, towering cryptomeria trees line both sides, their branches reaching overhead like a canopy.
The only sound is the crunch of gravel underfoot. Patches of sunlight fall across the path, shifting shape with every breath of wind.
With each step, you move into the light — and then back into shadow.
Light and shadow. Sun and shade.
These are the natural laws governing this world.
Shadow and shade cannot be brought to zero — and they never will be.
If they were, the balance of this world would crumble.
What matters is where you choose to focus.
If you have to choose, focus on the light.
At the end of the approach, the shrine stood quietly waiting.