Today, I want to share with you a passage that really touched me:

Sometimes, we wonder—why is it that even simple things are often not done well?
 In fact, being human isn’t as complicated as it seems.
 Life itself is not difficult, nor is it complex, yet many people still struggle to live it well.

What makes it hard is that we want too much.
 We actually don't need that much, but it’s our endless desires that exhaust our minds, tire our bodies, cause sleepless nights, and breed anxiety.

If a person can truly enrich their spiritual world,
 if their spirit is vast, open, and strong,
 then no matter what profession or craft they engage in, their work will never be poor.
 Because when the spirit is full, the mind is calm, the hands are steady, and the heart remains focused.

If one's spirit has yet to reach that richness,
 then no matter the skill they possess, they will easily be surpassed,
easily feel lost, and ultimately, they will not achieve true mastery.

 

Reading this made me reflect deeply.
 Thinking back on Kamicarv Paper Carving Studio’s three-year journey,
 I realize now—on the surface, it seems we have been creating paper carvings and pursuing art, but walking through these years, I increasingly understand:
 what we are practicing is not merely aesthetics, but a kind of philosophy.

In this fast-paced era, everyone seeks overnight fame and instant mastery.
 But paper carving, by its very nature, refuses to be rushed.
 It demands calmness and focus.

Each cut, each layered assembly, every delicate gluing of paper—
 what it truly tests is not just skill, but the state of one’s heart.

When the heart is quiet, the hand becomes steady;
 when the spirit is full, the work naturally carries warmth and power.

I'm genuinely happy to say:
 over the years, our works have grown better year by year—
 with more refinement, more depth, and stronger emotional resonance.

And all of this did not happen because we suddenly discovered some "new technique,"
 but because our spirits have slowly matured,
 becoming richer and stronger.

So, how can we cultivate a truly abundant spiritual world?

Through years of working, living, and reflecting together with my team,
 we’ve gathered some realizations:

1. Learn to choose and give up unnecessary desires
 Not everything you want must be owned.
 What you truly need is very little.
 Learning to filter and focus on what’s truly important naturally brings peace to the heart.

2. Cultivate deep focus
 At every moment, dedicate yourself wholeheartedly, without distraction or impatience.
 Whether cutting a line, applying a stroke, or polishing a detail—take it seriously.

3. Practice generosity of heart
 Don’t get trapped by short-term gains or losses, or be swayed by fleeting emotions.
 Learn to see the bigger picture, the long journey, and accept different outcomes with grace.
 This will create room for both your heart and your growth.

4. Commit to ongoing spiritual cultivation
 Read, meditate, engage with outstanding individuals.
 Expand your vision and spirit.
 When your spirit is enriched, your energy naturally rises—
 and your creations will unconsciously radiate a different kind of brilliance.

 

 

The road ahead is still long,
 and my team and I will continue walking this path.

Using paper carving to sculpt the purest and most authentic landscapes in our hearts,
 using craftsmanship to transmit a strength that is unseen but deeply felt.

I am especially grateful to my team for their stunning and intricate creation of
 "Golden Gourd of Fortune, Auspicious Energy Filling the House," the beautiful peacock artwork.

Thank you for your dedication—
 your efforts are the true source of energy that allows Kamicarv to keep moving forward.

 

Conclusion

We are still on the road, still practicing,
 but we believe:
 as long as the spirit continues to grow,
 every creation in the future will surely be even better than today.

( Our creations keep evolving, and our future works will be even better than those of today ) 

( Translated from the original Chinese text )