38. Frugal Use of an Oil Lamp

There are countless stories about how the Honseki lived frugally and never used things in a wasteful manner.

Whenever he would leave his home, even to worship at the Kanrodai and the Foundress’ Sanctuary, he would always turn off the oil lamp in his room. When someone told the Honseki it wasn’t necessary to turn off the lamp since he was planning to immediately return to his room, he said: “I turn off the lamp in this way because I want to take the merit I have in this world to my next life.”

The Honseki’s attention to the little things in his daily life was so complete that it was apparent even in his actions intended to build merit for his next life.

(From Ten no jogi pp. 151–152)

• Next installment in this series: 39. Calligraphy on a Glass Plate

*Note: This post has been revised since its original publication.