19. “There Is No Need to Worry Over Your Children”

About 1883 when Oyasama’s Resting House was completed, Izo made wooden shrines at night for followers as a side job to raise money for his children’s education. Oyasama took Izo aside one day and gently said:

“It must be hard for you at the moment. However, in the future you will not be able to face difficulties even if you wish to. There is no need for you to worry over your children.”

(From Shinpan Izo Iburi den p. 80)

• Next installment in this series: 20. “Treat Them with All Your Heart”

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