34. A Sudden Stop

One time, the Honseki was on a steam train when someone attempted to commit suicide by jumping onto the tracks. But because the train made a sudden stop, the person’s life was spared. The conductor and the occupants of the train were greatly surprised. One of the passengers said, “There must be someone with great merit riding on this train for this to happen.”

(From Shinpan Izo Iburi den p. 134)

• Next installment in this series: 35. The Awe-Inspiring Honseki

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