Category Archives: Honseki: Anecdotes

Anecdotes of the Honseki Izo Iburi 35

Honseki: Anecdotes, Translations, ,

35. The Awe-Inspiring Honseki

The following is an anecdote written by Yoshimatsu Shimizu (1872–1958), the third head minister of Heishin Grand Church, who served as the Honseki’s attendant together with Tamizo Ueda:

“I consider it a great honor to have had the opportunity to serve and be in daily contact with the Honseki for seven calendar years from September 1901 to June 1907 when he passed away for rebirth.

“It was awe-inspiring to see how the Honseki was extremely serious when it came to serving God and how he always observed Oyasama’s lesson of ‘early rising, being honest, and working diligently’ in all his daily tasks. Also particularly awe-inspiring was his habit of always saying: ‘Be sure to remember the past,’ and showing his frugality by being content with simple meals and plain clothes.

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Anecdotes of the Honseki Izo Iburi 34

Honseki: Anecdotes, Translations

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)

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

Anecdotes of the Honseki Izo Iburi 33

Honseki: Anecdotes, Translations,

33. “Third Class Is Fine”

Once when the Honseki was on a mission tour of several churches, someone who accompanied him asked before buying the train tickets whether he favored riding first, second, or third class. The Honseki then asked: “Which will get to our destination quicker? If there is no difference, third class is fine.”

(From Ten no jogi p. 101)

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

Anecdotes of the Honseki Izo Iburi 32

Honseki: Anecdotes, Translations,

32. The Honseki’s Topknot

The fact that the Honseki kept his topknot throughout his life despite the Meiji-era edict that banned the traditional hairstyle is a tale that has been told many times over. This may give the impression that he was old-fashioned, but there was a good reason why the Honseki did so.

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Anecdotes of the Honseki Izo Iburi 31

Honseki: Anecdotes, Translations, ,

31. “Thank You for Your Efforts”

The Honseki visited various churches throughout Japan. During these times, he talked with everyone in an informal manner. Because he was so easy-going with people he met for the first time, there were those who could not believe he was indeed God’s representative.

At one particular Grand Service when he was on his way to Oyasama’s gravesite, thousands of followers had sat and bowed along the road to give their respects as he passed by. The Honseki responded by taking off his hat and bowing his head over and over, saying, “Thank you for your efforts, everyone.”

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Anecdotes of the Honseki Izo Iburi 30

Honseki: Anecdotes, Translations

30. Singing the Mikagura-uta

In his later years after he ate dinner, the Honseki would retire to his room and quietly sing the Mikagura-uta, The Songs for the Service. One is able to purify one’s heart and detach oneself from impure thoughts by singing the Mikagura-uta. The Honseki always included it as a part of his daily routine.

(Adapted from Shinpan Izo Iburi den p. 132)

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

Anecdotes of the Honseki Izo Iburi 29

Honseki: Anecdotes, Translations, ,

29. Dialogue with the Everliving Oyasama

The Honseki worshiped daily at the old Foundress’ Sanctuary during breaks between delivering Osashizu and bestowing the truth of the Sazuke to followers. Expressing thanks to the everliving Oyasama and praying for the memory of predecessors who had passed on was one of his greatest pleasures.

At the Foundress’ Sanctuary, the Honseki would whisper and have a dialogue as if there was someone present with him. Sometimes he would laugh and make amusing gestures. It has been said that he would sit for such a long time that one could almost physically see Oyasama sitting in front of him. Thus in this way, the Honseki was in constant contact with the everliving Oyasama.

(From Shinpan Izo Iburi den p. 128)

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

Anecdotes of the Honseki Izo Iburi 28

Honseki: Anecdotes, Translations,

28. A Comfortable Seat

The Honseki attended the entrance and graduation ceremonies of Tenri Seminary. Designated seats placed side by side in the front were always prepared for the first Shinbashira and the Honseki. But the Honseki would never sit at the seat designated for him at the front. He always chose to sit in the seat behind those designated for the Seminary instructors. People would then come to lead the Honseki to his designated seat. This was another example that clearly demonstrates the Honseki’s humility.

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Anecdotes of the Honseki Izo Iburi 26

Honseki: Anecdotes, Translations, , ,

26. “I Returned Your Contribution Ten-Thousandfold”

In August 1886, a Nobu Nakai from Kobe returned to Jiba and was staying at the Tofuya Inn, owned by Chobei Murata. Izo, who at the time was managing the Nakayamas’ household matters, came by and mentioned to Chobei: “Without 5 yen, we won’t be able to make ends meet this season. But no matter who I go see, no one of them is willing to lend us the money.”

Nobu, who remembered how she had been miraculously saved from a rare case of stomach spasms and a toothache in 1883, overheard this and thought to herself it was an honor to have such an opportunity to help out the Residence. She took out 5 yen (about 47,000 yen in 1995 currency) and said to Izo, “Though this isn’t much, I happened to have it on me.”

Izo was overjoyed, and replied, “I’ll return it to you later.”

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