The following is a translation of an excerpt from the writings of Eitaro Imamura (1894–1969), who held several positions throughout his career as a Honbu-jun’in (senior official of Tenrikyo Church Headquarters), such as superintendent of Aomori, Akita, Iwate, and Wakayama dioceses, president of Doyusha, head of Publications Approval Office, and first head minister of Jibun Branch Church. Continue reading Anecdotes of the Honseki Izo Iburi 67
Category Archives: Teachings and Stories of Tenrikyo Forebears
58 Selected Writings 2: A Smile Is Like Lubricating Oil for Family Relationships
The following is a translation of “Egao wa katei no junkatsu-yu” by Kanehiko Kontani from Ohanashi goju hassen published in 2004 in Japanese by the Tenrikyo Young Men’s Association. Translation originally posted at Tenrikyo Forum on March 12, 2007.
Continue reading 58 Selected Writings 2: A Smile Is Like Lubricating Oil for Family Relationships
The Footsteps of Our Predecessors 47
The following is a translation of Part 47 of the series “Senjin no sokuseki” (Footsteps of Our Predecessors) from the November 2006 (No. 455) issue of Taimo, pp. 34–35. This translation is a provisional one at the moment and may require further revision.
Part 47: The Conversion of Narazo Hirano
On the lunar New Year’s Day of 1886, Oyasama mentioned to the people around her:
“I will bring home a great person tomorrow. There is no knowing what workings I will do from this point on by bringing this person home.”
Anecdotes of the Honseki Izo Iburi 66
The following is a translation of an excerpt from the writings of Eitaro Imamura (1894–1969), who held several positions throughout his career as a Honbu-jun’in (senior official of Tenrikyo Church Headquarters), such as superintendent of Aomori, Akita, Iwate, and Wakayama dioceses, president of Doyusha, head of Publications Approval Office, and first head minister of Jibun Branch Church.
66. A Cherry Blossom Viewing in the Honseki’s Front Garden
There is the saying, “Cherry blossoms in full bloom in the third lunar month.” This would fall in early or mid-April according to the Gregorian calendar. Continue reading Anecdotes of the Honseki Izo Iburi 66
58 Selected Writings 1: Tips to Avoid Becoming Upset
The following is a translation of “Hara o tatenai kotsu” by Kuraji Kashiwagi from Ohanashi goju hassen published in 2004 in Japanese by the Tenrikyo Young Men’s Association. Translation originally posted on Tenrikyo Forum on March 12, 2007.
Continue reading 58 Selected Writings 1: Tips to Avoid Becoming Upset
The Footsteps of Our Predecessors 46
The following is a translation of Part 46 of the series “Senjin no sokuseki” (Footsteps of Our Predecessors) from the October 2006 (No. 454) issue of Taimo , pp. 34–35. This translation is a provisional one at the moment and may require further revision.
Part 46: Moved to Tears at Being Saved
Sakujiro Yamada ran a general goods store in Oroshi Village in Minami Muro County, Mie Prefecture. He succumbed to pulmonary tuberculosis, a disease that had no cure at the time. Although he tried everything possible, his condition did not improve. He decided to see a famous doctor in Osaka as a last resort. Sakujiro had Tameshichi Hatabayashi, who was familiar with Osaka and a regular at his store, to accompany him on his trip.
Anecdotes of the Honseki Izo Iburi 65
65. The Honseki’s Playful Side
The Honseki was fond of anything that was joyous. He also went to see local plays from time to time, especially during his later years. He also loved to tell jokes and make people laugh. He liked to pass the time playing Japanese chess and go.
The Footsteps of Our Predecessors 45
The following is a translation of Part 45 of the series “Senjin no sokuseki” (Footsteps of Our Predecessors) from the September 2006 (No. 453) issue of Taimo , pp. 34–35. This translation is a provisional one at the moment and may require further revision.
Part 45: Indigo Ball
In 1879, Bunkichi Nakagawa, who made his living as a dyer in the Honden section of Osaka, succumbed to a sudden illness of the eyes that left him nearly blind. As Bunkichi’s dyeing business was flourishing, he spared no expense on doctors and medicine. He also prayed to the gods and buddhas at various shrines and temples for a full recovery, but there was no sign of any improvement. His illness grew worse and his doctor declared his case as hopeless, saying, “There’s no chance for a full recovery.”
Anecdotes of the Honseki Izo Iburi 64
64. Thoughts on Seeing the “Hermit of the Village”
The following is a recollection of Tojin Okajima (1894–1961), who once was president of the Doyusha, Jihosha, and Yotokusha publishing companies:
“When I was small, I saw the Honseki every now and then with his distinctive topknot, a hairstyle that appears in old ukiyo-e (Japanese woodblock) prints.
End of Omichi no joshiki as a regular feature/Table of Contents
I posted the final entry from my translations of the first half of entries from Omichi no joshiki (a work by Koji Sato sensei) last week, and I’ve decided to end its run as a regular weekly feature. I feel it’s time to move on to other things.
Translations from the second half of Omichi no joshiki will hereafter only be posted on demand. The Table of Contents can be found below, and it includes links to post with translations of entries from the first half.
If you see any entry in the second half that seems interesting, e-mail me at roy@tenrikyology.com and I’ll translate it (if it has not already been done so) and put it up.
I’m planning to move on to something old actually, before beginning a new project. I’ll post translations (some revised) from 58 Selected Writings (Japanese title: Ohanashi goju hassen) that I originally posted on Tenrikyo Forum more than a year ago in the weeks to come.
Continue reading End of Omichi no joshiki as a regular feature/Table of Contents