Category Archives: Translations

Anecdotes of the Honseki Izo Iburi 58

Honseki: Anecdotes, Translations

58. The Mindset of the Honseki

A commentary by Yoshitaro Hirano (1849–1969) third head minister of Sakai Daikyokai on the Honseki:

A carpenter became a Tenrikyo sensei donning a formal montsuki. There are countless examples of such followers. However, it was Izo Iburi sensei who must be considered to have best embodied the teaching, “By saving a single person, you save tens of thousands.”

The mindset of the Honseki was continuously filled with joy due his practice of tanno. He often went about in a light-hearted manner, saying, “I used to be carpenter.” Outwardly, he spent his life without wearing a single adornment on his body. He was a living example of the proverb that claims a silk brocade of the mind amounts to a silk brocade worn on the body.

(From Ten no jogi p. 79)

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

The Truth That I Do Not Tell and Cannot Tell

Tenrikyo Fundamentals, Translations, ,

The following is an excerpt from Omichi no joshiki [Tenrikyo Fundamentals] (pp. 137–142) by Koji Sato, professor at Tenri University and instructor at Tenri Seminary. Note: This translation is a provisional one at the moment and may require further revision.

The Truth That I Do Not Tell and Cannot Tell

There are times when people are able to understand each other without saying anything out loud. In a majority of cases, it is likely an unspoken agreement to help one another, ala, “You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours.” There is also the Japanese proverb, “The eyes speak as much as the mouth.” Words between lovers can often seem unnecessary.

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The Footsteps of Our Predecessors 38

Footsteps of Our Predecessors, Translations, , ,

The following is a translation of Part 38 of the series “Senjin no sokuseki” (Footsteps of Our Predecessors) from the February 2006 (No. 446) issue of Taimo, pp. 34–35. This translation is a provisional one at the moment and may require further revision.

Part 38: A “Whole” Offering

Kanzo Nakadai was born in 1840 and was the eldest son of Kaneshime Kimuraya, one of the leading fish wholesalers in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, at the time. He converted to the faith when he was 47 years old after Sasuke Uehara spread the fragrance of the teachings to him, which helped him experience a vivid recovery from a physical disorder.

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Anecdotes of the Honseki Izo Iburi 57

Honseki: Anecdotes, Translations

57. A Scene from a New Year’s Day

Four a.m., New Year’s Day. The sliding doors between the Honseki’s eight-mat bedroom and the hallway are opened. Rin Masui and a seinen (male attendant) enter. The seinen massages the Honseki’s shoulders; Rin Masui his feet. The morning drum signaling everyone to assemble at Church Headquarters sounds.

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A Pair of Folding Fans

Tenrikyo Fundamentals, Translations, , ,

The following is an excerpt from Omichi no joshiki [Tenrikyo Fundamentals] (pp. 130–134) by Koji Sato, professor at Tenri University and instructor at Tenri Seminary. Note: This translation is a provisional one at the moment and may require further revision.

A Pair of Folding Fans

Isaburo Masui married Naragiku Nisho in 1876. Oyasama arranged the marriage. They were both from Izushichijo Village, and since they also frequently visited the Residence from a relatively early time, they knew each other quite well. Oyasama proposed the marriage after discerning the sincerity of each.

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The Footsteps of Our Predecessors 37

Footsteps of Our Predecessors, Translations, , , , ,

The following is a translation of Part 37 of the series “Senjin no sokuseki” (Footsteps of Our Predecessors) from the January 2006 (No. 445) issue of Taimo, pp. 34–35. This translation is a provisional one at the moment and may require further revision.

Part 37: Conveying the Teachings through Her Actions

Shinako Takane was born in Yamanashi Prefecture in 1899. When Shinako’s mother was pregnant with her, the nausea was so severe that it endangered her life. The fragrance of the teachings was sprinkled to Shinako’s mother by missionary Sentaro Hattori and she was cured through his efforts. Shinako was guided into the realm of faith through the influence of her mother’s devout faith.

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Work (Hataraki)

Tenrikyo Fundamentals, Translations

The following is an excerpt from Omichi no joshiki [Tenrikyo Fundamentals] (pp. 126–129) by Koji Sato, professor at Tenri University and instructor at Tenri Seminary. Note: This translation is a provisional one at the moment and may require further revision.

Work

There are times when we may ask ourselves as we endure a long commute and toil each day, “What on earth am I working for?” Such a question comes close to home and ranks equal to other fundamental questions such as, “What is the meaning of life?”

Setting aside those who consider their present job as their calling and work each day with enthusiasm, it is possible that it may not be unreasonable for a person who works to provide for their families and make ends meet to consider their occupation as a source of drudgery.

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The Footsteps of Our Predecessors 36

Footsteps of Our Predecessors, Translations, ,

The following is a translation of Part 36 of the series “Senjin no sokuseki” (Footsteps of Our Predecessors) from the December 2005 (No. 444) issue of Taimo, pp. 34–35. This translation is a provisional one at the moment and may require further revision.

Part 36: “I Dedicate My Life”

Genjiro Fukaya, the first head minister of Kawaramachi Daikyokai who was beloved by many as “All’s well Gen-san” was born in Kyoto in 1834. Members of the Fukuya household had been blacksmiths for many generations, and reputation of Genjiro’s craftsmanship had even reached all the way to Nagoya.

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