Category Archives: Translations

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.

The Footsteps of Our Predecessors 15

Footsteps of Our Predecessors, Translations, ,

The following is a translation of Part 15 of the series “Senjin no sokuseki” (Footsteps of Our Predecessors) from the March 2004 (No. 423) issue of Taimo, pp. 34–35. This translation is tentative and may require further revision.

Part 15: A Miraculous Voyage (2 of 2)

Previously, Captain Fukuzo Kawachi was on a voyage on the Kitamaebune shipping route between Osaka and Hokkaido when he saw a dream of God telling him to “Steer your ship into the open sea.” He continued to advance his ship into the open sea amid various difficulties, and his belief in God led him to persuade his crew that the winds were sure to come if they did so.

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Nurturing Our Youth

Tenrikyo Fundamentals, Translations, , , ,

The following is an excerpt from Omichi no joshiki [Tenrikyo Fundamentals] (pp. 52–58) by Koji Sato (佐藤浩司), assistant professor at Tenri University and instructor at Tenri Seminary. Note: This translation is tentative and may require further revision.

Nurturing Our Youth

In the 1950s, a dashing young actor appeared on the Hollywood movie scene and touched a chord with young audiences with his portrayal of an adolescent rebelling against the establishment and its sense of values. This was of course none other than James Dean in East of Eden and Rebel Without a Cause, which have since become classic films. Continue reading Nurturing Our Youth →

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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The Footsteps of Our Predecessors 14

Footsteps of Our Predecessors, Translations, , , ,

The following is a translation of Part 14 of the series “Senjin no sokuseki” (Footsteps of Our Predecessors) from the February 2004 (No. 422) issue of Taimo, pp. 34–35. This translation is tentative and may require further revision.

Part 14: A Miraculous Voyage (1 of 2)

In 1875, a Tenrikyo confraternity named Shinjin-gumi was formed in Sangenya Village, Osaka, with Ichijiro Hakata as its head. Ichijiro Hakata frequented ships and had a small business of selling items to sailors on the Kitamaebune shipping routes. Continue reading The Footsteps of Our Predecessors 14 →

Transmitting the Path from a Young Age

Tenrikyo Fundamentals, Translations

The following is an excerpt from Omichi no joshiki [Tenrikyo Fundamentals] (pp. 47–52) by Koji Sato (佐藤浩司), assistant professor at Tenri University and instructor at Tenri Seminary. Note: This translation is tentative and may require further revision.

Transmitting the Path from a Young Age

We have the tendency to think that it is easier to convey the faith from parent to child than it is to convey them to an utter stranger. Yet in reality, this is not such an easy task because the minds of every parent and child are different, as God gave each of us the freedom to use our mind as we wish.

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The Life of the Honseki Izo Iburi, Part Twelve

Life of the Honseki, Translations, , , , ,

The Final Osashizu

The history of the path until 1907

Once Tenrikyo obtained legal status in 1888, followers who burned with the conviction they were being protected by God the Parent and the everliving Oyasama began to spread Her message of universal salvation as far and wide as they could. By the 10th Anniversary of Oyasama in 1896, there were over 1,200 churches spread throughout every prefecture of Japan with the exception of Okinawa.

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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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The Footsteps of Our Predecessors 13

Footsteps of Our Predecessors, Translations, , , ,

The following is a translation of Part 13 of the series “Senjin no sokuseki” (Footsteps of Our Predecessors) from the January 2004 (No. 421) issue of Taimo, pp. 34–35. This translation is tentative and may require further revision.

Part 13: “With a Flag Flying”

In January 1884, Kunisaburo Moroi made his third pilgrimage after his conversion, bringing ten people along with him. The group left Enshu (western Shizuoka) on January 21.

On the way Kunisaburo had a sudden idea in Toyohashi. He bought four feet (1.2 meters) of cotton sheeting and made a flag with a red sun and the characters “Tenrin-O-kosha” 天輪王講社 (Tenrin-O Confraternity) in the middle with the words “Totomi-kuni Shinmei-gumi” (Shinmei-gumi of Totomi Province) on the side. He led the group with this flag flying the rest of the way heading to Jiba.

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