When Izo moved into the Residence, Oyasama said:
“Give all your possessions to others. There is no need for you to bring a single thing. God will provide everything you need at the Residence.”
So Izo gave away most of his possessions. The only items that he brought with him from Ichinomoto were eight sliding doors, ten tray tables, a corner cabinet and 20 layers of bedding.
It has been said that Oyasama began to urge Izo to move into the Residence as early as 1867 or 1868. From about 1875, the year Kokan passed away for rebirth, the Residence increasingly became a busy place and Oyasama’s requests became ever more urgent. Although Izo would verbally accede to Oyasama’s requests, it took many years before he actually carried out this promise. At first it may take us by surprise that Izo, who was so widely known for his sincerity and honesty, would take so long to do so, but truth be told, there were many reasons for this.
Continue reading The Life of the Honseki Izo Iburi, Part Seven
The following is a translation of Part 9 of the series “Senjin no sokuseki” (Footsteps of Our Predecessors) from the September 2003 (No. 417) issue of Taimo, pp. 34–35. Note: This is a tentative translation may require further polishing and revision.
Shirobei Umetani worked as a plasterer in Osaka. He converted to the faith after returning to Jiba for the first time on February 20, 1881, and became a devoted follower. On May 14 of the same year, he received permission to form a confraternity of about 60 followers, which was named “Meishin-gumi.”
Continue reading The Footsteps of Our Predecessors 9
The following is an exerpt from Omichi no joshiki [Tenrikyo Fundamentals] (pp. 27–32) 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.
We often live our lives without thinking twice about our senses of sight, smell, hearing, taste, and ability to speak. Our blood transports the oxygen we breathe to the cells that make up our bones, tendons, and muscles. Our bodies are sustained because our cells are filled with moisture and work to join and support one another. Although we are unconscious and therefore not at all responsible for this process, we nevertheless believe that our bodies belong to us.
Continue reading A Thing Lent, A Thing Borrowed
The following happened shortly after Izo received the Sazuke of Speech in about 1875. After working all day on the construction of the South Gatehouse, he went to bed upon returning home to Ichinomoto. Izo suddenly sat up on his futon in the middle of the night and said, “Separation of husband and wife, separation of husband and wife.”
Sato and the children were shocked and feared that Izo had gone insane. Izo then jumped a distance of about two meters and said: “I live about five ri (20 km) to the east. It is much too sad for me to have to leave behind my five children,” and began weeping before soundly falling back to sleep.
The following is a translation of Part 8 of the series “Senjin no sokuseki” (Footsteps of Our Predecessors) from the August 2003 (No. 416) issue of Taimo, pp. 34–35. Note: This is a tentative translation may require further polishing and revision.
Taemon Yamada was from Koga County in Shiga Prefecture. He heard about God’s teachings for the first time in August 1887 and made a pilgrimage to Jiba that same month. He subsequently aspired to save others. By February 1888, when the 38th Shidokai Confraternity was formed as Taemon as head, he had already helped save 500 people.
Continue reading The Footsteps of Our Predecessors 8
In 1873, Izo followed Oyasama’s directions and made a model of the Kanrodai.
In the following year, Oyasama resumed writing the Ofudesaki after a break of four years. The beginning verses of part three gave instructions for another construction project, the building of the South (Nakaminami) Gatehouse:
At this time, set about quickly to clear away the structure from within the gate.
When you have completed the sweeping, please rope off the ground plan quickly.
Continue reading The Life of the Honseki Izo Iburi, Part Six
The following is an excerpt from Omichi no joshiki [Tenrikyo Fundamentals] (pp. 22–27) 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.
Genjiro Fukaya 深谷源次郎 (the first head minister of Kawaramachi Grand Church 河原町大教会) was a blacksmith in Kyoto. He was by nature an honest man and especially enjoyed anything he found cheerful.
The following is an excerpt from Omichi no joshiki [Tenrikyo Fundamentals] (pp. 19–22) 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.
“Yamada-san, you’re a foolish person.”
Seibei Nishino 西野清兵衞 once said these words to Taemon Yamada 山田太右衞門, to whom he had introduced the faith.
Continue reading Fools are Desired by God
For nearly 20 years, Izo made daily visits to Jiba and was directly instructed in the Tenrikyo teachings by Oyasama. If Izo was even a little late to show up at the usual time, Oyasama would ask Shuji or Kokan,
Do you see Izo-san coming yet?1
Continue reading The Life of the Honseki Izo Iburi, Part Five