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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 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.