162. In Her Children’s Stead (Oya ga kawari ni)
Oyasama usually did not leave the Residence, so it was not likely that Her legs would get tired. But Oyasama now and then said:
“My legs feel heavy.”
Or:
“My legs are tired.”
On such days, without fail, followers returned to Jiba in good spirits. And all of them would say with joy, “We are so blessed that we do not feel tired at all after the long walk up here.” They did not feel tired because Oyasama had taken their fatigue from them and suffered their weariness for them. This She did because of Her love for Her children returning to the Residence, the place of single-hearted devotion to God.
Once, Iye Murata helped to farm the fields of the Residence for several days. Hard though she worked, to her surprise, she did not feel pain in her hands or lower back nor did she feel tired at all. She then told Oyasama, “I am not feeling tired although I have worked hard and long.” Oyasama said:
“Indeed not. But my own legs felt heavy every day while you worked in the fields. Your fatigue had all come to Me.”
Anecdotes of Oyasama, pp. 130–131