55. Kokyu, Kokyu*
In 1877, Naraito Ueda, then fifteen years old, happened to be back at her parents’ home in Sonowara Village when her body began to sway for no apparent reason and would not stop. Her father and elder brother tried hard to hold her still but their efforts were in vain. Instead, their bodies also began to sway as they tried to stop her. So Naraito’s father took her to the Residence and inquired of Oyasama about it. Oyasama said:
“Kokyu, kokyu.”
The moment Naraito answered, “Yes,” her swaying stopped.
In this way, Naraito started to take lessons on the kokyu from Oyasama and subsequently took part in the Service.
* Kokyu: a three-stringed instrument played with a bow in a vertical position.
Anecdotes of Oyasama, p. 47–48