The following is a translation of an excerpt from the writings of Eitaro Imamura (1894–1969), who held several positions throughout his career as a Honbu-jun’in (senior official of Tenrikyo Church Headquarters), such as superintendent of Aomori, Akita, Iwate, and Wakayama dioceses, president of Doyusha, head of Publications Approval Office, and first head minister of Jibun Branch Church.
Tag Archives: playfulness
Anecdotes of the Honseki Izo Iburi 65
65. The Honseki’s Playful Side
The Honseki was fond of anything that was joyous. He also went to see local plays from time to time, especially during his later years. He also loved to tell jokes and make people laugh. He liked to pass the time playing Japanese chess and go.
Anecdotes of the Honseki Izo Iburi 63
63. Dancing in the Dead of Night
The Osashizu (Divine Directions) mentioned from time to time that the Honseki was like a three-year-old child. The truth of these words may not be readily apparent, but the story of someone who stayed at the Honseki’s residence one night gives credence to God’s words.
Anecdotes of the Honseki Izo Iburi 22
22. Hanging in a Basket
Izo also did forestry work on top of farming. One time, when he went to the hills of Toyoda with Yosaburo Miyamori and Naokichi Takai, Izo playfully suggested, “Yosaburo, won’t you carry Naokichi and me with that basket you’re holding?”
Continue reading Anecdotes of the Honseki Izo Iburi 22
Anecdotes of the Honseki Izo Iburi 6
6. “Even the Buddha Loses at Gambling”
Izo always sang the following song while doing carpentry work:
“Even Shakyamuni (the Buddha) loses at gambling; he is completely naked on the eighth day of the fourth month (his birthday).”
Anecdotes of the Honseki Izo Iburi 3
3. Izo’s Sandal Stew
Izo had a playful side to him. One of the stories that prove this is “Izo’s Sandal Stew.” One night he gathered with his young colleagues for a night of fun. They played a traditional game known as yamijiru, or night stew. In this game, each person adds an ingredient to a simmering stew pot in the dark. Because each person is unaware of what the others have brought, there is no knowing what is in the stew when a lamp or candle is lit and everyone begins eating.