Four a.m., New Year’s Day. The sliding doors between the Honseki’s eight-mat bedroom and the hallway are opened. Rin Masui and a seinen (male attendant) enter. The seinen massages the Honseki’s shoulders; Rin Masui his feet. The morning drum signaling everyone to assemble at Church Headquarters sounds.
The fact that the Honseki kept his topknot throughout his life despite the Meiji-era edict that banned the traditional hairstyle is a tale that has been told many times over. This may give the impression that he was old-fashioned, but there was a good reason why the Honseki did so.
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.