The body is a thing lent from the Cosmos. The human body is equipped with nine instruments that Oyasama singled out as follows:
(1) Eyes. While we are blessed with two eyes, they provide one working function: vision. Just because we have two eyes does not necessarily mean we are able to see two different things at once. We are given the eyes to distinguish the good from the bad.
(2) Ears. While we are blessed with two ears, they provide one working function: hearing. Just because we have two ears does not necessarily mean we are able to hear two different things at once. We are given the ears to distinguish the good from the bad.
(3) Nose. While we have two nostrils, the nose is a single appendage. We were given the nose to distinguish good odors from bad odors.
(4) Mouth. After our eyes, ears, and nose has distinguished the good from the bad, we must settle the bad in our hearts and ensure that nothing but good comes out of our mouths when we speak to others.
(5) Right arm and hand.
(6) Left arm and hand.
We have two arms/hands that can work separately from each other, thus, they are counted as two separate instruments. We must ensure that our arms/hands are used for legitimate purposes.
(7) Right leg.
(8) Left leg.
We have two legs that work separately, allowing us to walk, thus, they are counted as two separate instruments. We must ensure that we use our legs to take us to legitimate destinations.
(9) Male/Female primary instrument. We must ensure that the primary instrument is used for legitimate purposes.
Ashiki harōte tasuke sekikomu ichiretsu sumashite Kanrodai
(All ills sweep away, to save you I hasten, one and all purified, then Kanrodai)
The third section of the seated service is conducted nine times to express our daily appreciation for the nine instruments of the body.
As long as we consider it a given that we can see with our eyes, hear with our ears, speak through the mouth and use our arms and legs, we lack complete understanding of the true nature of the Cosmos. The reality is, these instruments were lent to us by the Cosmos so that we can live the Joyous Life. May we utilize these instruments for this ultimate purpose.
References
- Arakitoryo 203, 86–8
- Masui Koshiro. Mikagura-uta katari gusa 21–2
- Ono Seiichi. Mikagura-uta nyumon 100