52. Learn the Koto*
In 1877, Oyasama told Tomegiku Tsuji, who was then eight years old:
“Learn to play the koto.”
But her father, Chusaku, ignored the instruction, saying, “As we are farmers, she does not need to learn to play the koto.”
After several days, Chusaku developed a large boil on his right arm. He reflected on his condition and realized that he should have his daughter learn to play the koto. So he made up his mind and went to Koriyama to buy a koto.
While he was talking with the shopkeeper at the music shop, the boil on his right arm burst and the pain stopped completely. He realized that this indeed had been God’s intention. Carrying a big koto on his shoulder with the arm which had hurt until shortly before, he went home in high spirits.
* Koto: a thirteen-stringed long zither which is plucked with picks. This instrument is one of the women’s instruments used in the performance of the Service.
Anecdotes of Oyasama, pp. 45–46
9. According to the Parents’ Minds
Toward the middle of July 1863, when Yoshimatsu, the eldest son of Chusaku Tsuji, was four years old, his face became pale and he was in danger of death. Oryu, Chusaku’s mother, came to pray, carrying her sick grandchild on her back. Oyasama saw them and said:
“His parents should bring him instead.”
So Masu, Chusaku’s wife, carrying the boy on her back, came to pray.
“I will save the child according to the parents’ minds,”
was the teaching of Oyasama. The boy was completely restored to health in four or five days.
Anecdotes of Oyasama, p. 5
Continue reading Blogging Anecdotes of Oyasama 9
The following is an excerpt from Omichi no joshiki [Tenrikyo Fundamentals] (pp. 137–142) by Koji Sato, professor at Tenri University and instructor at Tenri Seminary. Note: This translation is a provisional one at the moment and may require further revision.
The Truth That I Do Not Tell and Cannot Tell
There are times when people are able to understand each other without saying anything out loud. In a majority of cases, it is likely an unspoken agreement to help one another, ala, “You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours.” There is also the Japanese proverb, “The eyes speak as much as the mouth.” Words between lovers can often seem unnecessary.
Continue reading The Truth That I Do Not Tell and Cannot Tell