Anecdotes of Oyasama 142

Anecdotes of Oyasama
Author: Various authors Date Published: 1976 Pages: 159 (English ed.) Anecdotes Index

Anecdotes of Oyasama 142 presents the contents of "Narrowness Holds the Promise of Joy," a selection from Anecdotes of Oyasama, published by Tenrikyo Church Headquarters in 1976. The content below appears on page 115 of the print edition.

Text: English translation and original Japanese

142. Narrowness Holds the Promise of Joy This is a story about Genjiro Fukaya, who had an undying gratitude for the teachings. He grew more spirited in his devotion as he walked over the land spreading the teachings and healing the sick. In those days, Genjiro had no spare clothes, no charcoal for the fire, nor even food for the day. Despite such narrow circumstances, he often returned to Jiba. Oyasama always said to him: "Narrowness such as this holds the promise of joy. You should not be dissatisfied because things are yet small. As virtue is accumulated, small things grow great. Even a large pine tree was once small. Be happy with what is small. In the future, a great promising bud will sprout."

一四二　狭いのが楽しみ 深谷源次郎が、なんでもどうでもこの結構な教を弘めさせて頂かねば、と、ますます勇んであちらこちらとにをいがけにおたすけにと歩かせて頂いていた頃の話。当時、源次郎は、もう着物はない、炭はない、親神様のお働きを見せて頂かねば、その日食べるものもない、という中を、心を倒しもせずに運ばして頂いていると、教祖はいつも、 「狭いのが楽しみやで。小さいからというて不足にしてはいかん。小さいものから理が積もって大きいなるのや。松の木でも、小さい時があるのやで。小さいのを楽しんでくれ。末で大きい芽が吹くで。」 と、仰せ下された。

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• Blogging Anecdotes of Oyasama, no. 142, Tenrikyology.com