Ofudesaki 03:069

Ofudesaki
Author: Miki Nakayama Date Published: 1998 Pages: 486 (English ed.) Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11 Part 12 Part 13 Part 14 Part 15 Part 16 Part 17 unnumbered set

Ofudesaki 03:069 is a verse from the Ofudesaki. The English translation below is the sixth edition translation.

Content

Even until now, there have been teachings, ethical and ancient,	ima made mo shingaku kōki arukeredo	いまゝでも　しんがくこふき　あるけれど
but there has been no one who knows the origin.	moto o shiritaru mono wa nai zo ya	もとをしりたる　ものハないぞや

Alternate English translations

Third Edition

Hitherto there have been the shingaku* and kōki*, but there has been no one who understands the truth of the origin.

Inoue/Eynon

Hitherto, there have been philosophies and ancient records, but there is no one who knows the truth of origin.

Commentary

This section contains translated material that has not yet been subjected to peer-review to check for accuracy and clarity. While the translator(s) have given their best effort to render Japanese text into English, we would like readers to keep in mind that the present translation may require further revising and refining. Any input to improve the present translation is greatly welcomed. Translator(s): Roy Forbes

Ofudesaki chushaku

3:69 Although people talk about teachings ethical and ancient, there is no one who truly understands how this world was formed. *Note: “Teachings, ethical and ancient” (shingaku koki) first refers to the ethics movement known as Shingaku, or “Heart Learning” which was propagated at the time through lay sermons and lectures. “Koki” refers to teachings that were conveyed or recorded in writing from times of old.

『おふでさき註釈』、p. 41 六九、従来とても、心学とか古記とか人々が言うているけれども、この世の成り立ちを本当に了解しているものはあるまい。 註　しんがくは、心学で、当時人々に宣伝せられた心学道話を指す。こふきは、ここでは、古くから言い伝え或は書き記されている事の意。

Commentary by Yoshitaro Ueda (2008)

From Michi no Dai: Foundation of the Path 33:44

The ethical teachings referred to here are concerned with moral or ethical principles intended for ordinary people such as farmers, merchants, and artisans. The ancient teachings—which in the original are called “koki”—come from old writings concerning ancient matters. Oyasama also used the same word in a different context, instructing Her close followers to “compile a divine record.” With regard to that instance, however, the second Shinbashira says in his Koki no kenkyu (A study of the Divine Record) that it seems reasonable to write the word “koki” with characters meaning “oral records.” Yet what verse 69 refers to is the ancient teachings already known to society at large. Thus, the meaning of the verse is that, although even until now there have been teachings on ethical and moral principles intended for ordinary people as well as writings recording ancient matters, there is no one who knows the origin or foundation of all things.

« To previous verse

To next verse »