Ofudesaki 02:040

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 02:040 is a verse from the Ofudesaki. The English translation below is the sixth edition translation.

Content

I can see fire and water in the high mountains.	takayama ni hi to mizu to ga miete aru	高山に　火と水とが　みへてある
Can you not see this with your own eyes?	tare ga mē ni mokore ga mien ka	たれがめへにも　これがみへんか

Alternate English translations

Third Edition

On the high mountains, fire and water are coming into sight. Can you not see them with your own eyes?

Inoue/Eynon

I can see Fire and Water amongst the people in high places. Can none of you see them with your own eyes?

Commentary

Sixth edition note

2:40 As taught that fire and water are the prime providences of God, “fire and water” mean the blessing of God the Parent; especially, they are the manifestation of the infinite power of God the Parent.

Ofudesaki chushaku

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

2:40 People, do you not realize that those who are in high positions are unaware (lack the knowledge?) of this providence of Oyagami? *Note: As we are taught that fire and water are primary aspects of God’s providence, “fire and water” here refers to Oyagami’s providence or protection. It especially refers to the manifestations of Oyagami’s absolute power. “Fire” refers to the fire of a lamp, body warmth, as well as a fire disaster. “Water” refers to drinking water, rain, moisture within the body, as well as tsunamis.

『おふでさき註釈』、p. 26 四〇、上に立つ人々にも親神の守護が分かりかけているのに、人々にはこれが分からんのであるか。 註　火と水は、「火と水とは一の神」と教えられているように、親神さんの御守護を意味し、又、特に親神様の絶大なお力を現実にお表し下さるを言う。 火とは燈火も火、体温も火、火災も火である。 水とは飲用水も水、雨も水、身体の水気も水、つなみも水である。

Commentary by Yoshitaro Ueda (2008)

From Michi no dai: Foundation of the Path 32:54

The phrase “high mountains” means those in positions of authority and power. The words “fire” and “water” refer to the workings of Omotari-no-Mikoto and Kunitokotachi-no-Mikoto respectively — the two foremost aspects of God’s complete providence. The verse says that such workings of God are shown or about to be shown in the high mountains and asks if any humans are aware of this. The historical backdrop for this verse, I think, may include the fact that the dust had yet to fully settle in the aftermath of the Meiji Restoration.

« To previous verse

To next verse »