Ofudesaki 04:016

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 04:016 is a verse from the Ofudesaki. The English translation below is the sixth edition translation.

Content

Knowing nothing, those in high places obey those of Kara.	kami taru wanani mo shirazu ni tōjin o	上たるわ　なにもしらずに　とふぢんを
How pitiful are such minds.	shitagau kokoro kore ga okashii	したがう心　これがをかしい

Alternate English translations

Third Edition

It is ridiculous that because of their ignorance of the truth the upper people follow those who shall understand My teachings later.

Inoue/Eynon

The leaders, in their ignorance, follow in their minds the uninitiated people. This is foolish.

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

4:16 Those in the upper classes who are responsible for leading others know nothing. It is truly pitiful that their hearts obediently follow those who still do not know My teachings. *Note: “Those of Kara” (tojin) refer to those who will hear the teachings next. Consequently it refers to those who still do not understand the divine intention. Refer to notes for 2:47 and 3:86.

『おふでさき註釈』、p. 55–6 一六、上層に在って指導の任に当たっている人々は、何も知らずに未だ親神の教を知らない者をまねて、その言うままに従っているが、その心根は真に不憫である。 註　とふぢんは、次に御教を聞く者。従って、未だ神意を解しない者の意。第二号四七註、第三八六註参照。

Commentary by Yoshitaro Ueda (2008)

From Michi no dai: Foundation of the Path 34:41

The phrase “those of Kara,” as I said before, refers to those who do not yet understand God’s intention or are not in accord with God’s intention. People in positions of authority and power are ignorant and are obeying “those of Kara.” We have encountered the phrase “those in high places” a number of times before. In concrete terms, it refers probably to the government and prefectural authorities, which is to say, the ruling classes. They are obeying those who do not understand God the Parent’s intention or are not in accordance with the divine intention. This situation is absurd. It is also troublesome.

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