Ofudesaki 04:106
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Contents
Content
| No matter what people say about things already seen, if what is | ika hodo ni mietaru koto o yūta tote | いかほどに みゑたる事を ゆうたとて |
| said is not seen in the future, perhaps there is no understanding. | saki de mieneba wakari arumai | さきでみゑねは わかりあるまい |
Alternate English translations
Third Edition
However minutely one can explain things which are already visible, if one’s words are not realized in the future, one cannot be said to know everything.
Inoue/Eynon
However rational the teachings may appear, unless you can foresee their results, you will remain ignorant.
Commentary
Ofudesaki chushaku
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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 |
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4:106 No matter how great one’s understanding may be about present things, one cannot say one truly understands anything unless what one everything says appears in the future. |
『おふでさき註釈』、p. 68 一〇六、どれ程現在の事を偉そうに言うてみても、言うた事が先で現れて来ないようでは本当に物事が分かっているとはいえまい。 |
Commentary by Yoshitaro Ueda (2009)
From Michi no dai: Foundation of the Path 34:62
A while ago, we looked at the idea that what is called “learning” explains things that are outward and superficial. The verse here says that no matter how much is said about tangible things, that does not mean much. Demonstrating genuine knowledge requires saying things that are yet unseen and that will come true.
In fact, one of the criteria of science is its power of prediction. Not only is it necessary to be able to make predictions, but the predictions need to come true. A standard for evaluating truth is verifiability. At any rate, the Ofudesaki is talking about something similar. The reason God can tell in advance about things that are yet unseen but will come true is that God knows truth. Knowing truth, God is able to make such predictions. Truth here refers to the underlying principle that is behind all things and events and that governs them all. This has nothing in common with baseless claims to be able to prophesy what will happen and when. It is through knowledge of truth that God can say what will happen and how it will unfold. Such are God’s predictions.
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