Ofudesaki 05:053

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 05:053 is a verse from the Ofudesaki. The English translation below is the sixth edition translation.

Content

Do not wonder what these returns are about.	kono kayashi nanno koto ya to omou nayo	このかやし　なんの事やと　をもうなよ
I shall give returns for both good and evil.	zen aku tomo nimina kayasu de na	せんあくともに　みなかやすてな

Alternate English translations

Third Edition

Never wonder what this return should be! I will give you a return for both good and bad.

Inoue/Eynon

Do not wonder what this reward will be like. Both good and evil shall be given in full measure.

Commentary

Commentary by Yoshitaro Ueda (2009)

From Michi no dai: Foundation of the Path 35:56

It seems to be implied that “these returns” may not be what we think they are. In the original, the Japanese word translated here as “returns” is “kaeshi,” which may evoke a negative emotional reaction when we hear it; its derivatives include “shikaeshi,” which translates as “revenge” or “retaliation.” However, this verse is clear in its emphasis that “both good and evil” will lead to fair returns. Both negative and positive states of mind will be met with commensurate returns, which refer to blessings or workings given by God.

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