The Story of the Beginning 33: Welcoming Descent
The rhythmic chanting of sutras led by Issui and the other monks
The common people joined in as well
Putting their hands together, raising their voices together, and uniting their hearts
Even though it had been going on for a day and a night, the voices showed no sign of
faltering, growing only louder
Among them were the so-called beggars who had lost their family registers, but
they participated by helping out or offering whatever they could
Michikaze says to the snake
Look, the Bodhisattva Manjusri has also come in disguise
Surely the Heavenly Emperor is watching from the heavens, too
The apostles are fine
They can mingle with others in human form
That has its own hardships, though
Michikaze, who has changed his form many times to come to earth, says with philosophical detachment
But I can never get used to the partings
Is it time?
Michikaze said that while looking at the western sky
Illuminated by the setting sun in the west
The clouds are dyed in shades of purple
The sound of the sutras ripples pleasantly like water
Everyone is not clashing now
But drifting and swaying gently
Michikaze, regarding that matter, I leave it entirely to you
The snake gazed dazzlingly at Issui on the other side of the bank
It shed its old skin and vanished from sight
The 'thoughts' of everyone offered while chanting this Namu Amida Butsu
I will swallow them all and take them to the heavens
It swallowed the 'thoughts' as if taking a deep, long breath
Everyone's thoughts
Were light, overflowing with the simple joy of spending this moment together
The snake's body swelled larger and larger with everyone's thoughts
And then it slowly began to float up into the sky
The iridescent clouds are the clouds that reach the heavens where the Buddha descends
Issui's mission was also part of the heavenly plan
Do not look back; if I look back, I will fall due to my own heavy thoughts
Facing upward, it ascended higher and higher as if drifting through water
Issui possessed a mysterious power that allowed him to communicate with the snake
Though it had vanished from sight, he felt the snake swallowing everyone's thoughts
And heading toward the heavens, he looked up at the sky
As if to shake off the loneliness of the presence fading away
He turned his eyes back to the surface of the Kamo River
A ray of the setting sun pierced through, making it sparkle
Even if it is not in the sky
Everyone is also like the sparkling water
He remembers the gentle eyes of the Buddha statue
I wonder if I am reflecting that in my own eyes
There is still more to come, Issui thought
Chapter 2: This Person - End -
- Side Story of This Person -
250 years later, a Buddhist sculptor appeared who wished to capture everyone's likeness.
Among Saneyori's belongings, a painting of Priest Issui wandering the city and two glowing orbs were discovered.
Moved by the book that recorded his charity, the sculptor created a single statue.
He placed the glowing orbs into its eyes.
It is a statue that continues to captivate even after nearly 1,000 years.
I am sure Issui will appear vivid and alive before your eyes.
There is still one more chapter (though I think it will end there).
To be continued.
Thank you for your continued support.