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In Ghostly Japan
33.—Iwashi[1] no atama mo shinjin kara.
Even the head of an iwashi, by virtue of faith, [will have power to save, or heal].
34.—Jigō-jitoku.[2]
The fruit of one’s own deeds [in a previous state of existence].
35.—Jigoku dé hotoké.
Like meeting with a Buddha in hell.[3]
- ↑ The iwashi is a very small fish, much resembling a sardine. The proverb implies that the object of worship signifies little, so long as the prayer is made with perfect faith and pure intention.
- ↑ Few popular Buddhist phrases are more often used than this. Jigō signifies one’s own acts or thoughts; jitoku, to bring upon oneself,—nearly always in the sense of misfortune, when the word is used in the Buddhist way. “Well, it is a matter of Jigō-jitoku,” people will observe on seeing a man being taken to prison; meaning, “He is reaping the consequence of his own faults.”
- ↑ Refers to the joy of meeting a good friend in time of misfortune. The above is an abbreviation. The full proverb is, Jigoku dé hotoké ni ōta yo da.
of life, and classes as living things (Ujō) all forms having sentiency. The proverb, however,—as the use of the word “soul” (tamashii) implies,—reflects popular belief rather than Buddhist philosophy. It signifies that any life, however small or mean, is entitled to mercy.
