Pathway to Japanese Literature

Preface

Some time ago, when I climbed Mount Hiei, descended to Sakamoto, and wandered along the shores of Lake Biwa while gazing about, there was at a temple—whether it was called Ryōgan-ji or Nagara-dera—a thing known as “Genbei’s Skull,” where an explainer recounted the karmic circumstances of martyrdom.
Since the tale itself was already dramatic in nature, I conceived the idea of adapting it into a play. As I later paid attention while investigating in due course, I found fragments of it appearing here and there as legend.
Having now found the opportunity, I compiled them here.
In the legends, Miidera Temple plays a far more villainous role, but I toned it down here to a more moderate portrayal.

Kabuki’s dramatic technique possesses a principle-based expressionism in its plot development and dialogue rhythms, making it an exceptionally useful method depending on the context.

It would be a shame to let them perish.
In this play, I have made considerable use of it.

Time

November 1479 (Bunmei era) [Late Muromachi period]

Place

Ōmi Province, southeastern shore of Lake Biwa

Characters

Rennyo Shōnin: The eighth patriarch of Jōdo Shinshū Buddhism after its founder Shinran Shōnin, and the great monk who revived the sect.
He was the author of what people called the Ofumi.
He was sixty-nine years old.

Takehara no Sachikobō: An attendant monk who constantly accompanied the Venerable Master.

Katata no Gen'emon: Leader of the fishermen in Katata-no-ura.
He was sixty-two years old.
He had some samurai blood.

Genbei: Gen'emon's son.
Twenty-three years old.

Osaki: Gen'emon's wife.
Fifty-four years old.

Okumi—an orphaned maid, formerly the daughter of a respectable family, betrothed to Genbei.
Eighteen years old.

Enmyō Ajari, chief priest of Miidera Temple.

Miidera Temple's monks and acolytes—a multitude.

In addition, many men and women from the village adherents.

Act 1

(A back road near Oiwake on the Yamashina Highway.
Winter was approaching, and the fields lay barren.
Here and there, the green of radish leaves dotted the landscape with color.
The miscellaneous trees along the ridge had shed all their leaves, their treetops rustling in the wind alongside the bamboo thicket.
The background of the lower area showed the Yamashina Highway bordered by rows of pine trees and dotted hamlets of Inamura.
In the upper area could be seen a newly dug dry moat, an earthen wall under construction, and beyond them, the ridge of the hipped-roof Mieidō Hall.
The raw wood grain of the new construction stood out starkly from the surrounding scenery.
Having consumed over fifty pillars, the ridge of this structure stood as a considerable edifice for such turbulent times.
The path leading from the hanamichi through the stage to beside the Mieidō Hall's wall—newly constructed to transport building materials—was slightly wider than a village road, its surface lying in disarray with footprints trampled haphazardly by people and grooves carved by cart wheels.
Small leftover timber and foundation stones were also piled up in that area.
In the distance, the mountain peaks beyond Shibuya Pass were darkened by the backlight of sunset.)

Curtain rises.

A group of local devotees—men and women assisting with construction—emerged in a bustling manner from stage right and entered toward stage left.
Three or four among them placed the scrap lumber they had casually carried there, dusted off the dirt from their bodies, adjusted their clothing, and finished up their work.

Devotee 1: “Well now, with this, the work on the Mieidō Hall is completely finished.”
“Starting tomorrow, since we’re short on hands for the earthen wall, we’ll move over to help there, eh?”

Devotee 2: “Aye, aye. Once we find any spots that’re short-handed, we’ll dive right in. If we don’t get everything proper built up by the eve of Shinran Shōnin’s Memorial Service come month’s end, our men won’t hold their heads high.”

“Our men don’t matter one bit,” said Devotee 3. “As long as the congregation has one proper man to stand up, that’s all we need.”

“Well, that’s true enough,” Devotee 2 replied. “As long as the congregation has one proper man to stand up, that’s all that’s needed. After all, I’m one of those men too. But ever since the mausoleum at Ōtani was burned down by the masses of Mount Hiei ten years back, our great leader—the Venerable Master—has endured great hardships in Kaga, Echizen, and the coastal regions. To put it harshly, he’s been making the rural rounds. At long last, the time has come around, and here in Yamashina near the capital, we’ve rebuilt the hall. This here means the whole congregation’s got a proper man to stand up!”

“Now that the hall stands so splendidly,” said Devotee 4, “if we don’t soon bring back Shinran Shōnin’s sacred portrait from within and have it properly enshrined where it belongs, everything feels oddly incomplete.”
“After all, there’s such a thing as crafting a Buddha statue but leaving it unconsecrated.”

Devotee 1 nodded. “Who knows how much more our ancestor-honoring Venerable Master desires this than us lot. When he withdrew to the northern provinces ten years back and left it entrusted to Miidera Temple, they’ve been negotiating earnestly all this while—yet retrieving it remains beyond reach.”

“That’s the first I’ve heard of this. Why won’t they return it? In the first place, isn’t it ours? Are they demanding interest on top of that?”

“I don’t know the particulars, but they say it’s some tangled demand.”
“And so they say even the Venerable Master faces considerable hardship.”
“But there’s no sense in us stewing over such things.”
“Responsibilities are divided—throwing ourselves into our portion of temple construction is the finest service we can render Amida Buddha.”
“Ah now—look how dark it’s grown while we’ve been talking.”
“Come on then, off we go—tomorrow’s another dawn start.”

Devotee 2: “Outrageous—those Miidera curs refusing to return the Sacred Portrait!”
“Why won’t they hand it back?”
“That was always ours from the start…”

“Well now, we’ve no cause for worry.”
“Let’s go, let’s go.”

(The group exits toward stage left.)

From the hanamichi, Okumi emerged carrying a bundle wrapped in a furoshiki cloth and dressed in her inn-stay attire.
(Her burdened expression.)

“Ah, I’m so anxious—so anxious!”
This way my once-a-year leave from service was being completely ruined.
If I went to see the Venerable Master—the Venerable Master was not there.
Lord Genbei was just the same.
All day long—running here and there.
What an ill-omened day this was.
I was already completely exhausted.

(Coming to the lumber pile, she sat on one of the logs, propped her cheek on her knee with a sigh, and unconsciously turned to gaze at the Mieidō Hall’s roof ridge.
Startled, she pressed her hands together in prayer.)

“I must not forget that matter.”
“I must not forget that matter.”
(When uttering these words in the cadence of nenbutsu chanting) Ah, what had I done—letting my heart burn with wrath’s flames again, nearly resenting the precious Venerable Master.
“I must not forget that matter.”
“I must not forget that matter.”
Even the Venerable Master must desire to reside permanently in this splendidly completed hall—yet from what I heard, he was occupied with various official matters. He would not neglect those duties just to wait here for me alone.
This absence was only natural.
But regarding Mr. Genbei—this frustration simply wouldn’t subside.
I had specifically taken my once-a-year leave today and informed him well in advance of my visit...
When I went home, only Mother was there, dazed.
Even when I had stood waiting at the base of that Oiwake Pine where we met before my service began, what I took to be him were mere phantoms.
His true form never came at all—or perhaps Mr. Genbei had had a change of heart—if by some chance that were so, what should I do?
Oh, again I was worrying needlessly.
“I must not forget that matter.”
“I must not forget that matter.”
If I could resign myself to karmic timing, that would settle things—but...
Even as I spoke these words, this desire to meet him... Ah well—perhaps today I should abandon seeing the Venerable Master and devote all efforts to meeting Mr. Genbei.
The Venerable Master might be my teacher, but at root he’s a stranger; Mr. Genbei is my husband.

“If I go without meeting Mr. Genbei, this heart of mine will surely burn to ashes.”

(Okumi, having resolved herself, straightened up resolutely.)
Unnoticed, Rennyo Shōnin had emerged from upstage with his disciple Takehara no Sachikobō as his sole attendant and been observing the situation, but the moment Okumi stood up, the Venerable Master stepped forward.

“Okumi, you should go meet Genbei rather than me.”
“I’m just a grubby old man, you see.”

(Okumi, startled, then realizing it was Rennyo Shōnin, abruptly prostrated herself.)

“Oh! Venerable Master.”
“I am so ashamed I cannot even lift my face.”
“You’re so wicked, Venerable Master.”
“To think you’d go and eavesdrop like that!”

“Ha, ha, ha, ha! Now, there’s no need to be so ashamed.”
“Love too is bound by karmic causality.”
“I will neither encourage you nor stand in your way.”
“But what you must never forget is the Six-Character Name.”

(Okumi rose and pressed her hands together in prayer.)

“Your compassion seeps into my very bones until my body feels it might drift away.”
“Yet because I cannot chant that Sacred Name, I resolved to seek an audience with you just once, Venerable Master—to receive your guidance—and so I have searched everywhere.”

“Hmm, that is most unfortunate indeed. Could it be you’ve suffered a loss of faith?”

“It’s not a matter of backsliding at all! An only child orphaned by both parents’ death—the nenbutsu is both my parents’ remains and my protection in this fleeting world. How could I possibly refrain from chanting it? Moreover, the master at the household where I was taken in despises nenbutsu—even if I say ‘Namu,’ he glares and clicks his tongue. Even if I tried to leave my position, there’s nowhere for me to go. My master raised me with kindness, yet I cannot bring myself to neglect chanting the Sacred Name. Caught between obligation and Dharma, when I cannot chant the nenbutsu, I say: ‘I must not forget that matter.’ ‘I must not forget that matter.’ By speaking thus, I have made it my way of accounting to Amida Buddha and a vow to my own heart. When I say ‘that matter,’ it of course refers to faith. Yet even as I chant thus, the karmic fate that compels me to utter such hollow words—the sinful obstructions of being a woman—fills me with such terror I can scarcely bear it. Venerable Master, I implore you—can even something like these hollow words serve as a substitute for the nenbutsu? Would I be excluded from Buddha’s salvation? Please teach me that.”

(Rennyo Shōnin wiped away tears incessantly.)

“Oh! They can serve as a substitute for the nenbutsu—they can indeed!”
“Lady Okumi.”
“Since Buddha, through His wisdom and insight, perceives all matters with perfect clarity, He will thoroughly discern the circumstances behind your substitute words for the Nenbutsu—not only accepting them as equivalent to the Nenbutsu itself but also ensuring you are now counted among those in the Rightly Established Stage, with Rebirth in the Pure Land beyond all doubt.”
“Even as a woman, you are one splendid fellow practitioner!”

“Then even ‘I must not forget that matter’ will suffice?”

“In your case alone, there is no issue.”
“Chant it with peace of mind.”

“Ah! Such grace and honor! From this day forth, I shall endure any harsh service or trying duty.”
“♪I must not forget that matter.”
“♪I must not forget that matter.”
“♪I must not forget that matter.”
“I will be allowed to chant it countless times.”

(Pressing her hands together in prayer, she bowed to Rennyo.)

Rennyo (receiving her bow with hands pressed together in prayer): “However, Lady Okumi.”
“Even ‘I must not forget that matter’ would pose no issue.”
“It poses no issue, but in admonishing your own heart through your own power by saying ‘I must not forget,’ there still lingers an attachment to self-effort.”
“This phrase, ‘I cannot forget that matter,’ not only manifests the faith bestowed by Amida but also bears the visage of rejoicing in the Primal Vow—indeed, it aligns perfectly with our school’s path of easy practice.”
“Then go forth and chant it just so!”

“Is it ‘I cannot forget that matter’?”
“Is it ‘I cannot forget that matter’?”
“I don’t know why, but to me, it feels truly precious.”
“Since I have received the Venerable Master’s proof, I am now at ease.”
“Then, with this as a souvenir, I will return cheerfully to my master’s house.”
“Then farewell.”
“Venerable Master.”

“Now wait a moment, Okumi – have you not forgotten one more thing?”

“Hmm… The thing I’ve forgotten…?”

“Now, what was it you’ve forgotten?”

“What matter do you speak of?”

“For you, rebirth in the next life has been assured.”
“But is it truly acceptable for you to depart this world without meeting your dearly beloved?”

“Oh! In my gratitude for your boundless compassion, I had somehow forgotten all about Mr. Genbei.”
“But when I think back on it, I simply must meet Mr. Genbei—Venerable Master, you are quite the mischievous one.” (Again appearing bashful)

“Genbei is scheduled to come to the hall and will be arriving along this path.”
“I am a monk.”
“I cannot provide guidance in matters of love.”
“However, there’s no need to forcibly keep you unaware of the one person making their way here alone.”
“He will come soon.”
“Well then, handle it as you see fit.”
“I shall take my leave here.”

“For your thoughtful consideration in all things—I am so grateful that tears spill forth.”

“Then live earnestly.”

(Rennyo set off.)
Takehara no Sachikobō, his attendant, followed behind him.
(Rennyo caught sight of the torch held by Sachikobō.)

“Now, now, Sachikobō.”

“Yes?”

“There’s enough moonlight tonight—torches won’t be necessary.”
“Discard them over there.”
“Including the flint pouch.”

“Out of the question! The sky has grown quite overcast—I cannot part with torches in this darkness.”

“No, the moonlight suffices.”
“This moonlight could count every ant’s burrow.”
“I said no torches are needed!”

“But…”

Rennyo (glancing toward Okumi): “Sachikobō, do you defy your master’s command? Enough! I told you to discard the torch!”

Sachikobō (finally comprehending the meaning): “Ha! Ha! Ha! So it was the moonlight after all! This is a grave discourtesy indeed! Then I shall dispose of them at once!”

(Sachikobō threw the torch and flint pouch toward Okumi.)
(Okumi was overcome with tears of gratitude.)

“There, that should do.”
(Looking up at the sky) “My, this moonlight is so bright. Venerable Master, please watch your step.”

“What strange turn of events Sachikobō speaks of… ……… Yet this world is a harsh place.”
“Okumi has her hardships, and I have mine.”
“The three realms are without peace—they are like a burning house. Only the Nenbutsu is the means to transcend this world.”
“Come, let us go.” (holding back tears)

“Namu Amida Butsu, Namu Amida Butsu.”

“Come, let us go.”

(Okumi watched their retreating figures, pressed her palms together in prayer, and the curtain fell.)

Act II

(Center stage: Gen'emon's dwelling.
A plank roof layered with oyster shells, pillars riddled with shipworm holes—though weathered by sea winds, this dwelling stood slightly larger than the average fisherman’s house in the area, befitting the home of a fishing boss.
In the garden stood several tide-stained pine trees.
At the base [of the pines], nets and fish baskets lay scattered.
At the upper end of the garden stood a mere partition fence, with withered autumn grasses that grew in wild disarray.
From about five or six *ken* past the small decayed gate lay the shoreline of Katata Bay.
Hauled-up fishing boat sterns could be seen here and there in the distance.

In the background, Ukimido Pavilion was visible.
It was a dark night, but because moonlight occasionally streamed through gaps in the clouds, these scenes were visible.
At the front of the tatami room stood a splendid Buddhist altar that seemed out of place in the dilapidated house, where Venerable Master Rennyo sat in formal posture, with Gen'emon and his wife Osaki positioned facing him at a slight distance, their postures humble.
Rennyo Shōnin’s disciple Takehara no Sachikobō sat on the veranda edge.

Gen’emon: “For the Venerable Master himself to come to such a dilapidated house at this late hour—Gen’emon is overwhelmed by this divine favor.”

“Now, now—even I do not go about putting on such airs all the time. Depending on the circumstances, I will go anywhere at any time, I tell you. This, too, embodies the very essence of our school’s Easy Practice, you see.”

Gen’emon: “I am deeply honored. As for the matter you require—”

“Gen’emon.”
“Have you heard any rumors regarding the Sacred Portrait of the Founder Saint?”

Gen’emon: “That is precisely the matter.”
“Just now, we were talking about it—my wife and I—and gritting our teeth in frustration.”
“According to Miidera Temple’s terms, if those of the Monto sect wish to retrieve the Sacred Portrait of the Founder Saint, they must present two severed heads.”
“I heard rumors that they would hand it over in exchange for those.”
“Venerable Master, is that true?”

“Since you already know, there’s no use hiding it.”
“Miidera’s terms are exactly as you say.”

Gen’emon: “I thought it couldn’t be true as I listened… But is it truly so?”
“Though they say this is an age of chaos, demanding human severed heads as the price of exchange…”
“This can only be taken as them making impossible demands with no intention of returning the Sacred Portrait.”

Osaki: “For a monk—one who has left worldly life—to demand human heads... This can only be demons’ doing.”

Rennyo: “There must lie some deeper reason behind this.”
“Gen’emon—I have an entreaty regarding this matter. Will you hear it?”

Gen’emon: “To this humble one—a mere speck among your fellow devotees—how could I refuse a personal plea from the Venerable Master himself?”
“…………Yet coming from your compassionate lips, Venerable Master, these terms feel harshly spoken.”
“Might this lowly servant instead voice what must be proposed?”

Rennyo: “Hohoho. What conclusion have you reached? Well, let’s hear it.”

Gen’emon (glancing around, leaning forward, lowering his voice): “Venerable Master… This request of yours—it must be that you wish this humble one to procure two severed heads as the price of exchange for Miidera Temple.”

Rennyo (extending his hand in surprise): “Gen’emon.”
“You must not jump to conclusions!”
“I came here to charge you with restraining any such misguided souls who might attempt to procure severed heads—if indeed such individuals exist in these parts.”
“Preposterous!”

Gen'emon (with an odd expression): “What?”
“So... it’s about being the restrainer, you say?”

Osaki: “The eve of the Founder Saint’s memorial service draws near.”
“Though the Sacred Portrait Hall stands splendidly completed, how can we conduct the memorial service properly without that Sacred Portrait of the Founder Saint enshrined within?”
“From Your Eminence down to all our fellow devotees—even humble ones such as ourselves—how shall we face other sects?”

Rennyo: “We must not speak of honor or dishonor.”
“Human lives hold paramount importance.”
“The merciful Founder Saint would never have ordered its retrieval through such extreme measures.”
“A time will surely come when we may reach accord regarding the Sacred Portrait’s return.”
“Should any among you harbor resentment toward Miidera’s terms and plot violent acts—whether quarrels, forceful petitions, retaliation, or any such conduct—you must stop them without fail.”
“I entrust this to you, Gen’emon.”

Gen’emon: “To call *that* an unreasonable demand—it’s utterly preposterous!”

Rennyo: “You should act your age.”
“What is this about you taking the initiative?”
“If you refuse this request, I will surely have you excommunicated!”

Gen’emon: “What?……………There’s no choice.”
“I humbly accept your command.”

Rennyo: “Osaki, please lend your support as well.”

Osaki: “H-hai.”
“Yes.”

“Ah, I let harsh words slip without thinking—they must have been hard to bear.”
“Please forgive this old priest.”
“Nothing in this world is worth clinging to—that is its very nature.”
“Though we find solace in reciting the sacred name together, what matters most now is finding a way to survive.”

Gen’emon and Osaki (tearfully): “Thank you.”
“Namu Amida Butsu, Namu Amida Butsu, Namu Amida Butsu.”

“As we spoke thus, midnight had passed.”
“Now then, there remains one more household I must visit.”
“Let us bid farewell.”

Gen’emon: “Are you leaving already?”

(Osaki noticed the absence of a torch in Takehara no Sachikobō’s hand)

“Mr. Sachikobō—where is the torch?”

Sachikobō (opening his hands to look): “Huh? The torch?”
“That torch…” (involuntarily looks at Rennyo’s face)

Rennyo: “What need have I for cane or torch on the familiar Western Ōmi Highway…............................... Now that I mention it—”
“My son Genbei was supposed to come to Yamashina tonight after the young devotees’ gathering. His return might be quite delayed.”
“You mustn’t worry yourselves.”

Gen’emon: “Your considerate explanation.”
“Should any need arise hereafter, please employ this unworthy one without reserve.”

Rennyo: “Well then—farewell.”

Gen’emon and Osaki: “Please depart in peace.”

(Rennyo Shōnin left, taking Sachikobō with him.)

Gen’emon and Osaki escorted him out beyond Kuchiki’s gate and parted from the Master as he approached the hanamichi.
The sound of waves, the cries of wild geese.

Gen’emon stood in the garden, remaining still as he crossed his arms and closed his eyes for a time.
Osaki also crouched, deep in thought.
(After a moment)

“Hey, Osaki.”

“Huh? What’s that?”

“Though the Venerable Master himself came expressly to restrain us—in this degenerate age, with our devotees riding the tide and the momentum we’ve gathered these days—for all us fellow practitioners to simply accept Miidera Temple’s terms and swallow our tears… I cannot conceive of it.”

“I feel the same way.”

“Then we must see someone’s blood.”

“Oh… Someone’s…”

Gen’emon: “Hey, Osaki.”
Osaki: “Yes.”

Gen’emon: “You and I have lived as husband and wife these thirty years and more.”
“I don’t believe you were unhappy.”

Osaki: “I understand full well.”
“This too comes from Buddha’s grace—from your doing.”
“Once more I give you thanks.”
“I have no objections.”
“Please do as you have resolved.”

Gen’emon: “Then you say I may use this head of mine as I see fit?”

Osaki: “For repaying our debt of gratitude—and for the people’s sake.”

Gen'emon: "You've granted your consent—that brings me some relief first."
"But as for the other head..."

Osaki (covering her face): “Oh please—don’t speak those words aloud.”
“Should these ears hear that uttered plainly, my breath would cease entirely.”
“Only let me resign myself silently—for our sect’s sake, for everyone’s sake—without another word.”
“But he’s barely past twenty winters.”
“And Genbei shares such deep affection with that clever Okumi.”
“Let them first know marriage’s blessing—if only briefly—before consigning them to duty.” (weeps)

Gen’emon wept as he spoke: “I’d uttered ‘this bitter saha world’ so casually before, but only now do I truly comprehend its depth.”
“Yet through this trial, our hope rests in Amida’s Pure Land.”
“We’ll surely reunite there.”
“If we tarry longer, our resolve might weaken.”
“So without another word—this very moment—I’ll go to Yamashina to bring back my son.”

(Gen'emon started to leave.)
(Osaki stopped him.)

Osaki: “If you mean to go, let us first prepare your departure.”
“Let us offer brightly lit votive lights to Buddha—giving thanks for this world and making entreaties for the next—and allow our family of parents, child, and spouses to chant the parting nenbutsu.”

Gen’emon: “You’ve realized just what needed doing.”

(The two of them opened the doors of the family altar and prepared for worship.)

(The stage revolved halfway.)

(The beach behind Gen'emon’s residence.
The back door of Gen'emon’s house was nearly entirely covered by the branches of wild brambles, silk trees, deutzia, and other shrubs whose leaves had fallen.
The base of the house was covered, and dried reeds grew thickly.
Only the tip of the well sweep was visible.
The center of the stage was beach sand mottled with withered grass.
Tide-stained pines stood at suitable intervals.
The back of the stage was abundantly filled with the waters of Lake Biwa.
On the upper side, Ukimi-dō had come into view relatively close by.
In the distant view of the lower stage, Mt. Mikami appeared faintly as a shadow, so much so that one might wonder if it was truly there.
On the lower stage, a levee of a dried-up field appeared slightly, and small stone Jizō statues and sotoba tablets for segaki rituals stood.
The clouds had receded considerably, revealing the calm, dewy hue of the predawn sky.)

(Genbei and Okumi emerged from the upper side, rubbing their shoulders together as they came out.)

Genbei: “Since when does a man need a woman to escort him home? Once we’ve come this far, it’s as good as having reached home. Your prayers too have reached their mark, as they say. Now, this time I’ll escort you to your master’s house.”

“While I’m happy to have you escort me... Now, it’s not like you wouldn’t carelessly stop by some all-night teahouse in Koromogawa Post Station on your way back—”

Genbei: “You’re such an unbelievable jealous woman! When there’s a proper wife like you, why would I stray now? Instead of wasting time on this trivial argument, let me have that torch over here.”

“You’re trying to cleverly deceive me again, but I won’t fall for that trick.”

“If you won’t fall for that trick again, are you saying I deceived you?”

“You did deceive me indeed.”
“From this morning until just now.”

Genbei: “The reason I wasn’t there when you came was due to some groundless consultation at the young men’s meeting hall.”
“And that concerned a critical matter for our fellow devotees—didn’t I explain it to you repeatedly until my mouth went dry along the way?”

Okumi: “If that’s truly the case… then there’s no issue…”

“Enough with your baseless accusations! Come on, dawn’s nearly here.”
“If you don’t return to your master’s house by dawn, things will go ill.”
“Hand that torch over here.”

“No, no. I’ll still see you safely home first, put my mind at ease, and then go back myself.”

“Enough already—that torch.”

“No, no—just a little longer…”

“Hand it over! Hand it over!”

“No. No.”

(As they struggled to take it from each other, the torch suddenly fell to the ground.
The stage was dimly lit.
The two unexpectedly drew close.)

(From Gen'emon’s house came the sound of a gong.)

“Lord Genbei.”

Genbei: “Okumi.”

“Truly, a single night of fleeting encounter.”
“Moreover, I feel this foreboding in my heart—I cannot bear to part from you even a moment sooner. Let me stay by your side as long as I can.”

Genbei: “I too feel the same way.”
“However, as the Venerable Master often teaches—the nature of this world is that all that lives must perish, and those who meet must part.”
“Even were we to become husband and wife before others and strive to stay together until our hair turns white, once summoned by the wind of impermanence, we would in an instant find ourselves separated by the divide between this world and the next.”
“Parting differs only in being sooner or later.”
“There—heed this well and return obediently to your master’s household, relying solely on the nenbutsu.”
“Even if we part now, once matters are settled, I’ll come to fetch you straightaway.”
“Should matters end ill regardless—our final destination remains the Pure Land.”
“Bride and groom upon a single pedestal—” (voice breaking with suppressed tears)

Okumi (busily groping Genbei’s cheeks in search): “Ah—Genbei—you’re crying now, aren’t you?”
“Between these prayer beads you gave me earlier, this foreboding in my heart, and what you just said—”
“I can’t simply leave your side like this.”
“You’re hiding something from me.” (takes out prayer beads)

Genbei (brushing off Okumi’s hand and wiping his tears): “Ha ha ha—what could I possibly hide?”
“Doesn’t the proverb say a married couple spans two lifetimes?”
“When you keep insisting you won’t leave—that bit about us meeting again in the Pure Land even if we part now—that was just careless talk.”

“No—it was no slip of the tongue.”
“And those hidden sighs of yours—you’ve been brooding over something since earlier.”
“Tell me.”
Her heart raced.
Or if you couldn’t say it—then she would rush to his house, explain everything to Father and Mother, and force them to consent as she became his wife by imposition.
She wouldn’t leave his side even for the blink of an eye.
From the start, they were betrothed—there was no one they needed to hold back from.
“I will not return to the master’s household anymore.”

Genbei: “That’s too rash.”
“To force your way as a bride when the time hasn’t even come—”
“If I misspeak, I’ll make amends.”
“I beg you.”
“Return to your master’s household.”

Okumi: “I just can’t accept this, no matter what!”

Genbei: “Even when I plead this earnestly…”

Okumi: “Even in death, I won’t leave your side.”

“Go home.”

“No! No!”

(As the two struggle once more, a voice comes from within the fence of Gen'emon’s house.)

“There’s no need for you two to quarrel.”
“Come inside here.”
“I’ll have you married right away.”

Genbei: “That voice—it’s Father’s voice.”

“Now that we parents have consented and exchanged the wedding cups before the Buddha’s altar—come in quickly now, dear Okumi!”

(The back door opened)

“What strange twist of fate is this? Even if this were some fox-spirit’s trickery—oh how gladly I would let myself be deceived! Ahh… Lord Genbei.”

(Taking Genbei’s hand, she enters through the back door.)

(The night paled into dawn, and the temple bell tolled.)

Act III

(A stage curtain depicting ripples on the lake waters and the view of the Karasaki pine.)
Birds sang along the morning shore.

(Gen’emon and Genbei, in travel attire, emerged from the hanamichi and came to a halt at an appropriate spot.)

Gen’emon: “Here, my son—let’s take a moment to bid farewell to our homeland and rest here awhile.”

Genbei: “At this critical moment, you’re being carefree…”
“Hurry up and cut off this head to take to Miidera Temple!” (drops to one knee and taps his neck with his right hand)

Gen’emon (with deep emotion): “Then—you’re departing with full awareness of everything?”

Genbei: “Yesterday at the assembly hall, we discussed it.
“Ever since I heard that someone among the young men would have to offer a head in exchange for the Sacred Portrait, I—as their leader—had resolved myself in my heart.”
“And then this morning’s unexpected cup exchange with Okumi.”
After completing this, the parent and child began their journey. Even when asked about their destination, they spoke only of a faraway place.
I was certain that Father intended to exchange his own head and mine to retrieve the Sacred Portrait of the Founding Saint from Miidera Temple.
Ah, Father—even if we lived long, fifty or seventy years—if the heads of ordinary beings like us could be exchanged for the precious Sacred Portrait and relieve all our fellow devotees’ hardships, then a parent and child would gladly take on this prepared duty.
The only worry was how my aging mother and young bride—a household of women—would manage to go on living.
“We entreat Amida’s majestic virtue.” (presses palms together in prayer)

Gen'emon pressed his palms together. “For the Dharma’s sake, we have the precept of life-sacrificing devotion. How could this lack merit? Whether you remain among the living or I depart for death—I leave it all to you. Like a lighthearted leaf boat, let us scatter and go where the wind wills.”

Genbei nodded. “My resolve is settled now. Farewell, Father.”

He turned westward.

“Good resolve,” said Gen'emon. “I’ll follow soon after.”

(Drawing his sword, he strikes off Genbei’s head.)
(He tears off a sleeve and wraps the head.)

(The curtain fell.)

(Front: The main gate of Miidera Temple.
Sturdy fences were lined up to both sides.
The autumn foliage on both sides of the fence had mostly fallen, yet traces of color still lingered beautifully.
In front of the fence were two or three burned-out bonfires.
In the shade of a red pine, a tall notice board bearing “Mountain Gate Regulations” also stood.)

Monks wearing hoods, helmets, and armor vests over their robes stood firmly with weapons in hand. Armed acolytes were also mingled among them. (In the distance, the voices of many chanting sutras came to an end.)

Monk 1: “Who the hell are you? Who dares approach here?”

Gen’emon blocked their path while gripping his sword: “This belongs to Honganji Jōdo Shinshū—our temple. I’ve come as a messenger from Yamashina. Inform your priest.”

“You ignorant boor of an old man,” spat the monk. “Carrying a bare blade too—what do you take this place for? This hall witnessed Great Master Chishō’s Dharma Transmission Abhiṣeka! A sacred ground renowned throughout the realm!”

“If my words offended, I apologize,” said Gen’emon. “Regardless—I’ve brought tribute to reclaim our Founding Saint’s Sacred Portrait entrusted here. Let me through at once!”

Monk 3: “No way in hell!”

Monk 1: “If you dare make trouble, we won’t stand for it.”

Monk 2: “The taste of Miidera monks’ fists differs from Hiei’s mountain monks’—care to try it on that white-haired head?” (raises fist)

Gen’emon: “I’ve made my request with proper courtesy. If you still refuse passage—though this Gen’emon dislikes using force—there’s no choice.”
“These arms were tempered by Lake Biwa’s waves.”
“I’ll force my way through if needed—will you accept this?”

“What insolence!”

(Gen’emon and the monks glared at each other and closed in.)
Having finished the morning service and passed through the gate accompanied by his monks, Enmyō Ajari stepped forward.

“Wait, all of you.”

(Gen’emon and the monks crouched there.)

Enmyō Ajari: “I have roughly ascertained the situation from within the gate.”
“So you are Gen’emon from Yamashina Temple who has come to retrieve Shinran’s Sacred Portrait.”
“You’ve gone to great trouble indeed.”

Gen'emon: “I am deeply obliged.”

“And as for the gift for exchange—you have surely brought it?”

Gen'emon: “Here it is.” (He took out Genbei’s head from the bundle in his sleeve and placed it before them.)

Enmyō Ajari: “Ah! This is a genuine severed head.”

Gen'emon: “A crude offering it may be, but one raised with my own hands—my son. The lineage of this head is certain.”

Enmyō Ajari: “I never imagined you would actually bring it this far.”
(A moment of profound contemplation.)
“But Gen’emon—a pact remains a pact. The count was meant to be two heads.”

Gen'emon: “The remaining one is this very head.”
(Pointing to his neck) “I brought it still attached to my body. Though it pains me to trouble you, please sever it to complete the pair of fresh offerings.”

(Enmyō Ajari and all the monks were struck with astonishment and solemnity, falling into a prolonged silence.)

Enmyō Ajari (sighing): “Venerable Rennyo has been blessed with fine followers.”
“How enviable.”
(Staring intently at Gen’emon from close proximity.) “Well then, you called Gen’emon—Shinran’s Sacred Portrait shall be handed over to you immediately."
“Take care to protect it on your return and enshrine it at Yamashina Temple.”

Gen’emon: “Th-then... you’ll return it to this humble one?”
“But as for this other head you require—”

Enmyō Ajari (in a pitying voice): “Absolutely unnecessary.”

Gen’emon: “Is that truly so?”

Enmyō Ajari: “Would I speak falsehood? You monks of Miidera.”
“Bring forth the Sacred Portrait and have this person take it.”

Five or six monks: “Yes.” (They enter the gate.)

“Though it’s futile to say now—this demand for two severed heads as exchange? That arose from this one’s painful goodwill. By imposing an impossible task, I intended to keep the Sacred Portrait entrusted to this one a while longer.”

Gen’emon: “Hmm, you say it’s kindness…?”

Enmyō Ajari: “Venerable Rennyo has wandered through perpetual exile.”
“Though northern borderlands may bow to his teachings, the capital-adjacent regions remain untamed in his absence.”
“Yet descendants of Keijun from Mount Hiei’s West Pagoda still linger—even with Yamashina Temple rebuilt, who can say when they might find pretext to invade anew?”
“Though I meant to explain this reasoning and keep Shinran’s Sacred Portrait entrusted to Miidera Temple longer, your zealous followers’ devotion...”
“With the new portrait hall’s completion, their coming to reclaim it was inevitable.”
“Thus I devised this impossible demand—through this one’s tormented kindness—to safeguard the portrait here and dissuade retrieval attempts.”
The father and son’s faith—staking their lives while embracing this expedient means.
“Having witnessed such resolve, whatever vengeful spirits may hereafter arise shall scatter before Amida’s nenbutsu.”
“The sect’s restoration brooks no doubt.”
“It is accomplished, Katata no Gen’emon.”
“Henceforth not only shall we return Shinran’s portrait in goodwill, but though of differing sects, perform memorial rites here for your son Genbei’s soul and transfer merits.”
“Through Three Mysteries Yoga’s empowering force, we shall secure attainment of both Peaceful Nurturing Buddhahood and Immediate Buddhahood.”
“Set your heart at ease, Buddhist disciple Gen’emon.”

Gen’emon (bowing his head): “For this old man with little time left—living on in my son’s stead—it brings both sorrow and shame, truly unbearable. Yet when I consider how our sect has achieved a deed so praised by members of another sect… somehow my heart finds solace.”
“Please understand this.”

(Five or six monks carried out the wooden statue of Shinran Shōnin.)

Enmyō Ajari: “Venerable Shinran must be feeling profound compassion. Now, monks—secure it upon Gen’emon’s back.”
“Now, monks—secure it upon Gen’emon’s back.”

All the monks: “As you command.”

(At this moment, Okumi rushed ahead barefoot while Rennyo Shōnin rode in a palanquin, both hastening along the hanamichi path in such disarray they couldn’t properly gather their belongings.)

Okumi (clinging to Gen’emon): “Father—what has become of this person?”

(Gen'emon, while carrying the wooden statue of Shinran Shōnin on his back, turned his face away and bowed his head.)

“Your silence troubles me.”
“Please tell me quickly.”

Gen’emon: “Now, bride—Genbei, you see…”

“What about Genbei?”

Gen'emon: "There, that's the place." (Using his chin to indicate the head wrapped in a torn sleeve, he let his tears fall profusely.)

Okumi lifted the head from the sleeve. “So it truly came to pass as he had resolved… When I noticed something strange about Father’s departure preparations with him, right after that I pressed Mother and finally learned what had happened. Then I rushed to Yamashina Temple and pleaded with the Venerable Master—we hurried back here together—” Her voice broke into sobs.

Rennyo Shōnin (alighting from the palanquin): “Too late! How regrettable, how regrettable!”

Gen’emon: “Do not grieve, bride.”
“What you hold there—that is Genbei’s empty shell.”
“His soul has moved—here, it resides in this.” (Indicating the portrait on his back with his chin.)

Okumi (still clutching the head in her sleeve, clinging to the Sacred Portrait): “Even when discarding one’s body, saving others fulfills the Buddha’s vow.”
“He kept that vow exactly—Genbei-san remained a mortal yet became no less than a saint.”
“Look—the Venerable Founder’s Sacred Portrait itself weeps with flowing tears.”
“Genbei-san must have attained his heart’s desire.”
“I shall grieve no more, nor sorrow.”
(As if speaking through the head) “His resolve reached for the Pure Land.”
“Bride and groom upon one stand.”
“Now, dear one—♪That matter I’ll never forget.”
“No—♪That matter I’ll never forget.”
“♪That matter I’ll never forget.” (Chanting while pressing her forehead to the bundled head, sobs choking her voice.)
(All on stage shed tears.)

Rennyo: “The time is Dharma Decline; people’s capacities lie shallow. The Sacred Path stands long sealed—salvation’s sole means rests in faith alone. Though we’ve taught ‘Other Power’s easy practice,’ its proven power surpasses all expectation. Behold—men and women mired in desire’s filth yet climb to Peaceful Nurturing Pure Land! How fearsome this Dharma’s might! Henceforth following Genbei, I too shall strive without wearying at old age’s slopes—race forth to save all beings! How grateful! How humbled! Gen’emon. Genbei.” (Clasping hands in prayer while chanting a waka poem)

Having received these rare teachings with ardent devotion,

"My head alone remains here—"

(As monks chanted sutras, all onstage clasped their hands in prayer and bowed.)

――Curtain――