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This is a scriptural term that is part of the metaphor of the "path," which refers to the process of making progress in faith. The Ofudesaki speaks of how following a narrow path will lead one to the broad path or the main path (I:45-50; IV:74-75). We read, for example: After following the narrow path step by step, you will come to a broad path. This is the trustworthy main path. I:49 The other instances of the term in the Ofudesaki (II:1; V:17) include this one:From now, I shall begin to open a broad path. I shall make all minds in the world spirited. II:1 Etymologically, the original Japanese word implies the presence of many people using the path. In the context of the Ofudesaki, the term is often used figuratively to refer to the sort of circumstances in which followers have the freedom to perform the Service without any external interference or hindrance. In the Divine Directions, this term is frequently paired with a narrow path. Consider these passages:It is still a small beginning. Although you may well think that this is a dangerous path, there is nothing dangerous on this path. On the other hand, no matter how broad a path there may be, you will not be able to follow it without the presence of sincerity in your mind. Osashizu, July 31, 1888 You might wonder what I mean by saying that a broad path is difficult to follow and a narrow path easy to follow. A narrow path is easy to follow because your mind has alert awareness when you follow a narrow path. A broad path is likely to involve worldly things. When you follow a broad path, you never know what kind of people are on it. Osashizu, November 1, 1889 (This article was first published in the January 2007 issue of TENRIKYO.) |
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