Kakisage (Okakisage)

by Yoshikazu Fukaya

The Kakisage refers to the divine writing that is given to those attending the Post-bestowal Lectures, which, known in Japanese as Kariseki or literally a "temporary seat," are delivered after the truth of the Sazuke is bestowed on them at the Honseki or the "main seat." *

The Kakisage contains God the Parent's teachings on the stance of mind that Yoboku--that is, those who have received the truth of the Sazuke--should maintain and the way they should perform their tasks. This text began to be given to new Yoboku as a result of several Divine Directions delivered in July 1890, by which time the number of people requesting the bestowal of the truth of the Sazuke was rapidly increasing. Those Divine Directions may be summarized as saying that a copy of transcripts of the Divine Directions previously delivered during the bestowal of the truth of the Sazuke should be presented to new Yoboku and that Post-bestowal Lectures should be provided to instruct them in the contents of the text they were receiving (Osashizu, July 13, 15, 16, 1890). The Divine Directions thus led to the compilation of the Kakisage, besides giving the Besseki system its present shape, which comprises the Besseki, the Honseki (in the sense of the bestowal of the truth of the Sazuke), and the Post-bestowal Lectures, the last component consisting of three lectures, each delivered by a different lecturer.

Although the Kakisage is given following the bestowal of the truth of the Sazuke, this text is in no sense a certificate or diploma but aims to provide the standard for the mind of Yoboku throughout the rest of their lives. Far from being a certificate showing that they have completed or achieved something, it is to help guide their behavior, which should reflect the teachings, in the days and years ahead. Rather than storing it away, Yoboku should read it over and over, take its message to heart, and implement it in the course of daily life.

At present, the Kakisage is written on two sheets of paper. The part written on the first sheet is much longer than that on the second. There are two versions of this first part. The version given to those under thirty contains an additional passage, which, based on the Divine Directions, is provided especially out of parental concern for young people's long future.

Lastly, the Kakisage is an infinitely precious gift from God the Parent. When the recipient of this divine writing passes away, it should not be placed with the body to be cremated or buried but should, rather, be kept as a family treasure.


* The term "Honseki," when used in another sense, refers to Izo Iburi, who after Oyasama's withdrawal from physical life bestowed the truth of the Sazuke and delivered the Divine Directions.