Perhaps our only impression of the Honseki is that he delivered the Divine Directions, and indeed we often portray him as a great disciple of Oyasama in that sense. He had not, however, been predetermined to become one. Nor had he been hoping to acquire such a position when frequenting the Residence--certainly there is nothing to suggest that this had been the case. He simply followed the straight course of the path while giving up everything else. As he continued along the path, however, he came to be entrusted with the role of serving as intermediary.

His attitude in sowing seeds of sincerity was that of a simple path seeker longing to be with Oyasama--and this at a time when the term "intermediary," let alone the system referred to by that term, did not even exist in Tenrikyo. From the standpoint of pursuing the path, I find this point extremely important. There was no calculation on his part or any promise of reward made to him. The only thing that existed was the longing and eagerness with which he threw himself into following Oyasama's lead.

June 28, 1958: 6th Tenrikyo Young Men's Association Path Seekers' Seminar