The Beginning of Heaven and Earth: The Sacred Book of Japan's Hidden Christians

15. Addendum

66 The Beginning of Heaven and Earth Deusu the Almighty will descend from heaven and blaze a trail through the myriad souls. Within three units of time Deusu will select some and mark them with his seal. All of them will be divided either on Deusu’s left or Deusu’s right. What a sad thing to see those on the left who, because they did not receive baptism, will fall together with the tengu to the hell called Benbò and get their stamp there. For all of eternity they will never float up to the light from the depths to where they have sunk. Those people on the right who received baptism will accompany Deusu to Paraiso where, once judged, their good works will be the basis of the ranks they will receive. It is guaranteed that they will all become buddhas108 and know unlimited fulfillment for eternity . Ammei Zesusu.109 15. Addendum Once there were two friends. The world had never seen the likes of them for closeness. One of them said to the other, “If you die before I do, please tell me in full detail what the hereafter is like. But if I die first, I’ll report to you within three days.” They made a pact to this effect. However, when one of them died, the remaining one grieved terribly, tumbling to the ground and crying to heaven. Although he grieved and cried, it was of no use, for already three days and nights had passed with still no news from his friend. Three years also passed, and because he received not a word from his friend, he gave up his pleading together with his hope, and had nearly died from all his yearning. Then three years later, in the third month, his deceased friend returned, and the living one rejoiced beyond measure and asked, “Why did you take so long?” His friend answered, “I didn’t have a moment to spare.” Looking at him, his appearance was changed from its previous state. Under his jaw specks of fire could be seen burning. So his Translation 67 friend asked, “How did that fire get there?” “Oh, this is the fire of Furukatoriya,” his friend replied. After hearing this the living friend said, “In that case, give the fire to me. I will destroy my sins now while in this world. Then let’s leave the world behind together.” “Forget it,” said his friend. “The heat of this fire is ten times that of the fire in this world. It’s extremely difficult to endure.” But the living one said, “I don’t care a single bit—give it to me.” So his friend answered, “If that’s what you really want, it’s all yours.” They heaped up all the trees that were growing nearby and lit them with the fire of Meido.110 The burning flames rose incessantly and in an instant the body had burned up. Soon after, he gained the way to heaven and joined the multitude in Paraiso. He is the one whom we call Santosu-sama,111 but because we do not know the name of the other friend we have omitted it. ...