Personal Reflections on the Kakisage
The Kakisage is often spoken of as being the tenth Besseki Lecture. After a period of preparation, recipients of the Kakisage, having just been granted the truth of the Sazuke, are advised to read daily and ponder its intended meaning. My own ponderings change day by day, according to the state and truth of my mind at any given time. Upon reflection I find that my thoughts and ponderings change, not only day to day but moment to moment. In that regard I will attempt to be guided in my ponderings by the two poems from the Ofudesaki appearing below.
From now on I shall speak in the metaphor of water.
Be enlightened by the word clear and muddy.
Ponder this: no matter how clear the water may be,
if you put mud into it, it will become muddy.
"One thing more, I shall teach you the first truth. First I desire exemplary models in every community. The basis of teaching others is how you carry on each day. Carry on in your occupations each day. This is important."
Much of the content of Kakisage is drawn from the night time talks and directions given by Izo Iburi. It is interesting that aside from those talks, if memory serves me, according to the 2nd Shinbashira, he , Izo Iburi lived pretty much as he always did. He was a carpenter.