Sanuki no Suke’s Diary (16)

 

     As usual, I went up to the Emperor's side and offered him ice and other things.

     The ministers arrived, and said, "Now, bring in Priest Kensen."  They placed the chimes and other items from the prayer room and prepared for the precepts.  When the priest arrived, they set up a folding screen between the Emperor and the priest.  The Chancellor ordered, "Bring the Emperor’s robe here."  So I did.  I was supposed to wash the Emperor’s hands with water, but there seemed no way for him to get up, so I wetted some paper and wiped his hands, which was truly sad.  I brought his crown and other things.  He barely placed the crown on him, and I draped the robe over his shoulders.  He seemed to want to insert the string into the loop, and tried repeatedly.  His hands were so swollen that he couldn't insert the string.  My eyes were blinded by tears as I gazed upon him.  I could barely see clearly.

     Priest Kensen rang the bell and explained the purpose of the precepts.

     "Because Your Majesty received the Ten Good Precepts in your previous life and never broke them, you have long maintained the rank proper to the Ten Good Precepts in this life.  Your Majesty respects Buddhism, and has compassion for all people.  No emperor, from ancient times to the present, has ever lived like this.  Now, as a sign of your receiving the precepts tonight, may your illness be quickly eliminated and your life be extended to one hundred years."

     Hearing this, it sounded as if the Emperor’s illness would be cured in an instant, and it was truly a blessing.

     The Emperor received precepts, and said, "I will certainly maintain them.  I will certainly maintain them."  The ministers asked,

     "Does Your Majesty say you will maintain them?"

     The Emperor nodded.