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Dhammapada · narration sample

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A Hundred Verses from Old Japan · 78 of 101

77. The Retired Emperor Sutoku: Sutoku In

77

The Retired Emperor Sutoku

Sutoku In

Se wo hayami Iwa ni sekaruru Taki-gawa no Warete mo sue ni Awan to zo omou.

THE rock divides the stream in two, And both with might and main Go tumbling down the waterfall; But well I know the twain Will soon unite again.

The town of Kamakura, where is the great bronze image of Buddha Amida, was built by this Emperor, who reigned A.D. 1124-1141; he was then forced by his father, the ex-Emperor Toba, to abdicate in favour of his brother, the Emperor Konoye; afterwards he entered the church, and died in the year 1164, an exile in the Province of Sanuki. This verse is intended to suggest the parting of two lovers, who will eventually meet again.