Don't Look Back十三まいり
The Jusan Mairi, or "thirteenth-year ceremony," is a rite held at the Horin-ji Temple in which boys and girls who have reached the age of thirteen must pay their respects to the wise and virtuous bodhisattva known as Kokuzo Bosatsu.
After the ritual is over, and the young boys and girls are making their way home over the Togetsu-kyo Bridge, it is strictly forbidden for them to so much as glance back at the temple, for to do so is deemed akin to rejecting the wisdom and fortune gifted them by the great bodhisattva.
"Well, son, how do you feel now the ceremony is over? It's not every day you visit Horin-ji Temple and officially come of age. Come, let us cross Togetsu-kyo Bridge. Now, tell me—did you actually listen to what the priest said to you today?"
"Of course, mother. I heard every word! He told me to devote myself to training my body and mind, that I might someday become a great warrior!"
"Can it be true? Can my little boy really be ready to put aside his childish games and open his heart to the words of a priest!
"...Mm? But why have you stopped? What are you looking back at? You mustn't block the path of others crossing the bridge! ...Oh, I see. It's that child over there playing, isn't it? That's what caught your eye.
"But that's all behind you now, remember? You want to grow up to be a great warrior."
"No, mother! I never said that! I'd much rather play! In fact, I want to spend the rest of my life having all the fun I can!"
"Dear me! What in the world has come over you, child? What happened to your previous resolve? Why, you haven't changed at all!"
"Come, we must get back to the temple this instant!"
法輪寺でのお参りも終わったし、 渡月橋を渡って帰りましょう。 坊や、ご住職のおはなし、覚えているかしら？ 「はい、全部覚えています。これから先は心身を鍛え、 立派な武士となるべく励んで参ります」 ああ、いつも遊んでばかりだった息子が、 ご住職のおはなしですっかり心を入れ替えてくれたわ。 あら坊や、何を振り返っているの？ 橋で立ち止まっては他の通行人のご迷惑だわ。 ああ、遊んでいる子どもを見ていたのね。 でもこの先、遊びは控えるのですよ？ これからは立派な武士となるべく…。 「なんの話！？ ぼくは遊ぶ！ これからもずっと、遊んで遊んで遊びまくるのだ！」 いったいどうしたの！？ さっきまでの決意はどこに…！？ すっかり元に戻っているじゃない！ ああ早く、もう一度法輪寺でおはなしを聞かせに 行かなくては！
Thank you for telling me all about the mysteries of the Kokuzo Bosatsu! It was very interesting. And I promise to devote myself both to my books and to mastering the art of the sword.
Oh, what a relief! My boy, who used to do nothing but play morning, noon and night, has decided to dedicate himself to becoming a great warrior. My heart is bursting with pride!
Well, that went swimmingly. I just hope that mother and son know of the taboo associated with this temple. If they can just make it across the bridge without looking ba—
...Oh dear! Looks like I spoke too soon!
- Where
- Hozu River district
- Map
- Arashiyama: Hozukyo Gorge
- Region
- Arashiyama
- Hand in to
- Lady Murasaki, Yasaka Shrine
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