夫人利生記Record of the Lady's Salvation

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What you'll learn

Kijima visits a rural temple, sees a beautiful woman washing clothes, and later discovers her photograph among votive offerings at the Maya temple. He experiences a supernatural encounter and rushes back.

Key vocabulary

Grammar points you'll meet

• ～ておく N4Indicates preparing or doing something in advance.
  開けたままで宜しい
• ～てしまう N4Indicates completion or regretful outcome.
  思わず、四辺を見て半紙に包もうとした
• ～による/による N3A cause/reason or basis.
  何にするものだか、今もって解らない
• ～とする N3Try to do, assume, or consider.
  半紙に包もうとした
• ～ならでは N1Unique to; only possible for.
  あなたの手で、スッと微かな、……二つに折れた半紙の音

Cultural notes

• 摩耶夫人Queen Maya, the mother of Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha). In Japanese Buddhism, temples dedicated to her are often associated with safe childbirth. The text describes a temple with her image and offerings of photographs and belly bands.
• 金剛神Benevolent deities who guard Buddhist temples, often depicted as fierce warriors holding vajra (thunderbolts). Their giant straw sandals (大草鞋) are sometimes offered at temples.
• 釣鐘清水A famous clear spring (清水) at the foot of a bell tower (釣鐘), reflecting the bell's image. Such springs are often local landmarks.
• 曼珠沙華Red spider lily, often associated with death and the afterlife in Japanese culture. It frequently appears in cemeteries and scenes of parting.

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Topics & grammar

Short Storyghost storymysteryobsessionmelancholyeerie〜ておくte oku · do in advance〜てしまうte shimau · ended up (regret)〜ようとするyou to suru · try to / be about to