Translation of a Lecture by Dr. Usui to 15 of His Graduating Students on 11 June 1916 in the Garden of his home.

Translation of a Lecture by Dr. Usui to 15 of His Graduating Students on 11 June 1916 in the Garden of his home

The general immediately repented and was forgiven his small error, by the Shogun. Therefore, take this into consideration and hold it in mind.
Also another story comes from that time about giri. Giri’ translated from Japanese to English means: “debt”, “obligation”, “responsibility”, “contract”, or “vow”.) A woman lived on the lands of a Daimyo and wove rice straw shoes for her living. Every year she would ask the Daimyo the price for some rice straw. Every year he would say, “Simply take it.” She would say, “No, I make a profit from it and it is your rice straw.” He would say, “But I have no use for it.” She would reply, “Nevertheless it belongs to you and it is not mine.” Then he would chuckle, and demand a small price. When she had made the shoes and collected her profit, she would then go to his steward and pay the amount.
She was taken sick one year and could not work. As she was a widow supporting her grandchildren, the family was in serious trouble. She was very surprised when the Daimyo appeared with food and a bag of coins, at her door. She inquired why he had come and was told, “Honoured Aunt, over many years you have served me faithfully, insisting on giving me what is my right although I did not want to take it. You have more than fulfilled the obligation of a loyal subject to your’ Lord. Would that all Samurai be as scrupulous in discharging their obligations. Therefore, now you must let me as your Lord discharges my obligation to you, or I shall have no face.”
The woman understanding this gratefully accepted the food and coins. She recovered and served him faithfully many more years