The History of Initiation - The Masonic Trowel

EASTERN MYSTERIES. 59
entombed within the Pastes or place of penance ; the door
of which was said to be guarded by a terrible divinity,
armed with a drawn sword, as the vindictive fury or god
of punishment. During the course of his probation the
aspirant sometimes acquired such a high degree of enthu-
siasm, as induced him to refuse to quit his confinement in
the pastes ; and to remain there until he literally perished
with famine. To this voluntary martyrdom was attached
a promise of never-ending happiness in the paradise of
Amidas. Indeed the merit of such a sacrifice was bound-
less. His memory was celebrated with annual rejoicings.
The initiations, 74 however, were dignified with an assurance
of a happy immortality to all who passed through
the rites honourably and with becoming fortitude.
Amongst the amulets used on this occasion, two were
75
the most venerated ; a ring or circle of gold, as an emblem
tocks to his heels, and clapping his hands over his head, to lift himself
up seven hundred and fourscore times every day.
74 Vid. Signs and Symbols. Lect. 10.
75 The amulets within their dwellings were numerous ; every disease
and misfortune having its appropriate charm. There was also one,
says Ksempfer, (Hist. Japan, b. v., c. 4) against poverty ; and this
"
author quaintly remarks, houses with this last mark must needs be
very safe from thieves and housebreakers." But one of their mos
efficacious amulets was the ofarrai, or indulgence, which was usually
presented to the devout pilgrim who had performed his devotions at
the Temple of the most high god Tensio Dai Sin, at "
Isge. This
Ofarrai is a small oblong square box, about a span and a half long, two
inches broad, an inch and a half thick, made of small thin boards, and
full of thin small sticks, some of which are wrapped up in a bit of white
paper, in order to remind the pilgrim to be pure and humble, these
two virtues being the most pleasing to the gods. The name of the
Temple Tai Singu, that is, the Temple of the great God, printed in
large characters, is pasted to the front of the box, and the name of the
Canusi who gave the box, for there are great numbers that carry on
this trade, to the opposite side, in a smaller character, with the noble
title of Taiju, which is as much as to say, Messengers of the gods, a
title which all the officers of Mias assume to themselves. This Ofarrai,
the pilgrims receive with great tokens of respect and humility, and
immediately tie it under their hats, in order to keep it from the rain.
They wear it just under their forehead, and balance it with another
box* or bundle of straw, much of the same weight, which they fasten
to the opposite side of the hat. Those that travel on horseback have
better conveniences to keep and to hide it. When the pilgrims are
got safe home, they take especial care for the preservation of this
Ofarrai, as being a relic of very great moment and consequence to
them." (Ksempf. Japan, b. iii., c. 4.)