To the people of the plateau, the cave of Akiyoshi had a terrible reputation. It was the entrance to the nether world, and no human being who had entered the cave without permission had returned alive. For those who wished to visit this world, the big question was, who to get permission from'?
Now there was at this time a holy man. Genjo by name, resourceful and full of curiosity about the world about him - and perhaps a little foolhardy too. he was determined to enter the cave with. or without permission. and this he did.
With the flickering flame of his oil lamp casting grotesque dancing shadows on the towering walls of the cave, he moved cautiously forward. On the floor ahead of him he could make out a carpet of bones and skulls. Doubt upon doubt flashed across his mind. "Do I really want to do this'?" he wondered.
The silence of the cave was shattered. Genjo's heart almost failed him. as a harsh, brittle voice crackled through the still air and demanded to know what it was that he wanted. "Do you know." the voice continued, 'that this is the entrance to the second world from which no one returns. I am the guardian and keeper of the entrance. Go back before it is too late."
But Genjo had a silver tongue, and said to the guardian, "I only want to see inside the cave. Please let me enter." this request was granted, and conquering any remaining fears. Genjo pressed on into the depths of the cave. The further he went. the narrower the passage became. Despair mounted. "Will I ever reach the second world'?"
To Genjo's amazement and joy, the narrow passage suddenly opened out into a vast cavern. beautiful beyond belief, breathtaking with a roof of glistening gold, pillars of shimmering rock. terraced pools of clear still water, and no sound but that of his own heart beating.
Genjo stood entranced, lost in wonderment at this beauty of creation, but his reveries ended abruptly, as he felt strong. cold clammy hands encircle his neck and squeeze hard.
Twisting slightly, he glimpsed a hideous demoness. "You have disobeyed the law." she growled, "and for that you will die here, now."
"Please stop," gasped Genjo. "I only follow my masters footsteps. I am a Buddhist monk. I only seek enlightenment. I want nothing for myself."
If this is truly the case, then I can help you, and will. Remember this though. If you tell anyone of what has happened. then death will surely come to you before your time. Wait here." So saying, the demoness disappeared.
Genjo, now a little damp, cold and hungry' decided that he had had enough for one day, and that enlightenment could wait for a little longer. So he left the cave arid returned to the village, whose inhabitants were not a little surprised to see him safe and well. Such a miraculous happening was not common, and it aroused much curiosity.
At the inn that night, many questions were asked of the monk who, remembering the demoness's warning, said very little. the village headman, being in a position of power, and being more curious than others, persisted in his questioning, first begging, then demanding, and finally threatening, until at last, poor Genjo, wearied by the headman's harangue, and the effects of the local saki, told him of the magnificent cavern, and the encounter with the demoness.
With the completion of his story, Genjo swooned, and on closer inspection was found to be dead, as predicted.
Sonoe Shimizu
Neville West
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