Verse 1-65 in the Ofudesaki has always made me uncomfortable. The traditional interpretation, tells us that Shuji had a mistress, and God wanted him to send her away, and marry a person who was younger than him.  But is this translation and interpretation of this verse correct?

The previous two verses are about Shuji’s age, and the question if Shuji is too old to continue to work for God.  God promises Shuji 60 more years, if he follows God.  I believe that my translation of verse 1-65, concerning Shuji’s age, is addressed. God is telling Shuji, that he is still young.

There is a question on what the last word in verse 1-65 is. Is it the word “nyoubou”, which translates into wife, or is it “ni yohou”, which translates into predict.  Please look at the Japanese hiragana on this verse to compare.

Also, God tells Shuji that if the evil deed is removed, his leg will be healed. Shuji’s leg was never healed, even though his relationship was his mistress was supposedly terminated. So, the traditional translation is not supported.  I believe that the evil deed has nothing to do with his mistress, but it has to do something with the construction of the path, which Shuji was reluctant about in some ways.