Tenrikyo-Ofudesaki - Checking My Vocabulary - "Waka" form poetry
"Waka"
is a form of traditional Japanese poetry most often related to an expression of
deep feelings. The "Waka" meter 5-7-5-7-7 syllables per line is not
maintained in the prose translations of the poems that are used for this site
and it is of little concern here other than to note that the production of 1710
verses of "Waka" form poetry is itself an impressive artistic
achievement.
My own view is that the poems are intended to be a loving and deeply felt expression of parental love. Indeed it is often mentioned that to understand the poems one needs to internalize and understand the "Model of Parental Love" that is clearly shown in the poems. Each verse and theme then presenting the point of view of the "Parent" in conversation with the point of view of a "child". In my view for an understanding of the Poems it is crucial to be able to distinguish those two very different points of view as they relate to one's own mind and having done that quickly settle and assume the point of view of the original Parental consciousness.