Kasha Part 1

Kasha usually dwell in the dark pits of Hell counting the corpses that they have stolen from the funerals. When the numbers start to grow small, new corpses have to be brought in. Why are they doing this? Kasha only steal corpses of sinners destined for Hell. They cause storms during funerals to cause distractions and replace the corpses in the coffins with heavy rocks.

The Kasha were busy again. The Heads of the Demon House had released a new list of sinners to be put to Hell. Each Kasha was responsible for their own list of corpses. Tetsuzaemon was unlike the other fellow Kasha. The other Kasha worked diligently to claim the corpses of sinners. Tetsuzaemon on the other hand didn’t like that they had to obtain the corpses according to a list without knowing what sin that the human had committed. Only Enma had the right to judge souls.

Tetsuzaemon had a particular corpse to attend to. “Tetsuzaemon, I want you to claim a corpse. The funeral will be held at Shitennouji in Osaka,” said his superior. “My lord, who is the corpse I’m suppose to obtain?” Tetsuzaemon asked. “Once you get there, you will know,” said the superior. “Is that so, my lord? Then I will set off as soon as possible,” said Tetsuzaemon. Tetsuzaemon opened the portal to the human world and flew out. As he soared into the sky, he felt a little uneasy of his assignment. This was the first time he did not know the name of the one he was to take. At least he knew the location. If the funeral was held in Shitenouji, then someone important must have died, Tetsuzaemon thought.

Arriving in Osaka, Tetsuzaemon witnessed the hustle-bustle of the city. At the ports, cargo ships were unloading goods and workers hoisted the heavy bags upon their shoulders. As Tetsuzaemon soared further into the city, small shops align one next to each other displaying their goods to customers. As he got closer to Shitenouji, a long funeral procession was making its way towards the respected temple. Tetsuzaemon flew a little closer to get the view of the procession. To his surprise, there was a problem. There was one funeral procession but, two coffins were being carried. The head of the parade had two people each holding a framed picture of the two deceased members. Who was it that Tetsuzaemon had to take? The demon began to fret and the procession was coming close to Shitenouji. Once the body enters the temple, no Kasha would be able to claim a corpse with the temple’s protective barrier on.

Grabbing on to a cloud, Tetsuzaemon began to initiate the storm ritual. The clouds above the procession began to darken and rain dampened the grounds. The fierce winds began to pick up and blow harshly at the people of the procession. The coffin lids were starting to come off and rattled loudly. Tetsuzaemon flew down as a gust of wind and pillaged through the crowd. “There is a sinner among you,” Tetsuzaemon howled. “Go away unclean spirit!” shouted the family members. “They will never enter Heaven,” Tetsuzaemon continued to howl. “Leave the corpse of the sinner for Enma.” “Quick, we must quickly go to Shitenouji!” said one of the leading men. “Even Buddha would forbid such a sin. No sinner shall enter the holy grounds,” said Tetsuzaemon and pummeled the crowd with another strong gust of wind.

The procession would not cease. No one would heed Tetsuzaemon’s words. The desperate demon could not take just any corpse or he would be punished. Quickly, Tetsuzaemon whisked some leaves into the faces of the people and transformed into a monk. Bearing the simple black robes, Tetsuzaemon walked towards the grieving families. “Please, take heed of the Kasha’s warning,” said Tetsuzaemon. “I do no wish misfortune to befall on all of you.” “Bozu, we have a procession to lead. Please take us up to Shitenouji,” said the head of the parade. “As you wish, my lord,” said Tetsuzaemon.

The procession finally reached the steps of Shitenouji and the bodies were carried to the front of the altar. Each guest took their place on either side of the Great Lobby and monks assembled in front of the Buddhas to chant. Tetsuzaemon lingered outside the temple trying to peak into the Great Lobby. “What are you doing here? You should be helping out!” a monk remarked. Tetsuzaemon jolted from the sudden response and turned to respond. “I ... uh ... was suppose to ... um, just lead them here and uh ...” stuttered Tetsuzaemon. The poor demon was running out of excuses when the Abbot came walking out to see what was going on. “Shingon, I’ll attend to this matter personally,” said the Abbot. “But sensei! The ceremony ...” explained Shingon. The Abbot raised his hand and Shingon left Tetsuzaemon alone with the Abbot.

“Sensei ... “ began Tetsuzaemon. “Oni, what is your business with the human world I humbly ask,” said the Abbot. “How did you know?” “No demon can enter in the presence of Buddha without being scorched by the flames of penitence.” “Then I’ll be frank. I am Tetsuzaemon the Kasha working under Lord Enma of the Underworld. I am here to take the corpse of a sinner but, I do not know who the sinner is.” “This is most curious. I have never heard of a Kasha failing to collect the one he is suppose to collect. Tetsuzaemon-dono, it seems Lord Enma has placed a challenge upon you.” “A challenge you say?” “Yes, a challenge of judgment. The weighing of souls against sin.” “Then will you help me? I have no intent of stealing other corpses,” begged Tetsuzaemon. “A simple disciple of Buddha helping a demon?” laughed the Abbot. “That seems ridiculous but, can you promise that you will not harm any innocent body and seek answers through non violence or unjust means?” “Yes. I promise not to harm anyone.” “The ceremony is going on now. I’ll explain to the grieving family how their circumstances have now changed.”

The Great Lobby was getting filled with more people. Many came to pay their respects and the mourners would weep together for their loss. The Abbot came to the front of the Great Lobby to begin his speech. “Today we gather together for a most unfortunate but an inevitable event. As the deceased members depart to the next world, the living must continue and honor their departure. We, at Shitenouji, will pray for their success in Nirvana. However, even as the deceased depart, there are obstacles that even they must overcome and it is up to us, the living, to help them continue their journey,” said the Abbot. “I have received a holy message regarding our two deceased members.” “How could this be!” said the man who was the head of the procession. “I’m afraid they are being barred from entering Nirvana and will be sent to ... Naraka.” The crowd gasped and murmured. Naraka ... Naraka ... Naraka. The supposed hell that one enters once Enma judges you to be a sinner. “No!! It can’t be! My pure daughter ...” a woman wailed loudly. “My son ... my son ... to Naraka ...” wailed another woman. “Please I ask that the representatives of both families may have a conference to resolve the matter,” asked the Abbot. “The room behind the Great Lobby is open for use.” The room behind the lobby was a simple shoin room with tatami mats and cream colored sliding doors. The Ikeda clan sat on one side while the Ueda clan sat on the opposite side. “Please give us the details of their deaths,” asked the Abbot.