Word 082
At the western edge of Todai-ji, facing the old Saho road, stands the quiet Tegai-mon Gate. Built in the Tenpyo era, it has passed through wars and disasters and still keeps its original form — one of the few ancient structures remaining in Nara today.
Standing before it, the thick round pillars and the broad tiled roof look down in silence. There is no lock, no watchman. Only a frame of wood and stone, standing there. And yet, before taking that first step through, the feet sometimes hesitate for no reason at all.
Looking up, clouds drift over the gate, and small birds slip past the eaves without a moment's pause. They pass through without hesitation. Perhaps nothing was ever holding anyone back to begin with.
Is someone stepping on your hem? → No, you are stepping on your own hem.
Is someone holding you captive? → No, you have put yourself in a cage.
Is someone binding your hands and feet? → No, you have shackled yourself.
Do you want to be free? → Then, just act.
No one but you stands in your way.
Step through, and the beams that once looked so heavy return to being ordinary wood. Turn around, and the gate stands there, unchanged as ever. Only later does it become clear — it was never the gate that moved, but your own feet.