36. Kashiwagi / The Oak Tree(柏木)
Passage
'I felt I must have all this out with him; for if I died with it on my conscience I should be held back from Salvation in the life to come. However, it is too late now.... But the greatest kindness you could do me would be to explain matters to him when I am gone. I know quite well that he will at once forgive me then. If you would only consent to do that....'
Bedridden Kashiwagi hints at his own sins to Yugiri, and asks him to intercede with Genji. This became his final wish.
Summary
Nyosan gives birth to Kashiwagi's child (Kaoru). Then, she asks her father for permission to become a nun.
Kashiwagi falls into despair upon hearing the news of Nyosan's ordination. He asks his friend Yugiri to intercede with Genji on his behalf before passing away.
Comment
They wish to leave this life full of suffering, and seeking happiness in the next life.
That was the ideal for people in the Heian period.