Sozu was on the way home from Mt. Hiei in order to nurse his hahaama (mother nun) in her 80's who suddenly took ill in Uji on her way home from Hatsusemode (visit to Hatsuse-dera Temple) with his imotoama (sister nun) in her 50's
僧都の80余歳になる母尼（ははあま）が、僧都の50余歳になる妹尼（いもうとあま）との初瀬詣で（長谷寺参詣）の帰途に宇治市で急病を患ったため、看護のため僧都は山から下りてきていたのである。