[From Japanese, and other sources.]
There was a time when the dew of creation was still fresh upon the Earth, and our Mother's song echoed clear through all the worlds. 'Twas a time when the Lords of Shade and Light walked freely through the mortal realms, and children played with lions and elves. 'Tis from this age that I shall draw my tale. Listen well as I spin my story and weave her into the wharf of your beings.
There is a place where the sun is thought to be a lady. This place is called Japan, and the lady they call, Amaterasu Omi-gami, meaning, Heavenly Shining Goddess. There is a story that they tell that I wish to share with you.
|
Amaterasu-san lived in a cave where she would sleep. When she arose in the morning and stepped out, she brought light into the world around and below her. She was happy and generous with her light and warmth.
Amaterasu-san had a brother who was a stormy fellow. His name is Susanowo. Often, as it is with brothers and sisters, Amaterasu-san and Susanowo-san would quarrel. He wanted to rain all the time and she wanted to let the sun shine upon the Earth for most of the time. He did not want to share.
One day, there was such a bitter dispute between them that he ruined her rice crops. Angry and hurt, Amaterasu-san went into her cave and did not want to come out. The inhabitants of Heaven thought it odd that she would retire so early, yet thought no more of it.
The next morning she did not arise and step out. She did not bring light into the world around and below her. She was not happy. The inhabitants of both Heaven and Earth became cold. Then they became frightened. Even Susanowo-san realized his error as his rain became snow, then ice.
He went to her door and knocked. She would not answer, though he could hear her sobbing. So, he quietly apologized to her and begged her to return her glory to the world outside. She only continued to sob. No, she would not come out to today.
Then, the Purple-crepe Emperor arrived from the north, riding his great bear. He approached her cave. He humbly besought that she should return to the world and let her glory warm the world again. She only answered him with more sobbing. No, she would not come out.
Soon, the Jade Empress arrived from the Southern Heavens, with dragons drawing her coracle. She stepped up to the entrance of the cave. She begged (she does not usually beg) her petition to the Heavenly Shining Goddess, that she should open her door and let the Earth be warmed under her smile once more. Only sobbing was the answer. No, she would not come out.
Finally, the Foolish-Monkey god approached the door of her cave. The inhabitants of Heaven did not expect him to do any better. He is a chatter box, they said, with no hope of accomplishing anything in the world accept noise and chaos. He ignored them. "Karma-no karma-desu (1)" he would say, and go on about his business.
1. Destiny is as destiny does.
The Foolish-Monkey god reached into his kimono and pulled out a mirror. The others thought how vain of him. He ignored them. Karma-no karma-desu. He would say, and go on about his business.
The Foolish-Monkey god smiled. He smiled such a big smile that his lips where pulled inside-out. First he snickered. Then, he quietly laughed. Yes, they said, his is very foolish indeed.
The Foolish-Monkey god wiggled his ears back and forth like a bird's wings. He could barely contain himself and he almost burst into tears, holding onto his laughter. Yes, they said, his is very foolish indeed. Yet, the Purple-crepe Emperor chuckled a little. Yet, the Jade Empress had a little smile upon her face.
The Foolish-Monkey god then pushed his chin out with a big smile. He threw out his chest, pulled in his stomach, and flexed his arm. There wasn't much of a muscle there. It made him laugh anyway. Yes, they said, his is very foolish indeed. The Purple-crepe Emperor and the Jade Empress laughed too. Many of the inhabitants of Heaven tried to contain themselves with dignity. They did not want to be thought of as foolish. To tell the truth, they were beginning to lose the battle.
The Foolish-Monkey god stood upon his hands, and his kimono fell and covered his face. Imagine, to be played such a trick on, by his own clothes! So, he collapsed in a pile of uncontrollable laughter. The Purple-crepe Emperor and the Jade Empress no longer tried to stop laughing, and they began to forget their troubles. Yes, they said, his is very foolish indeed! Even the crowd was beginning to let go.
The Foolish-Monkey god began to dance and jump in such a foolish way that everyone laughed without a care in the world. They laughed until it hurt too much to stop. Such noise, such glee, none of the people of Heaven and Earth could contain themselves. Yes, they said, we are all his is very foolish indeed.
Soon, Amaterasu-san wondered what the entire hubbub was all about. So, she went to her door and looked out to see. As she did, her light fell upon all and the snow began to melt. Susanowo-san took her hand gently and helped her out of her doorway.
He had tears in his eyes, from the sorrow, from the laughter, and now from the joy. The Purple-crepe Emperor and the Jade Empress greeted her with smiles. Amaterasu-san felt welcome.
The feud between Amaterasu Omi-gami and Susanowo was soon forgotten. Well, he sometimes forgot, thought he never destroyed all the crops in her field again.
The Foolish-Monkey god was rewarded with an honored place in the realm of Heaven and a Samurai to serve him. The Foolish-Monkey god had plans of his own, though the Samurai was content to follow.
And they did thank the weavers of time for blessing their fortunes, and for granting them dreams, and the wit to pursue them. Now, whether they always live happily ever after is a tale for another time. This is enough for now, eh?
