Finish Him (D10, EM)

[Jihen]

“I have heard a telling of it. And would love to hear your telling.” He replied with a warm smile.

[Soshi Eiji]

"There once was a very lonely man who desperately wished to not be lonely. He was not a bad man, per se, it’s just there was something about him that inspired disinterest in others. He saw others having conversations that he wished to join in, people chatting about the latest topics of the day, but they never let him in. As if at birth everyone had decided to whom they would speak, and none had chosen him.

“I know what I shall do,” said the lonely man, to himself because he had no-one. “I shall become both the greatest scholar and the greatest artist in the entire Empire. Then everyone will want to talk to me!”

He went to the largest temple of the Brotherhood and took the vows, dedicating himself to study. He spent many years mastering every topic one could speak upon, every artform one might perform, attuning himself to the universe itself. “He is a great sage, the soul of artistry itself!” the head of the order proclaimed.

When he was satisfied that he was the most learned and most talented man in the Empire, he left the temple. At last, everyone would seek to speak with him.

Now, when he had chosen to leave, the Empire was having a very poor harvest. Hunger stalked the streets, and good samurai sometimes had to make hard decisions between nourishment of the soul and nourishment of the body. But not everywhere was this the case. In fact there was one lord whose province produced quite the bounty.

Said lord declared that he would host a gathering. The gathering would be held over a few weeks time and at the end of the gathering, the person who had entertained him the most would be given the surplus of rice he had accumulated. Enough to feed many, but not all people.

“A gathering of all the most talented artists and sages? The Heavens have surely arranged this just for me!” the monk thought to himself.

The monk journeyed to the lord’s manor. The lord took one look at the man’s monk robes and bald head, and was less than impressed.

“What can a mere monk accomplish? The clans have sent their finest artisans who are all well versed in their fields. But in the name of hospitality, I will allow you to compete.” the lord said.

At the welcome banquet that night, the host announced that the first competition would be that very night. The guests would sing for their supper, as it were. Now the Scorpion had sent their finest songstress. Her voice was sweet as she sang a tragic story of lost love. Her audience was nearly in tears as she completed her song.

But then it was the monk’s turn. He sang with a voice that was as clear as a bell, a song that was even more sweeping, showcasing his amazing range, that spoke of universal truths and the beauty therein.

The lord was moved, and declared the monk the winner of the first competition.

“Excellent,” thought the monk “Now that they all know what a talented singer I am, they will all flock to speak to me.”

But no one came to visit the monk that night.

“Ah well, it’s late, I suppose. Perhaps they will speak to me after tomorrow’s competition.”

The next day was a painting competition. The Crane had sent their finest painter, who drew an amazing scene of the Golden Sun Bay as the kami first saw it. It moved many in the audience with it’s breathtaking beauty. But it was the monk’s painting of the peak of one of the Empire’s highest mountains that the host declared superior.

And yet, no one approached the monk.

And thus was the pattern that would follow the weeks to come. The monk defeated the Phoenix in a competition of knowledge, the Dragon in a riddle competition, and the Lion in a go tournament. He attended every event, save the martially focused ones, because all his time studying had made the monk a bit soft one might say. But no one made the time to speak to the monk.

The weeks passed and at the conclusion of the gathering, the host named the monk the most entertaining guest, and awarded him the surplus rice.

His fellow competitors departed without a word to the monk.

“Well, no matter,” the monk thought. “Surely those who suffer from hunger will speak with me now that I have the rice to feed them.”

But alas, this was not the case. Those who accepted the rice from him thanked him with a simple bow and not a word of thanks.

“Why?!?” screamed the loneliest monk, “I am the most learned! I am the most artistically gifted! Why does no one speak to me?”

For in all his study, in all his meditation, there was one fundamental truth that he had failed to grasp. It is not knowledge, or skill that draws people together. What brings people together is a genuine interest in each other. The desire to not just enrich themselves, but to allow them to enrich each other. The monk hadn’t been chasing companionship, he had been seeking popularity for its own sake. To be praised, nearly worshipped for his skill, rather than trying to guide others to reach even greater heights. He was not the loneliest monk because he was uninteresting. He was the loneliest because he put himself above everyone else, and wondered why none looked up to him."

[Jihen]

Jihen nodded as the tale was told and bowed in gratitude as it was finished.

“A scathing rebuke of self-important followers of their own way. I have heard this tale in a number of variants. The one where he was executed by a certain political faction is undoubtedly my least favorite… But that speaks to my general dislike for that era of not so distant history.”

He smiled, “Was there a reason Soshi-sama sought to share this tale with me today? You say I remind you of this monk?”

[Soshi Eiji]

Jihen nodded as the tale was told and bowed in gratitude as it was finished.

“A scathing rebuke of self-important followers of their own way. I have heard this tale in a number of variants. The one where he was executed by the gozoku is undoubtedly my least favorite… But that speaks to my general dislike for that era of history.”

He smiled, “Was there a reason Soshi-sama sought to share this tale with me today? You say I remind you of this monk?”

Eiji smiled.

"Ah, not in the sense of self-importance, my good monk. My apologies if you took it that way. It's simply your dedication to scholarship that brought him to mind. Hopefully this Winter Court has seen you getting to share many fruitful conversations with many people." he offered sincerely.

[Jihen]

“That is very kind of you to say… And yes, I have made a number of kind acquaintances. Soshi-sama being counted among them.”

He tilts his head, “But yes… I must say that my aims are quite different from our story’s protagonist. I’m well accustomed to my loneliness… and pleased to have the opportunity to be so burdened in this life.”

[Soshi Eiji]

This surprised the Soshi somewhat.

"Ah, indeed my good monk? I have heard that there is a wide spectrum of monastic attitudes on such, from those who take a vow to never intereact with the outside world again, to those who constantly travel amongst the people. What is it about solitutde that appeals to you?" he asked.

[Jihen]

“It is not solitude that I pursue. I am quite engaged with many people as is customary for followers of my sect. But there is an inherent loneliness that comes as one who grew up only knowing the monastery. A different approach to the world and how one sees it…”

He smiles, “My perspective is unique… but thereby also quite lonely.”

[Soshi Eiji]

Eiji nods.

"I suppose it must be" he agrees. "The way of the monk is not often well understood outside the monasteries to most samurai until it is time to retire, if they retire. I personally cannot picture it."

He smiles a bit.

"Though speaking of misunderstanding monks, have you heard the story about the two brother monks, one with a missing eye?" he asked.

[Jihen]

“If you would share it, I would hear it.” He replied.

[Soshi Eiji]

Provided he makes and wins an argument about Shinseism with those who live there, any wandering monk can remain at a certain temple. If he is defeated, he has to move on.

In this temple in the northern part of the Empire two brother monks were dwelling together. The elder one was learned, but the younger one was stupid and had but one eye.

A wandering monk came and asked for lodging, properly challenging them to a debate about the teachings of Shinsei. The elder brother, tired that day from much studying, told the younger one to take his place. "Go and request the dialogue in silence," he cautioned.

So the young monk and the stranger went to the shrine and sat down.

Shortly afterwards the traveler rose and went in to the elder brother and said: "Your young brother is a wonderful fellow. He defeated me."

"Relate the dialogue to me," said the elder one.
"Well," explained the traveler, "first I held up one finger, representing Shinsei, the enlightened one. So he held up two fingers, signifying Shinsei and his teaching. I held up three fingers, representing Shinsei, his teaching, and his followers, living the harmonious life. Then he shook his clenched fist in my face, indicating that all three come from one realization. Thus he won and so I have no right to remain here." With this, the traveler left.

"Where is that fellow?" asked the younger one, running in to his elder brother.
"I understand you won the debate."
"Won nothing. I'm going to beat him up."
"Tell me the subject of the debate," asked the elder one.
"Why, the minute he saw me he held up one finger, insulting me by insinuating that I have only one eye. Since he was a stranger I thought I would be polite to him, so I held up two fingers, congratulating him that he has two eyes. Then the impolite wretch held up three fingers, suggesting that between us we only have three eyes. So I got mad and started to punch him, but he ran out and that ended it!"

[Jihen]

Jihen smiled at the story and nodded his head.

“A humorous tale. Though from the collection of tales you share with me, one wonders if Soshi-sama has a penchant for the efficacy of force.”

[Soshi Eiji]

Eiji shrugged a bit at that.

"When one is raised among the Lion and trained to tell stories of their valor in combat, my good monk, it does tend to shape one's worldview. If one plants rice among the rice paddies, one should not expect plum blossoms. "

He looked over to him.

"But if you have a couple of fine tales to tell not involving force, I would gladly listen to them, my good monk. I have an appreciate for any stories of interest."

[Jihen]

Jihen smiled and nodded as he began his tale:

Once there was a follower of the Little Teacher who served as the abbot of a small temple along the shore of the Eastern Sea name Uma-kai.

Once in going to the capital to receive alms for his people and allow the temple's merchant to sell their paints, Master Uma-kai arrived in the ports... He saw four large turtles for sale in the ports after they had finished their affairs and asked his acolytes to purchase them and set them free.

He then secured passage on a boat and began his journey home. Late at night... the sailors of this barge... filled with greed, threw the acolytes and master into the sea. Yelling, "Into the sea with you old man!" as they did.

The monk tried to reason with them... but they would not listen. And as he offered up a prayer he splashed down into the sea and began to sink.

When the water came to his waist though, he felt stone supporting his legs. He and the acolytes stood in the dark ocean while the boat sailed into the distance... and at the first light of morning they inspected their feet and found the four large turtles they had rescued buoying them up.

They carried he and his acolytes to the beach near his home... and bowing three times in farewell... took their flight back to the sea.

The following day... the thieving sailors.. six in total... happened to visit the temple to sell the paints and food the master had acquired on his trip to the capital.

The Abbot's attendant came out to make an assessment of the goods... when then the Master came out and greeted the thieves.

The thieves were petrified with terror, but in mercy Uma-kai did not punish them. He asked them to help him build a temple to the north star and its patron defender, the turtle. The thieves would live and retire to the monastery... where they all lived by the seaside and preached to passersby.

Even animals do not forget gratitude, and repay acts of kindness. How then could a forthright human fail to have gratitude in what they receive?

Jihen told the story with a clear voice and captivating control.

"A tale which is perhaps a bit too compassionate for Soshi-sama I fear..." Jihen offered with a nod of gratitude for listening to his story.

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D10 EM Fluff Storytelling Roll | 8k5 ⇒ 55

*Tale adapted from Nihon Ryoiki: 1.8

[Soshi Eiji]

Eiji tilted his head as he considered the tale and the monk's rebuke.

"Hmmm, no, I'm afraid you're wrong about that, my good monk. It's a well told story, and I would not fault a monk for having compassion upon thieves...though I would classify it as mercy to be precise. That is to be expected." he said considering it all.

"Were I to take issue with the story, it would be the antagonist, the thieves. Food and paint seem....a very small incentive to murder over. Granted, the story would make little sense if the monk was carrying a big bag of diamonds, but paint?

But let us say that the thieves are desperate enough to murder for so little, and somehow realize the worth of the paint. Having just murdered their only passengers, they sail not to some distant port, but return to the one they departed? That must have led to an interesting conversation with the dockmaster, 'Ah yes, we decided we didn't really want to go anywhere after all, so we came back to unload the cargo. Our passenger? He's um....sick.'

But, they somehow overcome that difficulty, ready to sell their ill-gotten goods and so they take it to....the temple? Surely any merchant in the market would be a better choice. Again, I realize it's for the dramatic arrival of the monk, but I am unclear why they would go there of all places."

Eiji smiles a bit.

"I understand the point of the tale is to speak of Mercy and Respect for Life, my good monk. But I think with just very little effort, one could easily retell this as a grand comedy, 'Unobservant monk with the help of his sea turtle friends converts stupid thieves into stupid monks." he concludes.

[Jihen]

"I am afraid I must have been unclear in my telling... The monk is returning home from the capital. His home is far away and he travels by boat. The sailors are not traveling back to the place they come from... but moved on their route as they would normally. They are merely preempted by the turtles." He replies.

"And all things are money to those whose hearts are set on the Desires of the world. Paint, food, friendships, favors, stories... Greed does not restrict itself to merely shiny metal coins with holes in the middle."

He nods, "It is not a great tale of conquest and glory... but it is a simple tale of mercy and compassion which the monks of the Myokenji temple are rightfully proud. I am ashamed that I would tell it in a way that it would be considered something to be laughed at."

[Soshi Eiji]

Eiji grinned while he stood up.

"No no, you must not be ashamed of such, my good monk. You told it quite well, your voice clear, your meaning plain. And you should never feel ashamed of giving others the opportunity to laugh. To inspire others to set down the heavy On they must carry with them and express sincere joy? To re-energize them so they might carry their On once again with renewed vigor? Why this should be a source of pride, not shame!"

He bowed to the monk.

"And I feel quite energized, both by tea and conversation. It has been a pleasure to speak with you, my good monk. I hope you have the most pleasant day."

/exit!

[Jihen]

"You are most gracious Soshi-sama. Thank you for your hospitality." Jihen moves to his knees and bows deeply as he waits for the Scorpion to make his exit.

Eventually he would rise to his seiza position and let out a breath through his nostrils.

The day had begun...


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/scene and thanks!