Brotherhood Kindness (D3 LA)

[Jihen]

Jihen arrived back at the Crane residences in the late afternoon after having spent the day assisting in what ways he could.

He came to pay his respects to the Lady Noriko for her generous donation to the Brotherhood the day before and asked for an audience...

[Doji Noriko]

...which was granted. Jihen was led through the first receiving room to a rear one. A Seppun bushi stepped forward to check his identity, then escorted Jihen within, where Doji Noriko waited.

"Good afternoon, brother," she says, smiling. There is something about the way the sunlight gathers around the contours of her face, the folds of her kimono, that strikes Jihen as unusual, but then the qualities of the transluscence of paper walls can produce all sorts of effects.

"Have you had rice?"

[Jihen]

Jihen bows deeply to the woman and acknowledges her greeting, "I have been blessed by Inari-no-kami."

He raises his posture again only to deeply bow once again, "I am called Jihen. I have come to thank Doji-sama for her generosity displayed in court yesterday."

[Doji Noriko]

Jihen bows deeply to the woman and acknowledges her greeting, "I have been blessed by Inari-no-kami."

He raises his posture again only to deeply bow once again, "I am called Jihen. I have come to thank Doji-sama for her generosity displayed in court yesterday."

Noriko bows as appropriate in turn. "It was hardly a gesture in need of praise, Jihen. It was merely the right thing to do in that moment."

[Jihen]

"Proper things done at the proper time are perhaps the only thing worthy of praise. It is the small and simple actions that keep the world from swaying wildly into imbalance." He replied with another grateful bow.

"As one who attempts to always find greater understanding, I hope you will excuse me if I may ask a question." He pauses to let her deny him if she so desires before asking.

"There are many times and places one could give to the Brotherhood. We don't usually have to hire guards to hold the lines of people back from donating all of their personal wealth..." He smiles warmly.

"What prompted this action in this moment? I do not mean to judge or say it was poorly done... I merely seek understanding as to how we may be of assistance to one another after your most generous offering."

[Doji Noriko]

Noriko considered that for a moment. "There were a few reasons. I feared that Mirumoto-san's demeanor might make it difficult for him to secure donations commensurate with the Empire's need, so someone who represented a more traditional approach needed to step forward. I felt that the cause was just, and it spoke to me particularly because of Lady Doji's commitment to Shinsei. And I could spare the money."

[Jihen]

Jihen nodded, "That is very kind of you. So you sought to help Mirumoto-sama and out of your respect for the Lady Doji..."

He asked curiously, "Do you yourself read the sayings of the Little Teacher?"

[Doji Noriko]

"You misunderstand, Jihen-san. Lady Doji's example is a part of the reason, but only in that it highlights the need the Empire has for compassion. But to answer your question, I do read Shinsei on occasion, but my first devotion is to Lady Sun."

[Jihen]

He nodded, "I hope you do not mind me asking... Us monks can be rather eccentric... But if I may..."

He tilts his head, "As one who spends much of his life fully dedicated to the teachings of the Tao, I see much of the worship of the Fortunes and Kami as part and participle of the greater Way..."

He gestures to her politely with a look, "As an expressed follower of Lady Sun, how do you see your connection to Her and the teachings of the Tao?"

[Doji Noriko]

"I do not detect a hint of eccentricity within you, Jihen. Quite the contrary." She leans forward slightly. "I see them as a systematic approach to understanding the world around us. To an extent, they complement each other, but there are certain things which do not match. The kami emanate from the natural world. We have river kami, the Phoenix have kami for every tree in Isawa Mori. And yet the Tao tells us that the world is an illusion, composed of suffering. The trees are solid enough for me, and while I agree that ignorance is a painful state in which to find one's self, the suffering of hunger--another of Shinsei's illusions--calls out to me for rectification first."

She smiled. "So I take some comfort in Shinsei's saying that those who struggle for harmony have some hope, but I know enough to know that the kharmic wheel has more in store for me."

[Jihen]

"You speak true. Illusions may they be... but ones that influence how we all see the world and our place in it. Courage may feed a man's soul, but it is rice that feeds his belly... And your generosity will feed many, giving them the chance to better find their places."

He then smiled softly, "You must allow me some capacity for eccentricity... I am still quite young. Filled with foolish whims and thoughts as any other human. But I am also one who will serve for the rest of my life to promote the proper Way. I pray to be of help to those like yourself who seek to bring harmony to the world."

[Doji Noriko]

"How refreshing to meet a man who is still interested in cultivating his full potential," she said. "I should think any seeker after harmony would be pleased with so erudite a help."

[Jihen]

"We of the Four Temples take to heart the teachings of the Little Teacher. 'You cannot live while hiding from life.' To be in the world with people... living it together is what the Way asks of us."

He continues, "I have lived this live since I was a small child. I only hope what I learn can be shared with others... now and in the future. The Way will continue beyond us... on through the generations and all the obstacles they will face."

[Doji Noriko]

"Yes, I should hope so." She nods seriously.

[Jihen]

"If you or your family ever have occasion to visit the Four Temples, we would be honored to welcome you and your household for a tour of the temples. Help you to impress upon the future generation of the importance of maintaining their spiritual strength." He offered with a polite bow.

[Doji Noriko]

"If you or your family ever have occasion to visit the Four Temples, we would be honored to welcome you and your household for a tour of the temples. Help you to impress upon the future generation of the importance of maintaining their spiritual strength." He offered with a polite bow.

Noriko smiled. "Such a kind invitation, Jihen. I shall consider it. But there are many less well-advantaged temples and shrines that could also use my support, and I must weigh their need against my sincere wish to visit Abbot Chou-sin's demesne."

[Jihen]

He bows in acknowledgement. "The Four Temples have always served as the closest supporters of the Imperial family and the center of the Brotherhood of Shinsei. There are many of the sects which benefit from the connection we maintain with the world and rely on the opportunities for debate, meditation, counsel, and charity we provide. Were you ever have occasion to be in the capital... for whatever reason... There are those like me who would be willing to help you in your efforts to distribute your generosity to the 'less well-advantaged' of the world."

[Doji Noriko]

"That is most reassuring, Jihen. If I should be so fortunate as to have the opportunity to visit the capital, I shall look forward to the possibilities your support could provide."

[Jihen]

“It would be my honor.” He said with a bow.

“I shouldn’t take up any more of your time. Should you require the services of one of the Brotherhood, please do not hesitate to communicate with me.” He said, bowing again, deeper this time.

[Doji Noriko]

"It would be a great pleasure, Jihen. Thank you for your visit."