(ME D1, Expecting) Looking for the Shintao Shrine

[Agasha Yuna]

After the meeting with Togashi-ue concluded, Yuna was pleased by the meditation space that they had set up within the Dragon House. But she also wanted to get to know this place and its people - the Lion.

She set out to the Temple Complex to find the Shintao Shrine, to meditate and pray.

And looked. And looked.

She paused, a little perplexed. Perhaps she was looking in the wrong area of the Kyuden?

She was still dressed in her court clothes. A very fine green kimono with gold embroidery of peach flowers. A gold headdress. An elegant young woman with soft features. One looking closely could see the mon of her house Ageki - the grey shiro on the green mountain, and of the Agasha. A Dragon.

[Jihen]

And nearby a young monk had quietly been enjoying some passive people watching when the fair young Dragon came seeking a shrine.

Seeing her troubled, he decided to draw near and see if he could be of assistance. They were both travelers to a strange new place after all…

“Good evening.” He opened with a respectful bow.

“Looking for someone?” He asked with a kind and measured expression.

[Agasha Yuna]

She smiled and bowed to him. A deep bow suggesting a great reverence for monks.

"Oh thank you, monk-sama. I am looking for the Shinteist shrine. Is it, perhaps, in a different location?"

And, "I am Agasha-ke no kashin Ageki Yuna. A member of the Dragon's delegation to this winter court. I had thought to take some time for meditation and prayer, while also paying my respects to the shrine and Shinteist monks local to this area."

[Jihen]

“Quite a different location I would say.” He replies with a jovial tone in his voice.

“The Ikoma… and much of the Lion clan for that manner, are somewhat resistant to public veneration of the Little Teacher and his writings.” He replied with a consistently warm tone.

“While not a local myself, I am well versed in the teachings of the Little Teacher. Should Agasha-sama require anything regarding that, this humble one called Jihen… would be happy to assist you.”

[Agasha Yuna]

...

“While not a local myself, I am well versed in the teachings of the Little Teacher. Should Agasha-sama require anything regarding that, this humble one called Jihen… would be happy to assist you.”

She smiled. "A pleasure to meet you, Jihen. And thank you for your offer. I do appreciate conversation about the Way. Have you found a place here that you find conducive to meditation?"

"Are you a visitor then? Part of a delegation to Winter Court?"

[Jihen]

"I am glad to hear there is one so interested. The Way is in everything and everywhere. Even places that outwardly reject it." He replies with a smile.

"With the proper mindset and focus... anywhere can be a conducive to meditating on the Way."

He pauses a moment before adding with another smile, "But even on that scale... It is nice and generally quiet here."

He then nods, "I am indeed here as part of the Winter Court. I am the personal aide of the Abbot of the Four Temples, Chou-sin. We arrived this morning with the Imperial procession."

He politely asks, "How was the journey for you and your kinsmen?"

[Agasha Yuna]

She nodded. "I think I will eventually look for a quiet place with a view of something of nature. A tree. A cherry blossom. A river. Study what the pine and cherry blossom can teach. Man is not the only keeper of enlightenment."

"Oh? The Four Temples in Kyuden Seppun? Just this morning I heard a charming story about that place. It made me long to visit it. Is that where you trained?"

"It must be wonderful to have so much opportunity to observe a man as wise as Abbot Chou-sin! If there is anything the Brotherhood of Shinsei needs that brings you the court, and there is some way I can assist, please don't hesitate to ask."

"My own trip was very nice. My first trip outside Dragon and Phoenix lands. My uncle came to my home and escorted me. It was good to see him again, and have the chance to visit on the trip. He is a goldsmith and full of insight on courtly fashion. Though, I think he might have rather traveled with you to study the outfits all the Imperials were wearing! He gave me this headpiece." She touched it fondly. "And picked up more gold to stock his workshop. He mostly travels with his patron Miya-sama."

[Jihen]

“Is that so? Your uncle is a remarkably talented man. I have heard of the gold of the northern provinces and those who work in that craft… But to see it so elegantly presented in a way which accentuates its bearer’s natural beauty? He truly must be a treasure to his lord and patrons.” He replied warmly.

“I indeed have been trained at the Four Temples since I was a small child. Master Chou-sin has been kind enough to take me under his wing these past few years. I could have no greater honor.” He says with obvious sincerity.

“Those of my sect are here simply to observe and be of whatever service we can to the people. We believe in being present in the world… and helping people better understand the Way and strive to live by it at every stage of their current lives. Which naturally brings us here… at a moment when the lives of many will be affected for generations to come.” He continues.

“We have no needs of ourselves… but if we can help you or your kinsmen, please let us know. It could be as simple as praying together under a cherry blossom tree to help feel centered before your day… Or as a conduit to converse with those it may not be easy to approach.”

He smiles softly, “We are here to serve and connect people… as the Little Teacher would do if he were here in our place.”

[Agasha Yuna]

She smiled at his compliment to her uncle's craftsmanship and to her.

"He is very talented," she agreed. "And he has been very kind to me. He helped arrange my schooling, understanding how hard it can be to not prove to be a shugenja in a family with such a legacy and purpose for shugenja work. He found his own way. And he helped me find mine. And now I am here! Representing the clan at a winter court." Genuinely grateful.

She nodded at the explanation of his role.

"For today, a companion in prayer and meditation is all I could wish. But that is a very fine offer to help make connections and introductions. Thank you."

"I have this morning met Seppun Tomaru-sama, and am grateful for that connection."

"Your question makes me reflect on whether I should have had a clear and immediate answer ready as to the introduction most important to support my clan. Perhaps a more experienced courtier would already know that. But, as the Little Teacher says, “Humility is the greatest teacher.” I believe you and Abbot Chou-sin are wiser than me and much further along the Way. I welcome your advice and will let you know if an answer becomes clear to me."

[Jihen]

He gestured towards the far side of the complex, “I know of just such a tree over beyond that hall…”

As they begin walking he begins talking, “Your ability to so easily integrate the teaching of the Tao and your attitude of humility and eagerness to learn would suggest you too are fairly advanced on your own way. There are many paths to the top of the mountain… and I respect you for traveling yours with such intent.” He replies with warmth.

“The pressure of expectation from one’s family can be overwhelming… Much like a fire and press. It has broken many people in the past, but it also can serve to help purify us as it would metal… and make of us finer gold than a mere washing of praise and ease.”

He continues, “Your refining will no doubt continue here. Where there are so many intent on battling for their own agendas conflict is inevitable. You will be confronted with any number of dilemmas… And I’m sure you’re familiar with what the Tao says about dilemmas…?”

[Agasha Yuna]

She followed him toward the tree.

A smile at the reference to gold. A metaphor close to her heart.

And at his question: "Wisdom comes in finding the opportunities that dilemmas provide.”, she answered without hesitation.

"I have a good memory," she admitted, a little shyly. "So I can recall the Little Teacher's words. Most books and scrolls that I've read, truthfully, but the Tao most of all."

She paused, dwelling with the quote in her mind.

"Dilemma is such a focusing word! That does bring to mind one dilemma, and ... maybe the opportunity to connect it to your kind offer. I would very much like to visit the Ikoma library and to have regular access. For the pleasure of it, for professional interest - librarian to librarian, and to have the books and scrolls there as a resource as questions - future dilemmas! - arise here. I believe Ikoma-ue, Ikoma Ryota, is the correct person to ask, as Izaku-ue is for our library. The Izaku library. I am his Karo, and a Librarian there."

"I had the occasion to introduce myself to Ikoma-ue at the gift giving ceremony at court this afternoon, so we have technically met, but I certainly do not have the stature to request a meeting from one so far above me, to inquire about library access. Does that seem like a connection you - or the Abbot - could help facilitate?"

[Jihen]

Jihen smiled warmly as the young woman showed her ability to remember the proper passage from the Tao.

His pacing towards the tree was methodical and contemplative; allowing the conversation to flow as a soft river as they walked along its proverbial banks.

Jihen nodded, "I would be happy to assist in seeking a request for you to access the libraries. My master and I were advised that we have access to the library during our stay, and it would be natural for us to request that access be granted to such an enterprising young woman like yourself. I will speak with my master about it this evening."

He smiled, "These requests invariably take time... The length at which they are expedited vary vastly from library to library... but I will work my best to see if we cannot have it expedited as quickly as possible."

He continued to walk with a smooth pace towards the far side of the hall they now approached. "If there is some measure of urgency... I could perhaps do some reading myself on your behalf if there is a particular topic of which you have interest..."

[Agasha Yuna]

"Thank you so much."

She continued walking, enjoying the pace.

And then added: "I should clarify. I do have a gift for Ikoma-ue and the offer of equivalent time for a Lion scholar at the Izaku library, should any wish. Our library focuses on shugenja research so it might appeal most to a shugenja of the Lion. I understand that Ikoma-ue's time is precious, and access to the library is a great favor. I would not want you to think I would ask empty-handed."

"As for immediate research, there is only one personal matter. I do not wish to trouble you. I will tell you if there is an urgent matter. That is very kind of you to offer. I am sure you have your own areas of interest to pursue with your time there."

As they approached the point of meditation, she added: "I usually sit in a lotus position and close my eyes. I have some incense I could light. I like to do that, but I don't want to do anything you would find distracting. Everyone has their own path."

[Jihen]

Jihen nodded as she offered her clarification, “I will be sure to make that clear with Ikoma-sama given the opportunity. And I do not wish to invade upon a personal matter… but my time is relatively unburdened when compared to those who have obligations to a lord. I could possibly gather a collection of things ready for your perusal once permission has been granted… Whatever would be a service and not an imposition.”

As they arrive he smiles warmly, “If a monk of the Four Temples was distracted by incense… I suppose they should find another path altogether.”

He looks over to the temple, “If that were me… I wonder what my path would be. Probably not a juggler.”

He offers a self-deprecating smile and finds a seat, “Something to meditate on I suppose.”

[Agasha Yuna]

She looked a little chagrined. "Oh! I was only trying to be courteous. I didn't mean to imply... I am sure there is nothing whatsoever that I could do that would disturb your meditation."

He did not seem troubled by it, though. (And of course he wasn't!)

"You are so generous. If you truly truly don't mind, it is really a matter of theological curiosity. I was talking with a friend about the Fortunes." A pause. "Do you include veneration of the Fortunes in your faith practices, in addition to reflection on the Tao?"

"My family focuses rather singularly on the Tao and on the earth kami. But I think that may be atypical."
 
"At any rate... The Fortune Gobai. Balance. The Fortune who could represent balance as in the Tao. But some worship as a balance of foods. And others as they physical balance sailors and cargo at sea. Are there other ways Gobai is followed? Other interpretations? Other ways to earn the Fortune's pleasure and approval?"

"That was the question for research."

[Jihen]

"There are plenty of things that distract us. Believe it or not... Monks are indeed humans." He says with a smile.

"And a man of my age... is constantly laid upon by the frivolities of a youthful mind. I think in part its meant to teach us a measure of modesty for when we are older... For when we actually have some knowledge of the world... and not just think that we do." He folds his knees under himself as he prepares to center his mind.

After hearing her request he nods, "Gobai-sama, I see. A fairly obscure and newly admired deity. Well... newly in comparison to some."

He pauses for a moment, "Those of my sect are most directly concerned with the Tao, but I find it personally interesting to acquaint myself with the various sectarian ideologies of the Brotherhood. There are a collection of young monks in the Four Temples, however, that find the concept of this balance of the elements attached to the worship of Gobai intriguing. I personally wonder if those of a more legal bend would not find some utility out of the veneration of Gobai."

He smiles, "I can begin a search here on the morrow. Start to gather some things... Is there a reason you have an interest in this relatively unique Fortune?"

[Agasha Yuna]

"A more legal bend? Do you mean ... balance in legal judgment? Fair-mindedness? Something else? Have you observed imbalance from those in roles of legal authority?"

And then, in responses to his question:
"In truth, it is a topic of interest to a friend and I promised to help research it for them. Nothing particularly related to Winter Court."

"Beyond that ... any endeavor is likely aided by a richer understanding of balance. “You cannot balance the elements while you are without balance.”

"And being here at Winter Court is a reminder of the diversity of perspective and culture and history and wisdom that each clan brings. I am realizing that understanding what is written about theological topic in a library common to the Dragon and Phoenix may not include all the ideas abloom in wider Rokugan. And I can't help but be curious. And assume there is much to learn. Of course, the Ikoma libraries are likely most rich on the lion perspective and practices common in lion lands. But that would still enlarge my perspective. And provide something tangible for my interested friend to reflect upon."

[Jihen]

“All excellent questions Agasha-sama. You are getting at something that many of the followers of Shinsei have started discussing in recent years… How does one best find balance and harmony on a larger scale?”

He settles down into his seated position, “I would of course not speak ill of any who bear the responsibility of administering the law and are above my station… but the Empire’s recent past suggests that something has run… off. How best to restore the balance and harmony of the Empire is a question that weighs heavily on those of us who bear a different kind of responsibility and relationship to its people.”

[Agasha Yuna]

She nodded.

"As the Little Teacher said: "Winds blow, nations change, fortunes rise and fall, but the simple folk will always be asked to shoulder the weight.” It is something that all should care about from compassion."

"But I believe the best hope may be that the Empress in her Heavenly wisdom selects a successor who shares that value."

She started the incense, and settled into her lotus position. She took a deep centering breath. There was much to meditate upon and to pray for.

[Jihen]

Jihen nodded in agreement, "It is as you speak..."

He then turned to begin his meditation, but paused for a moment and glanced over at the young woman out of the corner of his eye.

He then let out a deep breath as he pushed... what had he called them... 'the frivolities of a youthful mind' out from his active thoughts and towards an appreciation of beauty which Shinsei suggested would lead to wisdom.