Re: [D1, LM, Open] The Wind from the East: Seppun Tomaru

[Seppun Tomaru]

Tomaru lays his chopsticks down, barely stifling a belch as he claps a hand lightly to his belly. It's not the first time he's had to break his fast later in the day, of course, and it's not the least pleasantly he's done so, either. He frowns, though, the ends of his moustache drooping slightly with it, and he mutters to himself "Maybe I ought to ease off. Doesn't do to enjoy too much of the Fortunes' blessings, after all. Balance in all things, as the Little Teacher said."

He shifts slightly, a small grunt escaping him as he does. But at least I'm alive to have my hips get creaky, he thinks as he reaches across the table where he sits and retrieves the letter that has only recently arrived. Opening it, he begins to read.

Esteemed Father,

It is with no small pride that the children and I heard of your dispatch alongside Her Majesty and the Lady Seppun this season. While the duty of all Seppun is to protect the Imperial Person and those favored by the Throne, to be among those selected for the most immediate performance of that sacred calling is a privilege, and one that enriches the Naoya to have its eldest son so chosen. It offers us all an example to which to aspire, and your teaching remains among the greater blessings for which my brother and sister and I, and our children, are grateful.

The subject of teaching, generally, and of your teachings, in specific, have been a subject of some conversation at the Temples and the Library. Piety in any samurai is to be lauded, of course, as is a desire to know more fully the words that have been left by our forebears. So much is accepted in the debates among the learned that happen in the Temples' courtyards and the concourses of the Library. Less universally esteemed is the idea that the writings should be opened to all. The power of writing is such that some hesitate to trust a great many with it, citing the examples of generations past, among others that your studies have, perhaps, shown you, as mine have.

Yet I do share your opinion, Esteemed Father, and not only because of the filial duty I owe you and which I discharge gladly. There is no tool that cannot be turned to ill ends. Fire, ill-handled, consumes villages and towns. Swords cut the worthy and the unworthy alike. (Too, if you will forgive a bit of humor, I am minded of some stories I have heard about what some of the children of Hida have done with humble chopsticks.) But we are better off because people have the tools, even with their misuse, than we are without the tools, even were the misuse absent. And I believe, as you do, that we would all be better off yet were there agreement as to how those tools might be used, which agreement would require oversight from those on high, as all such things must.

Your perception and insight would, of course, be of greatest value. No few recognize it, even among those who do not owe filial deference. It is a strange thing to contemplate, that so many others would put you into the position of parent, thinking to benefit, when they have not the years of devotion to earn such. But then, I wonder if my brother, your eldest, feels so about his juniors among your children, or if my eldest, first of your grandchildren, views her siblings and cousins thus.

I shall await such tidings of you and of Court as can be offered, Esteemed Father, eagerly and with gratitude.

[chop of]
Seppun Jama

Tomaru chuckles a bit as he reads, and under his breath, he comments "Brush-work still needs work, Jama-kun." And he moves to gather paper to make his reply.

[Seppun Sadako]

A slight scratching at the door barely precedes Seppun Sadako as she sweeps into Tomaru's suite, a servant stammering out apologies all around. Before Tomaru can react, she waves a hand dismissively to keep him seated, and she takes her own seat across from him. "How nice to have gotten a letter from home!" she says, cheerfully, smiling. "I trust it's good news for you."

She continues, not waiting for an answer from him. "I do have to commend you for your work this morning, Tomaru-san," she says. "It was a remarkably precise incantation of the warding rituals. Such attention to detail speaks well of your sensei and your diligence as a student."

Sadako glances at the emptied bowl, the chopsticks, the way the fabric of Tomaru's kimono hugs his belly.

Her eyes return to his. "Attention to detail will be more important than usual, I think," Sadako says, her tone slightly sharper, less playful. "Our hosts are solid people, of course, but there is much they do not know--and should not. They cannot carry the burdens we do, not safely, for themselves or for anyone else. Many would seek to do so, of course, thinking that their shoulders are broad and backs are strong. But you and I both know that that is not enough, don't we?"

She smiles again.

"You have seen enough years to know wisdom, Tomaru-san," Sadako continues. "I am sure many will look to you for it in the coming weeks."

[Seppun Tomaru]

When Sadako enters, Tomaru begins to rise, only to sit back down promptly and rigidly at her gesture. And he remains erect and still as only the Seppun can be as she addresses and assesses him, though even the Seppun reserve cannot keep some color from rising up under his beard when her eyes linger on the pouch that is not fabric at his front.

When Sadako is done, Tomaru inclines his head. "Lady Seppun flatters an old man, of course," he says. "But if I have any wisdom, it is only insofar as I remember what the Family has taught me, and the Tao."

Tomaru sighs slightly. "Would that more would have the chance to learn the Tao," he says. "Matters would be all the better were the Little Teacher more studied, and in such ways as support good order, rather than the heterodoxies that crop up."

[Seppun Sadako]

Sadako smiles at the man's words, the expression somewhat brittle.

"Just be sure that those who seek wisdom from you find it, Tomaru-san," she says, "and not something that seems like it and isn't. It's too easy to stray for those who will not look about."

She stands.

"I'll leave you to your letter," she says, nodding slightly. "Give Jama and the children my regards. I did so enjoy seeing the eldest training among the Miharu."

And she leaves.

[Seppun Tomaru]

Tomaru bows as Sadako departs.

When he straightens, he looks at the table and its contents.

This is going to be a long winter, he thinks.

[Fukurokujin]

Want to meet Tomaru? Here's a good opportunity!

[Agasha Yuna]

Yuna very much wanted to meet Seppun Tomaru.

From all she had learned beforehand, he seemed a wise and good man. A shugenja. Said to be particularly skilled with the earth kami, which her family had taught her to admire above all other traits. A supporter for the Brotherhood and peace between clans.

She had heard he had ideas about education, and that particularly intrigued her. She wanted to learn more.

Could she just approach such a luminary?

Perhaps to present a gift? The presentation to Ikoma-ue had gone well. She could do this!

She was wearing her same outfit from the presentation to Ikoma-ue. Elegant and fashionable. Green and gold. That exquisite gold headdress. She had another book-shaped package tucked under her arm.

She followed all appropriate etiquette in locating and approaching him. This seemed a fortuitous time. She said a quiet prayer.

"Seppun-sama? Do you have a moment?"

She gave a very deep bow,.

"I am Agasha-ke no kashin Ageki Yuna, a representative of the Dragon here at the winter court. I have a gift for you, and - perhaps - a question, if you have time and would find that pleasing?

[Seppun Tomaru]

Tomaru looks up from the table, which servants are just beginning to clear away.

Under white eyebrows, his gaze searches Yuna, assessing her for a moment.

Then he smiles somewhat crookedly and nods.

"Of course, young Dragon," he says, returning the bow from his seat and gesturing to the place where, not long before, the Lady Seppun had sat. "But the gift of your company is enough for this grandfather's delight, especially since you come seeking an answer."

The smile spreads.

"After all, old men always do like to go on!"

[Agasha Yuna]

Yuna felt a sense of relief that he had not dismissed her.

"Seppun-sama, your company is a far greater gift to me, than mine to you," she said earnestly, taking the offered seat.

She set the book-shaped package on the table. Still a possibility. His refusal of the gift was only polite, surely. She could offer it again, two more times, as felt natural in their conversation.

"I understand you have specific ideas about education. Knowledge is a topic of great interest to me as a scholar and librarian. I am curious what you have in mind. The Little Teacher says: 'The strength of an Empire does not lie in the stone of its walls, but the hearts of its people'. How do you plan to use education to strengthen the hearts - and minds? - of the people of the Empire?"

[Seppun Tomaru]

"For now, young Dragon," Tomaru replies, "I can but be an example. I have my position, but I only have my position. But I think my children and theirs have learned from it, and they serve to show to others.

"Given that," he continues, "I can hardly take from someone else, lest that be what others take from me that they should do."

The servants have cleared the previous table service away and brought tea, poured it, and withdrawn. Efficient sorts, them.

[Agasha Yuna]

She nodded, listening attentively.

"Leading by example is important. That suggests a mentorship model for education. A sensei and their students. That is similar to how many schools work today. It is also how we follow the LIttle Teacher. Trying to follow his example, based on his teachings."

"Though the Little Teacher also said: 'I am only the ladle and the Way is the well. When you are not thirsty, is your mind on the ladle or the well?' Example is valuable at least in part, and perhaps largely, for its curriculum."

"I am curious about what is important, in education to you. Who can be the teacher? What can be taught? How it is taught? To whom it is taught?"

"But ... also, I understand if you do not wish to speak of your thoughts about education at this time. I could ask a different question if you prefer."

[Seppun Tomaru]

Tomaru raises an eyebrow.

"You take an interesting path, young Dragon," he says. "But as to education, it would be better if more received more of it, and along the same lines. There have been heterodoxies emerge that are...unhelpful, and they could have been avoided were correct teachings more widespread. Although that would demand more teachers, whose efforts must be supported."

His eyes flicker to the book-shaped package. "But I think there are some who would endorse that position heartily."

[Agasha Yuna]

She felt a little nervous when he raised an eyebrow.

"Seppun-sama, you are much wiser than I am. If I have said anything foolish, I am sorry for it. I am genuinely curious about your position. I am here to learn. And - what I understand - I can share. So that, yes, like-minded folk might endorse."

He had glanced at the book. Maybe it was a good time to offer it again?
 
"I certainly agree that it is better if more receive education, and more of it. Knowledge is tremendously valuable. And I agree that there should be care that unhelpful teaching is not spread. And, therefore, that it is important to identify and preserve what is true, accurate, and worth teaching. And what is not. That's the part I have studied more as a Librarian. The housing of knowledge. The curation of it."

"A key question - and I think this has no easy answer, at least not that I can see - is to what extent some knowledge - that is true, accurate, important, and worth preserving - should nonetheless be restricted - because it is, for example, dangerous if used by a person with ill intent."

"I do not know the answer to that. But I can imagine the kind of person that I would want to make that difficult decision. A person who shared my faith and values. A person knowledgeable about matters that only shugenja can understand. My family - my House - is led solely by shugenja for this reason. I am no shugenja. I am glad to be led by them. There is no clearer way for Heaven to show its blessing. And those who work closely with the earth kami in particular bring a patience and steadiness, an attention to what is best over the long perspective."

She smiled at him, admiring who she understood him to be.

"I thought ... along this vein..." - a word that for her meant earth and gold - "that you might enjoy a rare book on a related topic." She lifted the packaged book again, a little shyly.

[Seppun Tomaru]

For the second time this morning, Tomaru says "If I have any wisdom, it is only insofar as I remember what the Family has taught me, and the Tao.

"But," he continues, "I am happy to add to it. And it is said the Dragon have wisdom in plenty. Yet, to return to a point raised before and rightly, can one drink from a well run dry? Or, to be less metaphorical, can one read a book in a library when that library has it no longer? I could hardly deprive you of such a thing.

"And so much said, you have the right of it. There are right teachings that should not be given entirely freely, for even the greatest of things can be turned awry. We have lessons of generations not long passed to show so much. But it is for the learned to decide what learning is to be passed along, and how, and to ensure that it is done well and rightly."

Tomaru pauses as if to catch his breath.

"Forgive an old man his ramblings, young Dragon," he says. "But I did say old men do like to go on."

[Agasha Yuna]

She nodded. She could remember his words whether he repeated them or not. But it was helpful to understand which words were a mantra to him. A place to return and center. If I have any wisdom, it is only insofar as I remember what the Family has taught me, and the Tao.

It was good that he thought the Dragon had wisdom, too. Happily the wisdom of the Dragon came from a host of Dragon, and she did not have to embody all of them. She could carry a single book. And recall many many others.

"You raise an interesting question. The librarian's solution is to commission copies of books. It is like a flame. It is not diminished by how many other candles it lights, nor if a copy is made. The original remains. Does the original have inherently greater value? It can for the certainty that there has been nothing lost or altered by accident or willfully in the copy-making. And it can for love of the ladle, so to speak. For the pleasure of touching handwriting that is specifically Lord Ageki Akira from the 2nd century, and not the calligraphy of a scribe last month. But that echoes the question about teaching. That more teaching inherently requires more teachers. So there must be trust in the copying or - in this case - imprinting process, from the teacher's teacher, to the teacher, to the student."

"If I confess that the book is a copy rather than the original, would you be less likely to want it, or more glad to have it?"

[Seppun Tomaru]

"Who among us has seen the pen-work of Shiba-no-kami? Yet in most places, the Tao is gladly read," Tomaru replies, smiling crookedly again. "And a scholar might enjoy something that will take annotations, marginalia often being a delight in themselves.

"But you say 'imprinting' of this? A woodblock, rather than a practiced scribe?"

[Agasha Yuna]

She nodded.

"Oh, exactly! We have duplicate copies of several scholarly texts that are uniquely indexed because each has annotations by another scholar - or even several in dialogue. Just as it is valuable to have histories of the same even written by different authors."

"Ukiyo-e, woodblock print, is a very good choice for works like the Tao. Then many can have copies, and you have the confidence that the copy is faithful. That every village, every teacher, every shrine, has the same text. More people having access to standard text." Just as he had been describing.

"The imprinting of the text may eliminate the need for some scribes, but it does not limit the need for teachers. As the Little Teacher says: “The words of the Tao are simple. Following the Tao is complex."

[Seppun Tomaru]

"I should very much like to see that, then," Tomaru says. "And I think there might be other works that would benefit from such treatment, as well. Though, as you note, not all."

[Agasha Yuna]

She smiled.

"It would be a wonderful endeavor to put together the list of books for greatest priority for woodblock printing! As you say, not just the Tao."

"Ah, there might even be the opportunity to excite the clans at the prospect of new works to be added to such a list. Perhaps a court like this would enjoy a contest of poetry, and the finest poems of the year are supplied in manifold copy by the woodblock print, and made a part of that educational sharing. Or, each clan could hold its own contest, and the printed book includes the best example from each clan, to preserve what is unique and best from each, and yet build that central curricula of excellent example for common teaching. A building repository, enriched yearly, and disseminated yearly. A harvest of thought and art. But also - for those who value it - an opportunity for glory and legacy."

Ah, it was a lovely thought to her. She took a sip of tea, clearly enjoying the conversation.

Another glance at the book. One last offer. If he refused again, he meant it.

"This book. Should you wish it... I will confirm that it is a gift from me. My own copying of a book that is a personal favorite. But that is rare enough that I can't imagine you have a copy of it already. I already have my own copy. You will not deprive anyone or any library, if you accept it."

[Seppun Tomaru]

"And I will cherish it," Tomaru replies, accepting.

"An annual digest of the works of Court," he ruminates. "A novel idea, but a fine one. Though perhaps more in some years than others. I recall something about ronin in a boat being bandied about at one point, and that seems...unsuited for such promulgation."