THE STORY OF OLD WISE MAN
THE STORY OF OLD WISE MAN
By
CAROL HOOD ZIC
THE BAMBOO THAT BENDS IS STRONGER THAN THE OAK THAT RESISTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
COVER PAGE
PROVERBS
AUTHOR’S NOTE
DEDICATION
DISCLAIMER
ANCIENT MAP OF JAPAN
KARMA
INTRODUCTION
THE STORY OF “OLD WISE MAN”
JAPANESE PROVERBS Japanese proverbs appear at the beginning of each chapter of this story and correspond with its content. (Self-Explanatory = hereafter (SE)
CHAPTER ONE: “A kite breeding a hawk.” (A splendid child born of common parents)
CHAPTER TWO: "Teachers open the door; you enter by yourself.” (SE)
CHAPTER THREE: “Be not afraid of going slowly. Be afraid of standing still.” (SE)
CHAPTER FOUR: “The day you do it is your lucky day.” (SE)
CHAPTER FIVE: “If you hear a voice say you can’t do it, turn around and say ‘Watch Me.” (SE)
CHAPTER SIX: “You cannot catch a tiger cub unless you enter the tiger’s den.”
(One must court danger to succeed)
CHAPTER SEVEN: “When in a hurry, take the roundabout route.”
(One notices more on a leisurely path)
CHAPTER EIGHT: “Who travels for love finds a thousand miles no longer than one.” (SE)
CHAPTER NINE: “It is better to travel hopefully than to arrive disenchanted.” (SE)
CHAPTER TEN: “Obey the customs of the village you enter.”
(Don’t disrupt the society you are visiting)
CHAPTER ELEVEN: “Consult anyone, even your knees.” (Two or more heads are better than one)
CHAPTER TWELVE: “Even a one-inch insect has a half-inch soul.”
(All living things deserve our respect)
CHAPTER THIRTEEN: “Though he wears rags, his heart is brocade.”
(A simple man with a large heart)
CHAPTER FOURTEEN: “Birds return to old nests.” (There’s no place like home)
“One may study calligraphy at eighty.” (You are never too old to learn)
CHAPTER FIFTEEN: “Life is a candle before the wind.” (Existence is short and easily extinguished)
CHAPTER SIXTEEN: “A candle flares up just before extinguishing.”
(Individuals near death may exhibit sudden life)
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN:
“First the man takes a drink, then the drink takes a drink, then the drink takes the man.”
(Drinkers lose control of their faculties)
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN: “Emeralds and crystals glitter when lit.”
(Creating the proper environment makes individuals shine)
EPILOGUE: "Everything is as it should be.” (AUTHOR'S PROVERB)
AUTHOR’S NOTE
This is the story of a legendary figure whose history lies somewhere in the historical roots of legends and folklore recorded throughout Japan’s history. There is very little dialogue except in a few instances because I was reluctant to try and recreate conversations that occurred so long ago in a foreign language I do not speak. Additionally, I have summarized several written physical descriptions of the main character into one description to give the reader an idea of what this man may have looked like.
The story’s purpose is to articulate at least one memorable account of Japan’s historical and legendary ancestry amidst all those that are forgotten or remain untold in Japan’s ancient records. Among the thousands of words recorded about ancient and legendary events and individuals mine only represent a minuscule speck among those already written.
It’s been a privilege and a joy to write about this remarkable man and his incredible impact upon the world.
Carol Hood Zic, Author, Logan, Utah, November 27, 2016
DEDICATION
A GIFT OF TWO FEMALE JAPANES FIGURINES INSPIRED “THE STORY OF OLD WISE MAN”
THUS, THE STORY IS LOVINGLY DEDICATED TO MY THIRD OLDEST DAUGHTER,
MARY FRANCES ZIC
Disclaimer
Unfortunately, it is a fact of life that people need to be reassured that nothing read, written, heard, seen, or said in any of our various communication genres is directed at them personally. For this reason, and in good faith, the Author makes the following disclaimer:
DISCLAIMER: Allow me to reassure all readers of this story that any resemblance in any part of this story, or its cover, table of contents, author’s note, dedication, proverbs, story characters, epilogue or reproduced photos and/or photographs, plot, subject matter, characters’ or geographic names (real or imagined), ethnic references, places, things, objects (tangible or intangible), or persons living or deceased is purely coincidental. There was never any intention to describe with harm, defamation, shame, criticism, hurt, discrimination, segregation, ridicule, or to single out any one person or persons, living or deceased, or any object, location, attitudes, beliefs (religious or otherwise), or behavior as portrayed or written in this tale. Nothing about this tale or its entire content was intended to define or infer anything derogatory about people, ethnicity, race, or religious beliefs or practices therefor. The author’s only purpose and intention was to depict the life of a truly fascinating, loving and generous human being who existed long ago.
Carol Hood Zic, Author, Logan, Utah, November 27, 2016
KARMA: (From Webster’s Dictionary: “Karma” is a force generated by a person’s actions held in Hinduism and Buddhism to perpetuate reincarnation and to determine the nature of the person’s next existence.)
Karma “definitions” have been developed and altered to apply to individuals, groups, buildings, business, and a myriad of other subjects since it was first used. The Karma symbol is an ideographic symbol developed in China centuries ago and it was ultimately transformed by the Japanese to accommodate Japanese interpretations. Since then, in numerous languages other karma symbols have been designed and new meanings developed. The karma symbol is a favorite tattoo on people and clothing and on personal possessions, to name a few.
INTRODUCTION
My story chronicles the life of a remarkable child born in ancient Japan. His story is an honorable and memorable one of a loving and benevolent teacher and benefactor to thousands of individuals he met on his personal journey of discovery. “I am only an ordinary man” this humble individual said many times, but this “ordinary man” became one of the most respected and revered sages in history. No paintings or sketches exist of him, but after his eightieth birthday, stories about him began to appear, including descriptions of what he looked like and they have been summarized as shown below:
This is a man that is large in body shape and over six feet in height. His shoulders are broad and strong-looking, though now slightly stooped. His body is in good health for his age. His hands show no signs of disability; his nails are clean and short. He has a full head of white hair that he wears pulled back from his face and knotted down his back. He has a bushy white beard. His eyes are riveting and powerful, a deep brown that look out at people with kindness and reflect a serene nature. He looks people straight in the eye when talking to them. His eyes sparkle when telling stories and they gleam with humor when recalling a funny incident in his life, but his eyes can be compassionate, wise, stern and questioning in turn. His eyebrows are scraggly and white; his ears lie closely against his head. His mouth is shapely, full-lipped, and his speech is clear. His voice has a deep bass tone that is musical and pleasing to hear. When he laughs his face crinkles into many smiles and his laugh is deep and hearty. Overall, he is strong-featured and very masculine; not handsome, but good looking. He wears basic full length robes wrapped around him and tied with a cloth belt. He wears pants with his robes that are basic wear and plain in color. His appearance and body are well-kept and clean. He wears comfortable-looking sandals and other footwear that conform to the seasons of the year. He carries a tall wooden staff to keep his balance. He travels with a large cart piled with his belongings and there are always willing helpers to pull the cart for him.
Readers are free to form their own picture of what this man may have looked like. I certainly have and he looks remarkably like my grandfather!.
Here is his extraordinary story.
A kite breeding a hawk.
CHAPTER ONE
The Village of Hamagawa was a nondescript repetition of other small fishing villages
thoughout Japan that had no famous or infamous consequences attached to its history. Centuries ago, on a gentle summer night, a male child was born and he was named Akio Nakahara. Akio was an only child who became the heart and soul of his parents. On the occasion of Akio’s birth nothing of significance occurred to foretell how his life would impact the known world. His life would resonate through the ages in Japan’s history. Akio would become a cherished figure from which legends are formed. More significantly, the depth and breadth of his personality and character and the manner in which he lived his life would capture peoples’ hearts and forge a world-wide reputation.
As generations of Hamagawa villagers had done before them, Akio’s family fished in the great waters off the shore of Hamagawa to eke out a living by selling their daily catches of fish and also growing food products to sell at market to supplement their meager circumstances. Poverty stricken as many of the small fishing villages were, the stalwart villagers accepted their diminished circumstances and lived contentedly without much resentment. “Karma”, they would say, for as they understood and believed, Karma governed all life.
Akio lived as all other children in the village did and he grew into his manhood doing and seeing the same things his ancestors had seen and done. Hamagawa, however, had an advantage over other villages because living there was a brilliantly educated teacher formerly employed by the Emperor to school the Emperor’s sons, The Honorable Isao Higuchi. Isao had been employed by the Emperor for several years before he suffered a serious illness which caused him to lose partial use of both legs. The Emperor retired this honorable and respected teacher with a generous pension and Isao did not hesitate about returning to Hamagawa, his place of birth, to live out the rest of his life.
“Teachers open the door; you enter by yourself.”
CHAPTER TWO
Because Isao was a progressive-minded, well-educated man he decided, after a period of recovery following his illness, to spend his days teaching basic education to the children of his village and children of neighboring villages. His physical impairment had not affected his teaching abilities and so he resumed doing what he loved most – teaching. Isao offered his teaching services free of charge as the Emperor’s pension had provided him with enough money to last several lifetimes. Isao had a generous heart as well as a shrewd intelligence and knew that with a basic or advanced education the children of the villages would have an opportunity to improve their impoverished circumstances and hopefully find a more productive and fulfilling life to live. His heart filled with joy and determination when he realized how much he could offer to the children of these villages by educating them.
Isao would educate many village children, but among his pupils he would find the child of his heart, a child he would educate higher and beyond any other he would teach in his classes, Akio Nakamura. Recognizing Akio’s unique qualities and abilities Isao educated him far above that of the basic education he taught other children. This beloved child became as a son to Isao and as Isao watched this remarkable child grow into a renowned, respected and beloved world figure his life took on a sense of achievement he delighted in each and every day. The villagers, too, grew to realize that Akio was an exceptional person and they bragged about him to other villages, expressing great pride in having such a notable person living in Hamagawa.
Akio was very intelligent and blessed with a kind and gentle nature. His patience extended far beyond what others demonstrated and he was very generous in heart and spirit. As Akio grew older he developed an enormous curiosity about what the rest of the world was like. He had questions that begged for answers; he yearned to investigate life and learn how to cope with and resolve conflicts. He wanted to understand people better, talk with them, and search out other villages and cities in his own country and in foreign lands to learn how the rest of the world lived. Isao knew before Akio that the village of Hamagawa would never satisfy Akio’s intense longing for all the things he wanted to know and learn.
“Be not afraid of going slowly. Be afraid of standing still.”
CHAPTER THREE
When Akio reached his seventeenth year, he realized he must follow a path quite opposite to that of his ancestors. He resolved to travel and broaden his knowledge of people and places. To find answers to his questions, he was determined to undertake what could become a lifelong journey he believed would satisfy all he wanted to know and learn about the world. Akio trusted his instincts and was convinced his journey would produce the knowledge and diverse life he wanted to experience and achieve. After months of weighing his motives and giving deep consideration to the commitment expected of him to pursue such a life-long journey, Akio knew in his heart that this was what he wanted to do and thus began to prepare for this momentous journey.
Akio spent long hours talking with his much-loved teacher for Isao had seen more of the world than anyone else Akio knew. He talked with his mother and father and explained to them how he felt his life must be lived. Because his parents loved and understood their son’s needs they did not hesitate in giving Akio their loving approval, along with an abundance of practical advice they felt would help him through his journey.
Akio sought out Satoshi Kobyashi, his lifelong friend, and together they walked down to the shore of the big waters and sat upon the rocks. They talked about Akio’s hopes and plans and his pending ambitious journey. They had discussed countless times what each wanted to do with their lives and each had made innumerable plans for their futures that, not surprisingly, often changed as they grew older. Satoshi finally resolved to embrace a religious life and would study to become a monk. Akio’s ultimate intentions were very different and the journey he was determined to take would be fascinating, but could be dangerous or a complete failure. Satoshi, knowing Akio as well as he did, knew that Akio’s strong convictions about the life he wanted to pursue would make Akio more content and happy than doing anything else. He and Akio agreed that this journey would be an arduous and unfamiliar venture compared to the small village life they had grown up with, but both strongly sensed that it would be worth Akio’s efforts to make the journey a reality.
“The day you decide to do it is your lucky day.”
CHAPTER FOUR
Reminiscing, they talked about the beginning of their friendship, the small childhood adventures they had shared growing up, the fights they had fought that had usually ended in laughter, their shouting matches about who was the fastest runner, the best swimmer, or the smartest student. They had shared long conversations exploring ideas about what they would be or do when they grew up and soon, much too soon, it was time to go. Fighting to keep a tight rein on their feelings, both acknowledged how hard it was going to be to adjust to the changes they were facing, changes that would be drastically unlike anything they had known and each man regretted the looming separation their friendship would soon sustain. When they reached Akio’s home, Satoshi left, reeling at the thought of how much he would miss the friendship he had depended upon since his birth.
Very soon Akio’s preparations were completed and it was time to say farewell to his family, his beloved teacher, Isao, and his oldest and dearest friend, Satoshi. On the day of Akio’s departure, they gathered to eat their last meal together and the time to say their goodbyes was finally upon them. Akio’s parents stoically bestowed comforting blessings upon this beloved son of their hearts. Akio bowed deeply to his parents and thanked them for the joy and devoted upbringing they had given him and expressed how grateful he was for the goodness and fairness they had always shown towards him. In a rare emotional gesture, Akio put his arms around his father and mother and lovingly expressed how proud he had always been to be a child so favored by such honorable parents. The three of them exchanged deep bows and his parents stepped aside, resigned and dejected about Akio’s imminent, and possibly permanent, departure from their lives.
Akio then turned to his teacher, Isao, and promised him he would put to use the education Isao had shared with him. Akio also promised to send letters to Isao to share with his parents whenever it was possible to find a reliable way to do so. Akio and Isao exchanged bows and Akio turned to Satoshi. Each having already said everything they needed to say, they also bowed to each other in farewell. As all traditional formalities had been properly executed, Akio took one more long last look at his parents, his teacher, Isao, and lifelong friend Satoshi, and stepped out of his home and took his first confident steps towards his future.
“If you hear a voice say you can’t do it, turn around and say, “Watch me.”
CHAPTER FIVE
Akio had grown into a large, very tall man, but people were not intimidated by his appearance for he was a genial person who was sincere, polite, and considerate towards all. Akio commanded respect with his imposing stature, his obvious leadership qualities, and hospitable personality. If Akio felt despair or depression on occasion, or knew fear or disappointment, he was swift to overcome these feelings because of his optimistic and well-balanced disposition. Akio believed that no matter what he did or whom he met on his journey, his hunger for new insights and new connections with places and people yet unknown would prove to be his greatest blessing.
Akio’s background provided him with a solid foundation for his daily survival. Since Hamagawa had first existed as a village its inhabitants had perfected their survival in all things and developed the strength and resolve to make the most of what they had. Akio was not afraid of hardship for it had been a close companion while growing up. As he travelled, Akio decided he would seek work in exchange for meals and board and, never having had an abundance of personal belongings, he could carry what he took with him and have room to spare for additional possessions he might acquire during his travels. Akio’s preparations for his great journey were grounded in the essentials and he would rely upon his common sense to overcome obstacles if and when they arose.
Akio pressed onward in his travels. He burned to be in the heart of things when important changes were taking place and he looked forward to taking in all of life’s pleasures and perils, eager and willing to be taught. He wanted to deepen his ability and sensitivity to understand and get along agreeably with new people and new places no matter what circumstances prevailed or difficulties he might encounter.
Akio’s journey became a series of illuminating adventures and he accepted them with enthusiasm and an open mind. He saw and tasted poverty and famine, but also dined on plenty through the generosity of strangers. He nourished relationships with people from all walks of life and experienced living with poor and rich families, noble and royal houses, and with merchants, goldsmiths, masons, artists, weavers and farmers. The list was vast and satisfying and only added to his craving for more of the life he looked forward to experiencing. He treasured each moment and tucked everything away for later recollection and vowed to preserve the details of his travels with a permanent journal of his travels.
Akio liked to observe and study all manner of professionals at work and he marveled at how precise and skilled they were. He also enjoyed the variety of theatre entertainment performances
and travelling shows larger cities supported. He always made it a point to attend shows featuring acrobats for he was captivated by their daring and extremely talented stunts and also enjoyed listening to music performed by gifted musicians he happened upon during his travels.
In the course of his travels, Akio was fascinated by how the professionals performed their skilled professions and many times asked these professional experts if he could remain nearby and watch them as they worked for an indefinite period of time. Countless times, Akio was invited to share the professionals’ homes and would be welcomed into their shops as well. He was given lessons about how to begin and progress each skill he was studying to achieve at least basic results, Akio also earned his board and meals by assisting the shop professionals in their daily shop routines and participated in the shop’s end-of-day cleaning chores that were done daily to ready each shop for the next day’s business.
Akio spent months studying calligraphers to improve his calligraphy skills so that when he was finally ready to record his travels into a written journal his writing would be as precise and readable as the skilled calligraphers he studied. He spent numerous hours poring over public documents and private documents he was granted access to and was delighted and surprised at how many diverse and interesting writing styles there were to choose from in calligraphy.
Akio befriended numerous families and, when invited, lodged with them for short periods of time. In this way, he was able to share basic education elements with them, especially with their children that were old enough to be educated. His considerable education and his travels gave him the chance to give back to the families that extended hospitable and generous invitations to abide with them for a time. He had learned a considerable amount about life and its differences and by sharing these facts along with some basic education factors with those he lived became open doors to encourage them to seek improved living conditions or to work towards achieving a professional skill that would also develop opportunities to enrich their lives. In this manner, Akio also discovered how much commonality comprised human nature. As a result, he became more and more knowledgeable about how to understand and adjust to life situations, human behavior and life patterns and willingly shared these facts of life with the people he met as the years went by.
“You cannot catch a tiger cub unless you enter the tiger’s den.”
CHAPTER SIX
Akio’s travels produced some unique and noteworthy experiences. For an extended period he lived in monasteries working alongside the monks in their gardens and wineries and in the wood and metal shops the monks had established to supplement the monasteries’ almost nonexistent funds. He absorbed their teachings and joined them in their prayers. The monks discussed their religious beliefs and introduced him to other religions, discussing their differences and religious drawbacks as they saw them. These discussions reinforced Akio’s own belief that who or how you worshipped did not matter. Religious belief and faith, he always said, is a deeply personal preference and if people can find spiritual comfort in their religious life then that is all that matters.
Akio helped restore nunneries in disrepair and aided the nuns in sowing and tending their gardens. He was humbled by the resilient and devout nuns who toiled without complaint, amazed at how they overcame daily hardships. Despite the diversity in the religious beliefs of the monasteries and nunneries he worked in, Akio developed great respect for their good works and steadfast beliefs and their devout obedience to the religious canons they followed.
Akio spent long hours sweeping, cleaning, and helping repair city streets, village paths, and assorted highways and rutted dirt roads. He spent many months carving out new mountain paths as he worked alongside old and young people as they labored ceaselessly day-in-and-day-out for wages barely enough for survival.
Akio worked in market places and food stalls marveling at the variety of food products being sold or bartered. Akio had grown up eating meals basically consisting of fish, rice, noodles and local vegetables and he was fascinated by the plentiful varieties of foods he had never heard of and how they could be prepared in so many different ways. He loved sampling the diversity of tasty foods he had never seen or eaten before.
Akio worked with jewelers and learned how jewelry was crafted. Goldsmiths taught him how to work with precious gems and metals. For a time he worked with furniture makers who taught him how to make simple tables, chairs and benches and trained him to distinguish between the best and worst of wood and metal products. Akio later took up whittling to make small animal figures as gifts for children.
“When in a hurry, take the roundabout route.”
CHAPTER SEVEN
One day Akio passed an herbalist’s shop in a large city and his curiosity about herbs drew him into the shop. Talking with the herbalist Akio had so many questions about herbs and their uses that the shopkeeper suggested that if Akio was really that interested in herbs and their uses he could stay with the shopkeeper and his wife so he could study and be trained by the herbalist. The herbalist told Akio he could teach him how to identify, prepare, and prescribe herbs safely, properly and effectively. Akio was elated and accepted the herbalist’s kind offer.
Akio worked daily in the herbalist’s shop for his board and meals while he was being taught and he remained with the herbalist and his wife for over two years. During this time he explored the city from end-to-end, marveling at the interesting and diversity of people he met. When Akio finally left the herbalist shop he was a trained herbalist himself and this education would prove beneficial to him and others throughout the rest of his life.
Akio spent many informative months learning how to cook on open fires along country lanes and city street stands and eventually became a better-than-average cook. He continued to take great pleasure in tasting all the new and exciting foods there were to sample and was amazed at how so many different food products could be cultivated. For a substantial period of time, he worked as a cook for all kinds of inns and eating places and, on a few occasions, even volunteered to cook meals for the military when they were billeted in cities he was travelling through.
Akio was fortunate to have an aptitude for learning languages. He easily absorbed most of his country’s dialects and was successful in picking up other languages and dialects in the foreign countries he travelled through. A few times, when captured by bandits, he overcame their animosity towards outsiders because he could converse with them in their own language. Akio was curious about how they lived and why they fought. Akio was stunned as the bandits’ divulged the hardships they suffered just to survive. He could only shake his head in puzzlement about why these bandits could accept such deprivation for solely political beliefs. The bandits’ possessed intense political feelings and Akio wisely voiced no opposition or disapproval to anything they disclosed.
Privately, Akio determined that his life would be more comfortable without political convictions and he managed to avoid questions about his political beliefs or connections whenever the subject came up in his travels. When the bandits described the armaments used in war and the cruel practices applied to wage war Akio was so repulsed he developed strong anti-war feelings that never wavered during his lifetime.
Akio had a natural ability to mingle comfortably with people male, female, young or old. While a young man, Akio, as most young men do, satisfied his curiosity about women and he took pleasure in these encounters. However, Akio felt his usually severely impoverished lifestyle discouraged the marital state and believed it would be too selfish to ask any woman to share such a nomadic life. Ultimately, he chose a life of celibacy and was content thereafter with his decision.
“Who travels for love finds a thousand miles no longer than one.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
Everywhere he traveled, Akio would rescue abandoned children and sought out local orphanages, if available, or families that could take these abandoned children into their homes and provide the security and loving care they were frantic to find. Using the coins he earned, Akio fed them, washed and clothed them, and treated their injuries and illnesses. He taught them basic utilitarian and educational tools, hoping they would be able to improve their desperate circumstances with a basic education. He would soothe their worries and fears and labored earnestly to change their bitter attitudes about life. Akio’s generous spirit, his humor and obvious affection gave these children the inspiration and encouragement to seek better lives. Akio’s pride in his many children was never greater than when one or more of them achieved better living conditions or found work that offered a brighter future.
Akio’s reputation as a storyteller, however, began to earn him considerable notice. His storytelling was greatly enjoyed and his reputation began to spread. He told stories in villages, along country roads, in small and large cities and country inns and, as his reputation spread, he was invited into wealthy, noble, and even royal residences. His stories often included strong moral endings that drew approving sighs and vigorous nods of agreement from his listeners. Some stories caused listeners to shed tears while others provoked anger for the injustices and cruelties Akio had witnessed. Most of his stories, though, brought forth laughter and produced an abundance of goodwill and cheer. Akio shared his stories wherever he travelled and made certain he visited poorer families and other people in deprived circumstances to share his stories with them as well.
One evening after finishing a story in a city inn, Akio discovered that people were beginning to leave coins as payment for his storytelling. When he tried to return the coins the people refused to take them back. He thought long and hard about this development and decided to use the coins to help people in need. No matter where his travels took him, his coins fed, clothed, and provided shelter and warm blankets for homeless children, outcasts, beggars, families and other people in crisis. People living in the places where he travelled started wondering who this unknown benefactor could be and one day their curiosity was finally rewarded with an answer.
One afternoon a young man on his way home after work noticed a man slipping a small cloth bag inside the house of a well-known poor family. Curious, he followed the man and saw him do the same at several other houses of poor families and at three small shops known to be in trouble. He was startled when he recognized the man as the famous storyteller everyone talked about. He lost no time in letting people know exactly what Akio was doing. Almost immediately, the amount of Akio’s coins increased, and Akio, realizing what these good people were doing, was deeply humbled by the peoples’ generosity in helping him provide for needy people. As Akio needs were few, he used very few coins for himself and only replenished his reduced cache of food if necessary. He was steadfast in his belief that the needy always benefited first and the most from his earnings.
“It is better to travel hopefully than to arrive disenchanted.”
CHAPTER NINE
When Akio first began his journey he felt it would be important to keep a detailed and accurate record of his entire journey. Paper was very expensive so Akio began writing on sundry pieces of wood, pottery shards, sturdy fabric fragments or any substitute material that he could write upon. His personal writing box, better known as an ink stone box, was too small for storing his journal notes, so he started using cloth sacks to store his bits, pieces and fragments of writing material. Akio had enjoyed privileged relationships with wealthy, noble and royal families and they often gifted Akio with priceless stacks of writing paper; these gifts he decided to save so they would be available for him to finally write the permanent journal of his travels.
Akio also made his own ink stones to write with. He would gather soot from kilns or ovens (available everywhere he traveled), mix the soot with glue until it hardened, then dip the ink stone in water to make the ink to write with. Akio also scented his ink stones with sandalwood or cloves, a traditional practice when making ink stones. Akio was very confident about writing with his ink stones for he had seen documents hundreds of years old that were still legible that had been written with ink stones and he was confident his journal would remain legible with the passage of time.
Akio faithfully recorded the details of his travels over the years. The sacks he used to store his travel notes in increased rapidly. These sacks held, without question, a most unique manuscript and Akio carefully protected his manuscript from bad weather and when travelling over rough and unkempt roads. As he aged, the sacks became heavier to manage so he added a sizeable cart to store his possessions and the increasing number of manuscript sacks. It was not difficult to find willing helpers to pull his cart as it was considered by many people to be a privilege to do anything for Akio.
Akio discovered many different attitudes, beliefs, manners, habits, routines, idiosyncrasies and religious beliefs. He did not ridicule or condemn any of them, and a few he adopted for his personal use and benefit. Akio was a patient and focused listener and he was very considerate in manner when seeking answers or asking questions; he argued with patience; he agreed or disagreed in polite and gentle tones. He marveled at the differences yet uniformity of people everywhere and how alike they were in their basic desires, goals, ambitions or needs. Akio recognized with some surprise early in his travels how everyone and everything new were somehow similar and familiar.
Akio’s continuing exploration of new lifestyles and places had become a living chronicle of awakening; his awareness and understanding of people increased and improved. His education and knowledge became formidable and sometimes felt he needed at least two or three more heads to hold everything he was learning and experiencing. His curiosity never waned and questions and answers only stimulated more of the same. His patience and sensitivity allowed him to apply considerable influence in overcoming intolerance, disagreements and hasty judgments. He was saddened by peoples’ wasted efforts in trying to prove themselves to be beyond what they were actually capable of doing or being. With gentleness and understanding he counseled these people hoping they would realize they should be satisfied rather than disappointed with who they really were and what they could achieve.
“Obey the customs of the village you enter.”
CHAPTER TEN
He recoiled in anguish when he witnessed cruelty or when pain was inflicted on defenseless innocents. He would make an effort to disrupt or stop the abuse when he witnessed it and sometimes became a victim of the abuse himself. He suffered deep anguish when war was waged and believed that war was the greatest evil and worst enemy of the world; he was inflexible in his belief that war had nothing to justify or defend its existence. People trusted Akio and were never afraid to speak with him freely no matter what manner of problem, need, or crime they were burdened with. He was always accessible to talk with and did his best to find time for everyone. Akio was friendly and approachable and was never judgmental or condemning towards peoples’ failings or frailties.
As the years raced by, Akio’s travels evolved into hundreds of stories, parables, proverbs, poems and anecdotes. This “ordinary” man as he thought himself to be had reached a sphere of influence and idealism far above that of an ordinary person and he held a permanent and beloved place in the hearts of his devotees. The depth and force of Akio’s moral and honorable behavior and his unwavering trust in humanity made believers of naysayers and cynics. Akio derived inspiration and strength from people and was gratified when they refused to practice the evils of greed, hatred or discrimination. Akio was convinced that good ultimately defeated evil because of the inherent goodness of humanity.
By Akio’s eightieth year his popularity and prestige had resulted in virtually worldwide recognition. He was revered and respected everywhere he travelled. People and their problems were never ignored or turned away. His reputation as a sage and spiritual teacher surpassed that of anyone else in the known world. His enduring role as a benefactor to people in need transformed Akio into a beloved and respected humanitarian and it was not surprising that huge crowds gathered to hear him speak or often stood in long lines to seek his aid and advice.
Throughout his life he repeatedly tried to say, “I am only an ordinary man,” but that was not what people believed him to be. Akio had become a person of immense inspiration. They loved him for his moral strength, honesty and wisdom. Akio loved talking with people and helping them. Akio never sought or tried to achieve personal notoriety or fame, but no matter what Akio believed, said or did, people considered him an icon generous in spirit and heart and no one believed he was just “an ordinary man.” People said, “Akio never failed in words or behavior to give us comfort and reassurance.” He was venerated for these many personal qualities by everyone he met throughout his travels.
“Consult anyone, even your knees.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
One summer, spontaneous meetings and discussions about Akio began to take place; people began gathering in villages and cities having passionate discussions about Akio. They were consumed with wanting to publicly acknowledge Akio’s lifelong sacrifice in aiding people in distress and need. An unplanned movement with unified purpose and rapid endorsement of their beloved Akio started gaining momentum, astounding in its force and unanimity. It flourished through word of mouth, bulletins posted on doors, notices nailed to trees and posts in cities and villages; markers of all kinds, including rocks, were put on streets, roads and paths. Messengers were dispatched to the foreign countries Akio had travelled to spread the word about a celebration to pay tribute to this beloved world figure. The number of participants and supporters increased and at last a location for the tribute was finally approved and announced. Hamagawa, Akio’s birth place, was the popular choice for the anticipated tribute.
Planning committees were formed and meetings took place filled with arguments, shouting, tears, and laughter as Akio’s devotees struggled to find the most prestigious homage with which to honor Akio. They were still thrashing out suggestions as the date of Akio’s tribute loomed closer and closer without any decision having been made. It had previously been unanimously agreed that a money tribute was inappropriate and distasteful for they all believed nothing could measure up to Akio’s worth. Medals and ribbons were booed and shouted down as were printed diplomas or placards, and not one person supported a tribute of such a common nature as renaming a street, building, road, or city.
After another long day of spirited discussions and arguing, a respected and very elderly woman of Hamagawa, the Honorable Meiko Kimuro, stood and waited patiently for her presence to be acknowledged. Finally recognized, she bowed politely to all present and begged courteously for quiet so she could speak. The crowd quieted because they were curious to hear what this woman had to say. Meiko began by saying it might be fitting to gift Akio with a new name. She believed the tribute of a new name must denote the venerable age Akio had reached and should be one, she said, that was easy to remember. It must represent the customary wise judgment he had counseled people with to ease their burdens and give them comfort and reassurance. Lately, Meiko said she had thought of him as “Old Wise Man” and opined this name would distinguish all of Akio’s qualities and accomplishments. Meiko said the new name must not be a showy one; it must reflect simplicity and it should be as down-to-earth as Akio had always been. Concluding, Meiko said there could be no question it was a name Akio certainly deserved and could accept with pride. Meiko politely bowed, took her seat, and waited to hear what everyone had to say about her suggestion
People began to nod in agreement as they murmured quietly among themselves. The mood of the people increasingly reflected a sense of acceptance and approval of Meiko’s suggestion. The name was discussed and repeated over and over until it became very apparent that the tribute to Akio had finally been happily established. The name of “Old Wise Man” had captured the hearts of the people and they warmed to the dignity and noble connotation this new name denoted and how it complimented and matched the beloved man they revered and respected. At last, in delight and in unanimous approval they announced that Akio’s tribute would be the unique and venerable name of “Old Wise Man.”
“Even a once-inch insect has a half-inch soul.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
The number of people journeying to attend Akio’s tribute was staggering and when the village of Hamagawa was appointed as the tribute site the villagers were ecstatic at this decision, but a little overwhelmed by how much they had to do. Some grumbling took place, but overall the villagers cheerfully and zealously began to undertake renovations and a village clean-up to prepare for this great and distinguished event. Villagers spruced up the entire village, repairing, re-building, discarding, and scrubbing. There was enough room in the village fields to accommodate all the people expected and everyone pitched in to rake the fields adjacent to the village; they smoothed bulky dirt piles and removed pockets and patches of weeds; they carried rocks and spiky plants away to make seating more comfortable for the expected crowds. A small platform was built and chairs were made and donated for the seating of principal speakers during the ceremony.
Vendors polished and improved their wares and constructed colorful open-faced huts in the village and along the roadsides expecting an income surge that would fill their pockets from this auspicious and largely attended event. Small, roadside food huts flourished that would provide food for the anticipated crowds. These little food huts were a welcome addition for Hamagawa had only one lodging house that would be hard pressed to accommodate hungry, tired and sleepy people and provide food and shelter for them during Akio’s tribute, The Cedar Trees Inn. The Cedar Trees Inn did substantial repairs to improve its appearance; new rooms were added to accommodate a larger number of inn patrons; extra foodstuffs and drinks were purchased to feed everyone. The inn recruited extra serving staff and added more dinnerware and drinking tumblers; they constructed temporary outdoor sleeping rooms and increased the size of both inside and outside dining areas to accommodate the crowds that would overflow the village and adjoining land. The inn owner anticipated his extra expenses for the celebration would be easily reimbursed by the influx of paying customers during the tribute.
The monks of the Hamagawa monastery were very busy forming appropriate blessings and selecting special prayers for the tribute as well. They added temporary seating space inside the monastery and replenished in large number their supply of candles, pamphlets about the monastery and the village of Hamagawa and donation envelopes. They spent long hours overhauling the monastery grounds and increasing the number of religious items they would be offering for sale.
“Though he wears rags, his heart is brocade.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
On the day of the tribute, the village and adjoining areas overflowed with people. Akio was escorted to the platform where he joined the invited dignitaries already seated. Although Akio had been informed of the tribute he was being honored with, he was not at ease about it and hoped the tribute would not include extravagant gifts, overly sentimental long speeches, or elaborate expressions of praise. However, being well-mannered and patient, he sat quietly to see what would transpire and gave solicitous attention to the speeches and accolades being expressed by the speakers.
When the dignitaries’ speeches were finished all but one tribute remained. Akio was brought to the center of the platform where Hiro Koasati, the second oldest son of the Emperor prepared to speak. The immense crowd stood in respectful silence as the Emperor’s son made a brief, but moving speech about his friendship with Akio. Hiro then read a written proclamation bearing the Emperor’s seal that authorized Akio’s new name that was his name alone for Akio’s exclusive use in life, beyond his death and into history. Hiro, with obvious affection and great solemnity, for the first time ever, spoke the words everyone wanted to hear: “Welcome, Old Wise Man, welcome.”
The crowd loudly cheered its approval as Old Wise Man stood quietly while his new name was chanted over and over. Old Wise Man was very moved, and tears blurred his eyes as the crowd continued to applaud and cheer and he nodded, bowed, and waved to the crowd. The arrival of the monks quieted the people immediately as the monks began offering prayers to bless this momentous occasion as the crowd listened respectfully. It was not known then, but the name of Old Wise Man would survive this beloved figure’s earthly demise and be historically recorded for perpetual remembrance.
When the monks concluded their prayers, Old Wise began to speak in a voice filled with emotion. He thanked everyone for such a special tribute on his behalf. He said, “I am only an ordinary man, but at this moment I feel very blessed to be honored with this unique tribute you have graciously bestowed upon me and you have my promise that I will never do anything to dishonor the name of Old Wise Man.” The crowd roared. Motioning with his hand for silence, Old Wise Man, with a sweet smile and a mischievous glint in his eyes, told the crowd he had set aside a specific story to tell on a special occasion and would they like to hear it? The crowd bellowed its approval and Old Wise Man brought his chair to the edge of the platform and began the story:
“A long time ago, there was a very small village nestled between two mountain ranges. The only inhabitants living in the village were the deaf, bedridden old man who owned the village, a nun who cared for the deaf, bedridden old man and spoke in a foreign language no one could understand, a semi-reformed criminal that acted as the village police force and general maintenance man, a dozen elderly bandits who lived in the village’s long abandoned inn that were too old and battered to be considered a threat, a three-legged dog that could not bark who was the village guard dog, and a never-seen-never-heard, but desperately-feared-monster that lurked in the forest surrounding the village . . . !”
“Birds return to old nests.” “One may study calligraphy at eighty.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
A few years later, Old Wise Man decided it was time to end his travels and he started home for Hamagawa. When he was home at last, the first thing Old Wise Man did when he entered his home was to take his prayer beads and begin to humbly and gratefully say prayers of thanks for the glorious and lengthy voyage he had been granted to live through.
Old Wise Man settled comfortably into the life he had left behind a long time ago. He felt great contentment and joy in what would probably be the last and “third life” of his mortal existence; his first 17 years, his wide-ranging travels and now, what time was left to him as he resumed his life in Hamagawa. Old Wise Man did not have any regrets about how his life had been spent. It had gifted him with everything he had hoped for and so much more than he had ever dreamed was possible.
Old Wise Man occupied the house where he had been born and raised and, having been so active all of his life, decided to start educating village children in place of his teacher Isao who, along with Old Wise Man’s parents, had joined their ancestors many years before. He looked forward to each day and especially enjoyed the days he spent teaching village children.
The young men in his village helped Akio with his daily chores; sowing seeds, weeding and tending his garden, looking after the water buffalo that pulled Akio’s plow, grooming and feeding his horse, feeding and watching over his chickens, and maintaining the general upkeep of his house and land. The women of the village cooked for him occasionally, although if truth is told, Old Wise Man really preferred his own cooking, but he was too polite to refuse their generosity. As he aged, he started using a tall wooden staff to keep his balance when he walked. As before, he often sat on the rocks at the edge of the shore and watched the fishermen bringing in their catches, mending their fishing baskets, or cleaning and repairing their boats. Most often though he just sat in silence enjoying the sound of the lapping waters of the shore as he gazed upon the grand vista of the sea and sky before him.
On Old Wise Man’s ninetieth birthday, he decided it was time to begin his journal; that unique, unfinished manuscript detailing his lifelong travels that was written on thousands of pieces of assorted materials and stored in his travelling cart that was in the shed behind his house. He wanted to record all he had seen and learned and he hoped the journal would inspire and encourage others to travel in his footsteps to capture the same richness and rewarding nature of such a journey. He wanted to encourage others to seek education and search for a greater knowledge of people and places to improve and deepen their understanding towards people of the world. He hoped they would discover as he had how rewarding it was to be generous of heart and spirit by helping people and, most of all, he wanted to reinforce everyone’s belief in the inherent goodness of humanity as he had come to find out, was alive and flourishing wherever he travelled.
Old Wise Man began writing his journal that very day. He calculated it would take him close to three years or more to complete the journal. As he was now in his ninetieth year, he thought that if he wrote on a daily basis, before and after his teaching hours, and took two days a week to rest his old hands, he could finish the journal in about three years or more. He gathered the priceless pages of paper long-ago gifted to him and saved all these years for the writing of his journal; he made a multitude of ink stones to write with and then asked his faithful helpers to start bringing in the sacks of his manuscript. The title of his journal, he decided, would simply be called “Old Wise Man’s Journal.”
For three years, five months, twenty-two days, seven hours and forty-five minutes, Old Wise Man and one of his helpers who could read and write, worked together to complete the journal. The helper worked alongside Old Wise Man making a duplicate copy of the journal. Old Wise Man was kind, but very strict about the journal being copied exactly as he was writing it. The writing of the journal was a slow process, but Old Wise Man took great joy in each word he wrote and did not hurry or worry about the days passing. His memory was astonishing for he had always been able to remember precisely people, places, things and events and he was confident the journal would be well-written, accurate and interesting to read when it was finished.
Old Wise Man was now past his ninety-third birthday and, one day, as he was sitting as usual writing his journal, he gave a deep sigh of satisfaction and said: “Finished. It is finished at last.” He watched quietly as his helper copied the last few pages of his journal. In obvious joy he invited his helper to walk to the shore of the big waters and enjoy a small libation of homemade säké that had been given to him by one of his neighbors. Together they walked leisurely to the shore edge, poured the wine and drank to the successful completion of the mission they had devoted themselves to for more than three years. They sat on the big rocks lining the shore in companionable silence watching as the sun slowly slid home beneath the horizon and the cooler, brightly lit starry night gently took its turn in the sky. Old Wise Man thanked his faithful helper for all of his hard work and praised him for his dependable assistance and gave him the coins he had earned. Old Wise Man said good night and returned to his house.
"Life is a candle light before the wind.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
On the last day of Old Wise Man’s life, he awoke earlier than usual. He was refreshed from his night’s rest and still feeling euphoric about the completion of his journal. After dressing himself, he built a fire, cooked and ate his bowl of noodles along with some vegetables and fish and drank his tea. Then he washed his dishes, made up his bed neatly, picked up his walking staff and took a leisurely walk through the village. He ended up where he usually did, right at the edge of the shore so that the water threatened to wet his sandals. He stood silently for a long while just taking in the dazzling views he never tired of watching. The sun was making its first appearance of the day as a small sliver of brightness that finally billowed into a giant golden ball of such brilliance it made Old Wise Man’s eyes water. He turned and walked to one of the big rocks along the shore and sat down to watch once more the fishermen checking their fishing baskets and storing them on the boats in preparation for their first fishing trip of the day. The fishermen waved good morning at Old Wise Man and he nodded to acknowledge their greetings. As the last fishing boat sailed out to sea, Old Wise Man stood up and turned back onto the path leading to his home. Some of his neighbors were beginning to stir and greetings and bows were exchanged as he passed their houses.
Old Wise Man was very pleased that his last day had started with the spectacular brilliance and warmth of the sun for it gave the promise of a sunny and pleasant day. When he returned home one of his helpers was feeding his water buffalo, another was brushing his horse. He greeted each one and walked to the chicken coop to exchange bits of nonsense with his chickens, calling to them by name as he fed them their daily helping of grain. He walked through his entire yard and looked over his adjoining fields to check that nothing was amiss; he was finally satisfied that everything was as it should be.
Entering his house, Old Wise Man’s gaze immediately focused on the small shelf where his journal and its copy lay. He felt extreme satisfaction that he had finished his journal and hoped someday that it would be read by many people. Old Wise Man picked up both copies of the journal and with walking staff still in hand, stepped outside and walked away from the village up a small hill and over a short bridge heading towards Hamagawa’s sole monastery that had sat snugly beneath fragrant cedar trees for centuries.
Many of the monastery monks were former Hamagawa villagers and Old Wise knew many of them and it was always a delight to visit the monastery and talk with new and old friends. When Old Wise Man reached the monastery, he rang the large and melodious bell on its door and when the door opened, he was greeted by a monk wearing a wide and cheerful grin. Seeing the two journals Old Wise Man was carrying, the monk took them and helped Old Wise Man into the monastery and led him to the office of the Abbot, Brother Satoshi Kobyashi, Old Wise Man’s childhood friend. After many years of study and toiling in religious services, Brother Satoshi was appointed the abbot of Hamagawa’s monastery, a fulfillment of Brother Satoshi’s religious goal.
Brother Satoshi and Old Wise Man greeted each other and moved to sit on a bench set in front of a small table. A monk brought in two small tumblers and a flask of säké. Each man was quite content to be in each other’s company. They talked for a long time, stopping every now and
then to take sips of the säké. Brother Satoshi had known that one day Old Wise Man would bring the journal to him for safekeeping and he was painfully aware that today he would be saying a final farewell to his dearest and lifelong friend.
As they had discussed previously, the monastery would take possession of the original journal and the copy would be used for making other copies for distribution, if needed. The two old friends had talked about this day many times and Old Wise Man trusted his dear friend to carry out his final wishes after he was gone. Even though each had taken a different path to live they were very secure in their deep trust of one another and the lifelong friendship they each cherished.
Though each man was reluctant to say goodbye, Old Wise Man finally stood up leaning heavily on his walking staff. Brother Satoshi reached around Old Wise Man’s hands clinging to his walking staff and clasped them tightly; he then asked if there was anything further he could do for him. Old Wise Man, in a soft whisper said, “Nothing more, my dearest friend, just go ahead with the plans we have made without any changes.” Brother Satoshi said he would be saying traditional prayers during Old Wise Man’s funeral procession, but would be reciting special prayers and chants created especially for Old Wise Man when his funeral pyre was ceremoniously set on fire. “Do not worry, old friend, I will take care of everything for you.” The two men embraced, bowed and barely rasped out their final good-byes. As Old Wise Man stepped out of the monastery he turned towards Brother Satoshi and these two old friends gave each other a last wave as each man managed to produce a shaky goodbye smile. Old Wise Man took a last loving look at the monastery and walked slowly back to his home.
“A candle flares up just before extinguishing.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
When Old Wise Man stepped into his home, he began a thorough cleaning of his house. He gathered personal items that were on a list he had given Brother Satoshi and put them into neat stacks on the table so Brother Satoshi could find them easily later on. It had been decided that the house, land and animals of Old Wise Man would be donated to the monastery for disabled or ailing monks in need of a place to live out their lives for the monastery was sometimes hard pressed to accommodate even their permanent residents. Old Wise Man’s house and surrounding land could easily be converted into an annex to the Hamagawa monastery should expansion become a necessity.
Old Wise Man’s village helpers came to his door and he called out for the other two in the yard to join them. He thanked all of them for their help and said how much he respected them for the unselfish assistance they had given him. He gave each of them the coins they had earned and said good night. The young men bowed respectfully and then ambled off looking for an amusing diversion to occupy their evening. Taking up his walking staff Old Wise Man strolled through his village one last time, stopping to talk and share laughs with his village friends and neighbors. He gave what remained of his whittled wooden animals to the village children and gave the remainder of his coins to the parents of the children he had taught.
In his house, Old Wise Man heated water to wash himself and set out the clean white clothing he had saved all these years for just this day. He trimmed his hair, cleaned his fingernails, and rubbed an ointment onto his body given to him by a travelling peddler. It smelled of mint and gave off a pleasing heat that soothed his old body. Once again he made sure his pots and pans were neatly hung and without any grease or stains. He looked over his table and chairs, he checked to be certain the fireplace was fire and ashes free, and inspected his pantry shelves and miscellaneous belongings one last time until he was finally satisfied the house was tidy and clean and that everything was as it should be.
Old Wise Man changed his clothing and walked to his bed and lay down. He was without fear or pain and felt quite calm and content. In his hands were the childhood prayer beads he had used all of his life. Old Wise Man had asked Brother Satoshi to take them for his own in remembrance of their friendship after he was gone. Old Wise Man then began a litany of special prayers he had been saying his entire life and soon fell asleep. A short time later, he stepped into the arms of his ancestors, his earthly life over and a new journey beckoning.
“First the man takes a drink, then the drink takes a drink, then the drink takes the man.”
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
As word of Old Wise Man’s death became known, people were profoundly grieved with the news of his passing. They spoke lovingly of this revered man and praised his many good deeds. They hailed his life as a perfect example of goodness and honor as he counseled and comforted people in need. They greatly admired his commitment to live such a strenuous and complicated way of life. Old Wise Man’s life had been a model of superior achievement and many people were inspired to emulate a similar life as Old Wise Man.
Thousands of people walked in Old Wise Man’s funeral procession praying with the monks until at last the monks began chanting special blessings and prayers as Old Wise Man’s funeral pyre was ceremoniously set on fire. The traditional ceremony ended when the entire funeral pyre was reduced to ashes. Old Wise Man’s ashes would be placed in an urn and taken to the monastery as a temporary resting place; a permanent home was yet to be determined. Old Wise Man’s earthly farewell had been a sacred and solemn occasion and was attended by so many people some could not even see the smoke of his funeral pyre because they were so far away. That did not matter to them at all; they were there to pay their respects and honor a man they revered and loved.
Later that evening a huge crowd crammed into the Cedar Trees Inn. The movable screens separating the large inside dining room from the outside dining areas were set aside to make room for the overflowing throng of celebrants waiting to take part in commemorating Old Wise Man’s life. As the drinking commenced, the noise of the crowd grew as they talked about how Old Wise Man had lived his life. Raising their tumblers in a salute the inn resounded with cheers. They were all in agreement that Old Wise Man’s judgment and dedication were the foundation of his noble deeds and again the inn echoed with even louder cheers than before. New salutes and boisterous cheers continued, but the longer the drinking lasted many would-be experts began pompously and drunkenly to make melodramatic observations about Old Wise Man’s life.
The drinking steadily increased and the inebriated celebrants became louder and more obnoxious in tone as they tried to out-shout each other in an effort to have only their individual opinions heard. The Hamagawa villagers did not participate in this discourteous dissection of Old Wise Man and it was plain to see they were offended by such disrespectful comments about the beloved man they venerated. Finally, the esteemed Elder in Hamagawa, the Honorable Toshi Okayama, stood up and waited patiently for the crowd to acknowledge his presence. When the crowed finally quieted, Toshi bowed and began speaking about Old Wise Man with a familiarity that spoke of a long-lasting relationship. Toshi sternly told the crowd that Old Wise Man had not “chosen” his life nor had he spent his years satisfying personal whims by giving in to what he wanted for himself. Old Wise Man’s life had been predetermined before his birth. The crowd drunkenly began shouting insults at Toshi believing he was dishonoring Old Wise Man’s life.
Toshi remained standing until all the rude shouting and comments died out. Then, with a wave of his hand, the Hamagawa villagers rose and, as one voice, loudly and decisively repeated a single word: “Karma!” “Karma”. The crowd became silent and no one spoke as the villagers words echoed throughout the inn. “Karma,” the crowd whispered, “Karma.” The crowd understood Karma; they were intimately familiar with it and they obeyed it sacredly for they believed in Karma as devoutly as monks believe in their religion. “Karma,” they said, yes, it was Old Wise Man’s Karma to live as he had. Once again, in noisy enthusiasm the crowd raised their tumblers in drunken acknowledgement of Karma and saluted it countless times.
Another member of the crowd stood up and called out for silence. He was a distinguished member of the Emperor’s Advisory Council, the Honorable Jiro Fukushima. The crowd, in respect for this prominent man, settled down to listen to his remarks. Speaking in a professorial tone, Jiro agreed with what Toshi had said about Old Wise Man’s Karma and he praised everyone for their loyalty to Karma. Continuing, he said he had other views about Karma that he wanted to share with them. Jiro said he believed there were individuals who behaved within their Karma with great results, but not everyone distinguishes his Karma as Old Wise Man had done. Some disgrace it and others profane its purpose. Jiro stated he believed there were extraordinary people who would perform extraordinary deeds within their personal Karma and that Old Wise Man had reached a level of fulfillment beyond what others had ever attained.
“Old Wise Man”, Jiro said, “had been gifted with a unique Karma that permitted him to apply his individual personality and character along with other outstanding qualities to his Karma, and yet, while he obeyed the customary principles of his Karma, he greatly surpassed what was expected of him”. Jiro said further, “Old Wise Man’s Karma had not restricted him to an ordinary life, but had provided him with the rare privilege of succeeding to a greater magnitude in deeds, behavior and accomplishment by placing no limitations on how high Old Wise Man could go or what he could achieve.” Nodding and with a polite bow, Jiro thanked the crowd for their courteous attention and sat down.
The crowd mulled over what Jiro had said and expressed agreement that perhaps some special individuals had Karma that advocated a more unusual set of principles and Old Wise Man had certainly proven how true this premise could be. Responding to Jiro’s remarks, the inebriated crowd stood up, raised their tumblers and, even more raucously than before, cheered their approval; they continued into the night and early morning with repeated endorsements of Old Wise Man and Karma. Later on, the crowd comically threw in other people and places they believed deserved recognition: Meiko Kimuro, Hiro Koasati, Elder Toshi Okayama, Jiro Fukushima, the Emperor and his family, Nippon, the Cedar Trees Inn, the monastery Abbot and its monks, the village of Hamagawa, all the people who had attended Old Wise Man’s funeral. The inebriated crowd drunkenly insisted that everyone and everything they showered praise upon were deserving recipients of their salutes and cheers. The drinking continued enthusiastically and wave upon wave of salutes and cheers went on for hours as no one wanted the celebration to end.
The innkeeper, seeing that dawn was beginning to peek above the edge of the horizon, pleaded with the crowd to end the celebration of Old Wise Man so he could close the inn. At long last the crowd reluctantly made its slow departure out of the inn, completely satisfied they had given Old Wise Man a proper farewell, and everyone else as it happened, rousing cheers of approval. Some of the departing crowd made their way to their rooms in the Inn. The innkeeper stepped outside and watched the rest of the crowd make slow progress towards their village or roadside shelters.
The innkeeper leaned against the door of the Cedar Trees Inn feeling blessed to have been a part of Old Wise Man’s boisterous and rowdy send-off by his devotees, but grateful it was finally over. He breathed deeply of the sweet fragrance of the cedar trees and blinked his eyes at the bright sunshine spreading its rays in welcome as a new morning dawned. A good omen, the innkeeper thought as he watched the sunrise; it will be a warm and peaceful day to enjoy. With a huge yawn, he thought to himself that he must remember to thank the Gods for the enrichment of his coffers the revelers of last night had provided. Scratching his belly, he gave another big yawn, stepped inside the inn and closed the door.
“Emeralds and crystals glitter when lit.”
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Soon after Old Wise Man’s demise, his devoted followers formed a group to accumulate the funds to build a shrine in Old Wise Man’s honor. The funds were collected and a shrine design chosen and the Hamagawa Monastery selected to be the Shrine’s permanent home. A few months later, a simply constructed Shrine had been built and overlooked the gardens of the monastery. It was considered a suitable tribute to Old Wise Man who had said many times: “I am only an ordinary man”. It was agreed that Old Wise Man’s shrine resonated with the same philosophic simplicity of his life. When you enter the Shrine, if you look up at the ceiling just inside, there is an inscription engraved into the wooden center post and it reads: “I am only an ordinary man.” Old Wise Man had been convinced this was all he had ever been.
Inside the Shrine, Old Wise Man’s original handwritten Journal rests securely in a secure metal enclosure; surrounding it are stoutly roped frames, each containing a single page of the journal for visitors. The Shrine also houses Old Wise Man’s precious ashes. On behalf of the Hamagawa monastery the Abbot, Brother Satoshi, made a formal request to the Emperor that he appoint the Hamagawa monastery as the Shrine’s permanent caretakers. The request was approved and permission granted by the Emperor’s personal edict; a copy of this edict hangs upon the inside north wall of the Shrine. The monks provide protection and security for the Shrine; they keep it spotless, making repairs and tending the trees, gardens and grounds that surround it. Hamagawa villagers always assist the monks on the anniversaries of Old Wise Man’s birth and death and on each occasion the visitors, villagers and the monks join together in remembering and honoring Old Wise Man.
The Shrine brought modest prosperity and a noteworthy amount of fame to Hamagawa. Yet, as you walk through this village, it still strongly resembles a nondescript repetition of other small fishing villages. However, more families and shops have moved to Hamagawa. A blacksmith set up his shop to tend and heal large work animals; he also looks after other livestock in Hamagawa and neighboring villages. An herbalist’s shop now sits across the road from the Cedar Trees Inn and does a brisk business when villagers or travelers stopping in Hamagawa, over indulge in säké. The monastery has added an annex to house the increasing population of new monks and expanding monastery businesses.
A small school was built to educate Hamagawa’s and other villages’ children. The school supplies are provided by a fund the former village teacher Isao Higuchi created with the remainder of the pension granted him by the Emperor. The fund is monitored under the stern eye of the monastery Abbot. Building a school was very unusual, but the idea and construction of it was done in fond remembrance of Isao Higuchi, Old Wise Man’s teacher.
There was enthusiastic talk by male villagers about building a small teahouse and hiring a geisha, but the women of Hamagawa promised to burn the teahouse down and run the geisha out of the village if they did. In view of this unexpected and heated opposition to the idea (the women outnumbered the men in the village four-to-one), the plan was abandoned.
Old Wise Man’s Shrine welcomes frequent visitors who come to honor Old Wise Man and read Old Wise Man’s Journal; they offer prayers and lay personal messages and blessed religious objects on the shelf where the simply crafted urn containing Old Wise Man’s ashes rests. The villagers are content and comfortable with what they have and very little has changed in the way they live their daily lives or work for a living. They still fish the waters of the sea beyond Hamagawa’s shores to sell their daily catches and raise produce to take to market. They eat their bowls of food and fish, raise their children, and join their ancestors joyfully when their earthly lives are over. The villagers often remark, “Hamagawa is just an ordinary fishing village and we are only ordinary village people.”
The good-natured, yet mischievous villagers tell visitors that on infrequent occasions Old Wise Man is seen sitting underneath a cedar tree in the Shrine’s gardens. It is a privilege, the villagers’ brag, to witness this infrequent, but awe-inspiring occurrence. These sweet sentiments about Old Wise Man’s appearances are beguiling and the villagers have, to say the least, quirky senses of humor. There is no doubt that Old Wise Man, living in another ancient fishing village with his ancestors, or exploring new pathways, is highly amused by the antics of the Hamagawa villagers who are only, after all, having a little harmless fun that doesn’t hurt a soul.
“Everything is as it should be.”
EPILOGUE
It is just past the hour of midnight and a full moon bathes Old Wise Man’s Shrine with a luminous cascade of moonlight. A monk is making his usual round of surveillance around the Shrine including its gardens and grounds to make sure everything is as it should be. As he glances around he sees a figure walking sedately down one of the paths leading directly into the Shrine. It is an old man and he is carrying a tall wooden staff that he uses to keep his balance as he walks. The old man turns his head and looks directly at the monk and says softly, “I was only an ordinary man.” The old man smiles, nods at the monk, and steps through the Shrine door. The monk is not disturbed or frightened by the appearance of this figure for it has happened many times through the years as other monks made their nighttime inspection to confirm everything is as it should be. The monk grinned widely, bowed deeply in respect, and felt blessed to have been so honored by Old Wise Man’s appearance on his nightly rounds. As usual, these visits by Old Wise Man are known only by the monastery monks who have never told anyone about these precious sightings of Old Wise Man. They honor Old Wise Man by keeping a protective silence to guard the privacy of his occasional walks in the gardens of his Shrine for he, too, is very strict about whether everything is as it should be.
And it is.
THE END
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