Z is for Golden Zen–A to Z Blog Challenge

We are pleased to participate in the A to Z Blog Challenge (http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/).  The Story Crossroads theme for this year is Golden…And All Things That Glimmer.  Each post highlights golden items from a folktale from around the world. Each time you have to wonder, is something that is golden a blessing, a curse, or both?

What has inspired all this gold?–The Golden Spike with the 150th Transcontinental Railroad and the Spike 150 Grant for this year’s Story Crossroads Festival.

Golden Zen-

The name “Ryokan” and the practice of Zen originate from Japan. Yet, this story may also have influences with Kenya so “Kenya and/or Japan” are listed. A young man is taught how to be more responsible. I have interpreted “taking responsibility” to mean giving of his goods (gold) as well as his time. Thus, we have “Golden Zen.”

Kenya and/or Japan – https://www.advance-africa.com/when-truth-dawned.html

50-word-or-less summary:

Sister-in-law requested Ryokan, Zen teacher, to teach son. This nephew was lazy. Instead of rebuke, Ryokan asked nephew to tie sandal as he is not as strong as he used to be. Nephew remembered. Nephew realized he must care for his elders. Nephew vowed to give of goods/gold and time.

Please share in the comments…or anything on your mind.

While you enjoy this blog, Story Crossroads has year-round offerings including the culminating Festival on May 15, 2019 with free performances May 13-16, 2019 (see schedule here: https://storycrossroads.com/2019-schedule/.  

We thank our funders such as the National Endowment for the Arts, the Utah Division of Arts and Museums, the Western States Arts Federation, Utah Humanities, the Utah Department of Heritage and Arts (Spike 150), the City of Murray, the South Jordan Arts Council, Utah Valley University and many other businesses and individuals. Join us in the support by attending or donating or both! (Click here to donate or get tickets.)