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-
Considering that the letter “Z” was going to be tricky no matter what, I am content to have found this tale from Kenya…yet Zen itself originates from Japan and the name “Ryokan” is more common with Japan. Thus, I am listing this story as “Kenya and/or Japan.” While there is not any mention of gold, it does imply that the nephew understood it was now time to take care of his elders and impart of his goods (or gold).
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. Nephew awaited rebuke. None. Instead, Ryokan asked nephew to help him lace sandal. Ryokan said he grew feebler. Remember when he used to be strong. Nephew realized it was his turn to care for his elders. Gave goods/gold.
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.)