I wanted to focus on the epic poem, The Jetavana Temple. This song incorporates ideas about the short human life and the downside of power and wealth. It teaches the Buddhist ideal that all things will eventually change and die out. These lyrics are melancholy and I feel like you start to reflect on mortality. This begins describing the Jetavana Temple bells, which ring to mark the passing of all things. The image of the bells could be a type of reminder of our short lives and the inevitability of death. The twin sal trees, white in full flower, are used to symbolize the power of men, which is evidently brought to nothing by death. The song then describes different historical figures who were brought down by their own arrogance and pride (like for example, Zhao Gao of Qin, Wang Mang of Han, Zhu Yi of Liang, and Lushan of Tang). These individuals are compared with others who were more humble and wise and recognized how short life is, keeping in mind to not cling to material items. Taira no Kiyomori, who was a powerful nobleman and former official in Japan, accomplished many, and his lineage was traced back to a humble start. It’s emphasized that power and wealth was fleeting and how even the most powerful and wealthy people have the same fate as all living beings. The Jetavana Temple song is a strong reminder of our short lives and the importance of humility and wisdom in the face of impermanence. The song creates a sense of introspection and makes you reflect on your own mortality and the fleeting nature of human existence.
This overarching theme of impermanence is also found in the other reading we had, like in the sound of the Gion Shoja bells and the truth revealed by the fading color of the sakura flowers. This theme correlates with the Buddhist concept of impermanence and emphasizes the transience of life and worldly things. Another theme is the shift of power and wealth, like with the story of the Taira clan and their leader, Kiyomori. It focuses on how those who are proud and arrogant will eventually have a downfall. The dancers are envious towards Gio’s success and the spiteful comments made towards those who changed their names to include “Gi”, which highlights the negative effects of jealousy and resentment. There is also kindness in the story of Hotoke and her reception at Kiyomori’s house. It shows how it is important to have compassion and empathy towards others (especially towards those who are vulnerable or less fortunate).
Another theme is the power dynamics and gender roles during the Heian period. Sadly, there is no power that women had during this time period. Hotoke, a woman who was dismissed by Kiyomori, was called back to sing and dance for him and despite her reluctance, she was still forced to perform -_- It shows that Kiyomori had full control over the situation and the women involved. Also Gio, who was Kiyomori’s mistress, lost her position and was fired with absolutely no say in the matter. It was so sad that she grieved alone and had all that unwanted attention from other men. There were just very limited options available for women during the Heian period in Japan.
The Tale of the Heike, translated by Royall Tyler. New York: Viking, 2012.
Genji & Heike: Selections from The Tale of Genji and The Tale of Heike, translated by Helen Craig McCullough. Stanford: Stanford University Press, 1994.
