Interesting narrative of Byakuren long before she even met her disciples. While I understand why each segment was written the way it was, I would have liked to see a bit more from the early part (before she went to see her brother) and how she came across magic in the first place as well.
It was hard to write everything. I hoped the encounter with the Tsuchigumo would be able to encapsulate Japan's world view on women and how it affects Byakuren as a Buddhist woman living in the Heian Era. I attempted to rely on the presupposition that Byakuren is a devout Buddhist, yet struggles with it in DUKKHA. There is also a scene in the Shigisan Engi Emaki where Myouren's sister visits an area with various villagers that could have been adapted to explore Byakuren's mindset in an a relatively peaceful area.
I do agree that the time between Myouren's cremation and Byakuren's mastery of youkai magic was left unexplored. I wanted the stories to around this part to emphasize Byakuren's affection for Myouren as her elder sister, which lampshades on some Buddhist principles and the perceived responsibility of women as caretakers in Heian Era Japan. At the same time, I wanted to highlight Byakuren's warped idealism born from her internalizations. The only bit I have is a throwaway line from the Nue about an elderly woman beating up lesser youkai. It is unfortunate, but I was worried about the deadline especially since there were some complications regarding the art. I do appreciate your insight, however. Thank you again!
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Ah yeah, Byakuren's origin story was always a bit of a gap for me. I know have a clearer picture thanks to this!
Much appreciated! It's not definitive, but I tried to capture the setting at the time. Heian Era Japan is quite interesting!
Interesting narrative of Byakuren long before she even met her disciples. While I understand why each segment was written the way it was, I would have liked to see a bit more from the early part (before she went to see her brother) and how she came across magic in the first place as well.
Thank you!
It was hard to write everything. I hoped the encounter with the Tsuchigumo would be able to encapsulate Japan's world view on women and how it affects Byakuren as a Buddhist woman living in the Heian Era. I attempted to rely on the presupposition that Byakuren is a devout Buddhist, yet struggles with it in DUKKHA. There is also a scene in the Shigisan Engi Emaki where Myouren's sister visits an area with various villagers that could have been adapted to explore Byakuren's mindset in an a relatively peaceful area.
I do agree that the time between Myouren's cremation and Byakuren's mastery of youkai magic was left unexplored. I wanted the stories to around this part to emphasize Byakuren's affection for Myouren as her elder sister, which lampshades on some Buddhist principles and the perceived responsibility of women as caretakers in Heian Era Japan. At the same time, I wanted to highlight Byakuren's warped idealism born from her internalizations. The only bit I have is a throwaway line from the Nue about an elderly woman beating up lesser youkai. It is unfortunate, but I was worried about the deadline especially since there were some complications regarding the art. I do appreciate your insight, however. Thank you again!
I liked how each part of Byakuren's story went along with the corresponding Four Noble Truths. Very fitting for her
Thank you! I really has to do my research to make sure I was able to express her devotion and her struggle with it in writing.