Abstract
The novel “Ten Nights of Dreams” is a cycle of short dream stories written in 1908 by the famous Japanese writer Natsume Sōseki (1867-1916). In this paper, I explore Natsume’s view on Zen Buddhism and Shintō represented in each dream; it is pointed out that the writer uses symbology and practices of Buddhism and Shintō to depict both religions not in a traditional way. For example, Natsume’s view of Zen Buddhism is not as of a calming philosophy able to bring one to peace and harmony and to purify thoughts, but as of a religion which is teasing and may make one even angrier. The “Second Dream” is based on the experience which Natsume had when he was staying at a Zen-sect monastery where he was in ascetic exercises and meditated in the attempt to overcome carnal desire in his younger days. His dream tales based on Shintō legends also show the writer’s approach to a religion as to a useless way for human’s mind. In some stories we can also see new interpretations of symbols from the Bible. In this study, I focus on each symbol or practice associated with Buddhism, Shintō or other religion, and its interpretation by Natsume (Bodhisattvas, Seven Gods of Luck and Good Fortune, satori, serpent, rites, meditation, etc.), as well as on how these symbols are connected with other works of Natsume.
Presenters
Liala KhronopuloAssociate Professor, Japanese Studies, Saint Petersburg State University, Russian Federation
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Zen Buddhism, Shinto, Symbology, Atheism, Rites, Religious practices, Meditation
