Passage to Fudaraku- This story was very different. I am a religious person but I could never see myself being so religious that I would let myself die at sea. It was crazy how Konko was able to remember every little detail about the past priests journeys. I do not know how Konko was able to bring himself to go on the journey to Fudaraku. It was kind of crazy how the people believed that once the dead priest's body reached the Island they would come back to life. I guess it is all a part of believing in reincarnation. If I were in Konko's situation and I saw how happy the people were to see me taking the journey I would probably get mad at them because all the journey would accomplish is my death. It was really mean of the priests to send Konko out on a second boat when he had used so much energy to get out of the casket. I was happy to see that, after Konko's journey had gone so bad, that the priests no longer made it mandatory to make the journey to Fudaraku. This story made me realize just how much some people follow their religion.
Final Reflection- Well I only had to read the first half of the book since Millie and I split it in half, but overall I liked what I did read of this book. Although some of the stories were very strange and icky there were others that I did really enjoy. I am glad that we did this project because I was able to learn a lot about Chinese and Japanese culture. If I had the time I would try and read the other half of the book, but since I do not have the time I am glad I got to read the first half of it.
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Faith can make people do some very passionate things. Killing one's self is a bit extreme. Then again, so is burning people at the stake because they are believed to be witches. Trying to understand why people do things (for religion) is almost impossible.
As for the belief of a dead priest's body reaching the Island and having them come back to life-thing, well again, with faith there is truth in those who believe I guess. Look at the major religions of the world today, and not everybody has all the answers.
Good point about reincarnation. Maybe told from a Buddhist perspective this story might make more sense?
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Great job with these blog postings. Each story you took time to explain characters, plots, and then added your own insights along the way which was cool.
I understand the mix-up you had with Millie, and having only read half the book is fine, as it is very thick and you have fulfilled your Asian reading requirement.
Nice blog postings, and comments. I hope you continue to read about other countries after this school year is up.
Really nice job,
Mr. Farrell
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