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National Treasure

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Tribal Wisdom

The more sophisticated the level of our knowledge is, the more effective we will be in dealing with the natural world. — The 14th Dalai Lama

Murasaki’s Pen

Murasaki Shikibu by Tosa Mitsuoki (17th century)

Murasaki Shikibu by Tosa Mitsuoki (17th century)

Japanese writer Murasaki Shikibu (c.973 – c.1014) is widely considered the first novelist in recorded history with her extraordinary book, The Tale of Genji.

Unfortunately, as was common practice with daughters, her given name was never recorded. We do know that she was called to serve the empress at about 1006 and was known there by the nickname Murasaki (also the main heroine of her novel) and by the title of the office her father held, Shikibu (meaning “Bureau of Ceremonial”).

Quite an accomplished writer of poetry and fiction, Murasaki documented the rather scandalous and entertaining life she witnessed at court. In order to avoid the wrath of the emperor, she cleverly disguised her stories as historical fiction. Her ruse was successful.

Today her book is considered a Japanese national treasure and remains a focus of study there and internationally, as well.

Murasaki’s Pen is Tribe’s tribute to and encouragement of all writers of poetry and short fiction. We hope that here you will find both entertainment and inspiration.

Share your story on our Community page’s Dharma forum.

Enjoy these writings from Murasaki’s Pen:

Lady of the Night, Lady of the Day

By Ainsley Allmark (aka: DolphinDancer)  Original Post: June 14, 2009

night

Sleep,
That beautiful lady,
Draws her shawl around my shoulders

Her gentle hand
Caresses my brow
Her voice
Bids me close my eyes
Surrender to the night
And let the dreams
Surround my soul
Encase my mind
And wrap my thoughts
In gossamer
Floating freeday

The midnight stream
Carries me
Onward, through the darkness
Toward the waiting dawn
When my lady will rest
And permit the golden lady
Of the day
To take me by the hand
And lead me on
To experience vistas new

Until the time shall come
When
Sleep,
That beautiful lady,
Draws her shawl around my shoulders.