A sharing by Ling Sing Lin
As one who enjoys reading novels in my pastime, I was intrigued to find the translation of the world’s earliest novel. This novel was written over 1000 years ago, by a Japanese lady. My travel companion found this book in the library of the National Geographic Resolution. This was the ship I travelled in to see the Chilean fjords.
The Tale of Genji was written by Lady Murasaki Shikibu, and was regarded as one of the truly great classics of world literature. However, the original manuscript no longer exists. Lady Murasaki was born In year 978, and taken into the court of Empress Akiko. She was a noble woman and a lady in waiting. She is regarded as one of the most talented women in Japan. The chapters were unnumbered, and there were no intricate plots. It was written to entertain the Japanese court of the time.
The first translator is Kencho Sumatsu in 1882. This translation was of poor quality and left incomplete. Needless to say, I found his archaic style of writing difficult to read. I was however intrigued by the Forward and Introduction of the book.
The Tale of Genji
This is a biographical novel of Prince Hikaru Genji. He was a philanderer who lived for the quest of love. The book described the court life of Japan over a thousand years ago. Japan enjoyed perfect tranquillity at that time. The Imperial Capital became luxurious and idle, and people became effeminate.
Moral of the Story
There is nothing new under the sun. What happened hundreds or thousands of years ago continues to happen today. Rich men, men of nobility, kings, etc, continue to have multiple partners. Remember King Solomon with his thousand wives and concubines? We have heard of the third generation curse of wealthy families. It is hard work, not a lazy and luxuriant life which improves mind and sinew.
lingsinglin
Dr Ling Sing Lin is a medical doctor by training. She worked in MOH HQ for many years, in policy making and administrative positions, until her retirement.
