Treasures

 

The last day of the first month of 2021.

Finally I took the time and half watched documentary about a Palace full of Treasures, in modern Russia.

This caused a chain of associations. I took my mobile, whispered a magic mantra: OK Google, Open Google Kips!

And quickly dictated what memory provided from its vaults. Also a treasure store, I am pleased with it, I can remember a lot.

I bring to your attention the dictation transposed into the words of G Bord:

Shogun.

A novel where one of the main characters is the historical ruler of Japan - Tokugawa.

One of the plot lines of the novel is the struggle for power and material manifestation, the symbol of this power is a castle full of treasures

All this is not a figment of the imagination of the author, James Clavell, but historical facts, literally embellished by the authors.

Taiko - a peasant who climbed the stairs to the very top, and became a military ruler, robbing and killing the whole life of the gentlemen of blue blood.

He built a magnificent castle on the headland of the mountain, overlooking the ocean, filled with loot.

The novel describes the events following the death of Taiko, the Great Assassin.

Several feudal lords rule Japan, and are awaiting the rise of Taiko's heir.

One of them is Toranaga, or the prototype of the historical figure of the Tokugawa.

He prepares to take power, the novel just ends with his final game. Chess? Go games?

How should I describe a person from a different culture, time, and his incomparable game, whose goal is the prize - a Castle full of treasures.

The historic Tokugawa climbed the pyramid of power and passed it on to its descendants for two centuries. In the novel, the prototype, Tokugawa, preparing for the final throw, has a code plan, in my opinion called Crimson Sky. The only "push" - by sending a pair of carrier pigeons, is a plan to seize power. The plan in the novel fascinates with its completeness. The Art of War, not Xiong Tzu, but Toronagi.

Rather - James Clavel, who looked into the soul of the Tokugawa.

The entire novel of Toronaga writes legacy - advice for posterity, guidance.

The real Tokugawa ruled the Land of the Gods for about 200 years, until feudalism sank into oblivion.

Throughout the book, Toranaga claims that he is completely uninterested in power and only at the end of course we learn that he has a plan within a plan.

This plan was set in motion by the historic Tokugawa - the famous battle where he beheaded 50,000 of his opponents after the victory is known.

Toranaga is one of several feudal educators appointed by the former dictator Taiko to balance all forces and ensure the continuity of power for his heir. The boy must grow up and inherit the treasure left by the Father, collected in Tokyo Castle.

The posthumous verse of Taiko, a military ruler who possesses incredible power, a fourth of the entire earth, is known and who built a fairytale castle, filling it with looted gold.

"As a drop I am born, as a drop I will disappear,

 Osaka Castle and all that I have achieved

 Just a dream ... In the same exact dream,

  Before stepping into the abyss. "

...

Tornogo builds his life around a single goal - Taiko's legacy.

Takes away the castle, power, treasures from the rest of the feudal lords.

Tokugawa is a very modern person, keenly interested in the world across the oceans and in everything he can learn through books or people. He is friends with the Jesuit priest, the Dutch helmsman. Often compares the information they present in order to see the big picture and not fall under the influence of "gag".

He looks at life through the prism of Zen, drinks tea from an empty cup, doing calligraphy, ikebana, hunting, swimming, training in all martial arts and risking along with his warriors, who did him well and without hesitation, happily giving their lives for their suzerain.

For me, the author is a Zen Master, a magician who looked into the soul of a ruler from another era, another culture.

I admire the genius James Clavell, I consider one of my teachers.

In other novels, he penetrates the culture of China with the same depth.

And into the prison subculture.

I recommend, take time for at least the Shogun, from this great writer’s literary masterpieces.