Shigemori And Takakura: Active And Passive Benevol

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Asian 300 October 24, 2011 Shigemori and Takakura: Active and Passive Benevolence in The Tale of the Heike The Tale of the Heike certainly does not hold back the images of war through its graphic depiction of the violent clash between the Taira and Minamoto clans. These horrific images are shown through hateful executions, numerous exiles, and malicious acts of arson. Although this epic tale is filled with war-like actions, there are some acts of benevolence, mainly shown through the characters Shigemori and Emperor Takakura. These two certainly contrast many of the other characters in the tale that seem to only show the negative characteristics of human nature. Without a doubt, Shigemori and Takakura represent perhaps the most benevolent and virtuous characters in The Tale of the Heike; however, Shigemori shows active benevolence while Takakura is more passive. Together, both Shigemori and Emperor Takakura make up the perfect combination of active and passive benevolence that creates the ultimate heroic duo. There are numerous similarities between Shigemori and Emperor Takakura, the first being that they are related. Kiyomori (Shigemori’s father) wife’s sister is Takakura’s mother. The benevolence that both men possess may be similarly linked through their kinship. Indeed, both are very compassionate towards the people of their country. They share the common interest of keeping the country in peace. In addition, both men were deeply religious. Takakura would make frequent trips to the Itsukushima shrine to pray for peace and stability. Shigemori too shared this religious dedication. “It had been Shigemori’s fervent desire to wipe out his sins and plant the seeds of a good karma. Worried about his fate in the life to come, he had built at the foot of the eastern hills a Buddhist hall with forty-eight bays, one for each of Amida’s Forty-Eight Vows, and in each

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