My Taiwanese friend was the first to say to me, “Happy New Year!” In Taiwan, they are celebrating their 100th year. Happy 100th year, Taiwan! Happy New Year to Japanese, Indian, and other friends. And Happy New Year in advance to the rest.
A few days ago, I found another great bargain. A used book like new. An English translation of Bhagavad-Gita was only 50 cents at San Dimas Library. I own a Japanese version. But, if I could own an English version for only 50 cents, how could I pass this opportunity?
The book is thick. It always amazes me to see English translation books. They tend to be huge. My Japanese version is a thin, small book with a larger Japanese font. It includes some explanation and references. I page through my new purchase here and there.
The page in the second photo above appeared before me. I thought it a scribble at first. After all, it is a used book. I know I can’t compare it with Kana Shodo because western signatures are not Kana Shodo. But because of the cultural differences, I needed time to adjust. Soon enough, I realized it was the author’s signature, and later on, I appreciated the seemingly very complicated but free flowing signature. How wonderful the difference is! It’s always a challenge to my hidden prejudice.
2 comments:
Wish you a very happy New Year too Keiko.
The copy of Bhagvad Gita I have is a very thin one too. The actual book is thin but the fat versions include commentary by the author and that makes it large.
Ashok,
Thank you. But that's the point. English commentaries are always longer. To me, even the thin book with also commentry I have, I'm sure it has repetition quite often. But it is written in Japanese. That's usually the case.
The other day, I read one of my short story to a writer workshop. As usual, one person said my writing is minimalist's. To me, it sounds as though I chose the type of writing for the story. No.
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