Intoxication and Laughter in Japanese Buddhism: based on Konjaku monogatari shū, maki 28
Abstract
The Konjaku monogatari-shū (1120s) is a Buddhist setsuwa collection especially interesting when being put into the context of concepts, which go back to the texts of the Canon. These concepts are considered to the everyday life of the Japanese sangha. One of these concepts is yoi, “intoxication”(Skt. mada). Traditionally, it is being interpreted literally (an intoxication achieved by an intake of alcohol, dope etc.) and in a figurative sense (a human’s consciousness obsessed by a passion). In Konjaku, the intoxication is the main motive for the maki 28. This text is usually read as a set of stories, which are considered as comic regardless of their quite serious end. By succumbing to passion, a person not only acts to his detriment, but also looks ridiculous to others. This means that by getting inebriated he puts himself into such a circumstance when other people start making fun of him. An emotional relationship between a drunk person and the society looks ambiguous: on the one hand, it is harmful for an individual (mocking, people lie, commit cruel acts, etc.), and on the other, it is useful if it reveals a common understanding of the concept of funny. This is a constant value, which is one of the few things to be relied upon in the volatile world. The article includes translations of several stories from the 28th maki of Konjaku.
The author declares that there is no conflict of interest.
About the Author
N. N. Trubnikova
School for Advanced Studies in the Humanities, Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration
Russian Federation
Nadezhda N. Trubnikova, Ph. D. habil., Professor, Leading Research Fellow
Russian Federation
Nadezhda N. Trubnikova, Ph. D. habil., Professor, Leading Research Fellow
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For citation:
Trubnikova N.N. Intoxication and Laughter in Japanese Buddhism: based on Konjaku monogatari shū, maki 28. Orientalistica. 2020;3(1):51-69. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.31696/2618-7043-2020-3-1-51-69
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