Summary

Chapter XIV describes the stone used to make the gravel on the courtyards, which was brought from another region. The narration recounts the process of the stone being turned into gravel and the work of spreading the gravel out evenly, and raking it every day to restore the pattern. The narration suggests that the peacefulness of the evenly smoothed gravel could calm a troubled mind and help it to see that “there was only the whole, and no parts” (27). In Chapter XV, the grandson of Prince Genji stood before the third gate at the monastery. He waited for someone to appear and greet him but no one came. He approached the Golden Hall, lit some incense, and said a prayer to the Buddha.

Chapter XVI describes a dog, badly beaten and close to death, climbing a path towards the gingko tree, dragging...