Murasaki Shikibu's Diary Analysis

In this essay I am writing about the Murasaki Shikibu’s Diary written by Murasaki Shikibu herself. She was one of the Heian court ladies-in-waiting. She described in detail on how an elite Heian society was, which she was able to document it in firsthand. She served at the court and was able to observe many occurrences that took place inside the court. This is where her diary is distinguished from other literary diaries, such as Kagero Diary and Sarashina Diary where both written by aristocratic women of middle-class who were living outside the court.

Although, Japan has eventually halted its official deputations to China, its monks carried on to educate oversea, brought back political ideologies, religious beliefs, new understandings of ritual, ceremonies, and relics. Chinese culture heavily influenced the intellectual life of the people. Largely male used Chinese writings and women used kana writings. Being indigenous to Japan and thereby of a lesser degree of

As in the last section, the Uji chapters, of her diary is emphasizing her struggle of taking holy oaths and achieving salvation. It was not so difficult to receive jealousy of court’s ladies. Especially, when a woman is so intellectual and famous like Murasaki is. Nonetheless, bickering affairs amongst women in Heian era was not so lighthearted. Some women attempt to resolve situations in violence or even get each other arrested. Thus, she is actively wondering what Buddha would do in a situation like this: “Did the Buddha himself in all his compassion ever preach that one should simply ignore those who slander the Three Treasures?” (451). Moreover, she is afraid that she will not be able to receive salvation since she also has done bad things herself: “How in the sullied world of ours can those who are hard done by be expected to reciprocate in kind?” (451). She who lives in “the sullied world,” is also