Tara, the Stone Cutter

Year Published: 1955

Complete Record: Observing old Japanese custom, the folk tale of Tara... Many years ago, in the mountains of Japan, lived a happy stone cutter named Tara. He worked for priests, war lords, and samurai. Delivering a moon stone to a war lord of great wealth, Tara was dazzled by the magical beauty of the rich man’s garden. Tara could not forget the magnificent garden. He wished he were rich so he could enjoy beautiful thing - and to his surprise the wish became reality. Tara enjoyed being rich and became very idle in luxury. But, said Tara, “The Emperor is all powerful. I wish to be Emperor.” Tara became Emperor and lived a life of great happiness - ‘til he desired to be the Sun. As Sun, Tara exclaimed, “Ha! Now I scorch the harvest and burn down cities!” Alas, a Storm Cloud, and become more powerful. “Now I am greatest and mightest of all!” said Tara. “I rain on rich man, Emperor, on sun-scorched fields... Is Mountain able to stand against lightning and rain? Ah, Yes. I must be Mountain, able to stand against all!” Again, Tara’s wish was granted. Tara beamed with happiness. He was all mighty,- until another stone cutter began to chip away at the mountain. “If man can chip mountain, he must be greater than all! Spirits of the Wind, command me to be Man!” So Tara became his poor stone cutter self again, happily making beautiful stone objects. Tara was more powerful than all!