Sun, 19 May 2013 10:46:51 -0700 http://doforum.forgreatjustice.net/ Lussumo Vanilla 1.1.4 http://doforum.forgreatjustice.net/comments.php?DiscussionID=63&Focus=185#Comment_185 http://doforum.forgreatjustice.net/comments.php?DiscussionID=63&Focus=185#Comment_185 Sun, 30 Dec 2007 21:10:39 -0800 Peter Aronson This letter is written on some form of handmade paper in brown vegetable ink. The hand is neat without being lifeless.

Monks of the Flying Temple! We have a serious issue on which we need clarity, and since the high and mighty of our world are too proud to ask your assistance, it falls to me, Miriam, a simple beggar woman, to beg your assistance. But, then, begging comes naturally to me now.

A few or many years ago -- I can not recall how long and it scarcely matters, anyway -- the issue of whether topiary can contain souls began to be discussed in the markets and temples. You see, in the beliefs of our people, any object that takes the form of an animal eventually becomes the housing for a soul during the ceaseless process of birth, death and reincarnation. Thus, from time out of mind, the making of statues in the shape of people and animals have been forbidden lest a reincarnating soul inadvertently become trapped. But the ancient prophets and wisemen never said anything about shaped bushes.

There are four positions on the matter. The Leafy Statuary party -- led by the Guru of the North -- holds that topiary are just another form of statue, and thus forbidden by the ancient edicts. The Green Incarnation party -- led by the Eastern Priest -- says that since topiary are living creatures and thus mortal, they are perfectly reasonable vessels of incarnation and thus not forbidden. The Imperfect Image party -- led by the Prince of the South -- holds that since topiary do not, in fact, look very much like actual animals, that souls seeking reincarnation are not likely to be fooled, and thus are harmless. Finally, the Skeptics -- led by the Great Scholar of the West -- hold that the entire issue is silly and even considering it in public does our world a great disservice.

All of these parties have many, many adherents who feel strongly about the issue. Topiary have been burned in some places, and venerated in others. There have been daily clashes in the streets and arguments in the supposedly silent quarters of the temples. And now, the four leaders have arranged to meet in the Arena of Debate to settle the matter with sacred maces and blood. This is terribly foolish, as you must agree! So I beg your help in avoiding this wasteful battle.

It does not help matters that the topiary have recently started whispering in strange languages none understand. But I think they will take this message to you.

Miriam the Beggar Woman]]>