Summary of Murasaki Shikibu's The Diary of Lady Murasaki

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights: #1 The Tsuchimikado mansion is beautiful in autumn. The voices of the priests who are reciting sutras all night long are more impressive as they continue throughout the night. The moon has clouded over, darkening the shadows under the trees. #2 The blending of the incense balls was finished on the twenty-sixth of the ninth month. Her Majesty distributed them to her women. The younger members, who were still unskilled in either koto or flute, held competitions to see who was best at chanting sutras. #3 The tenth day was extremely busy. The priests performed rites to transfer evil influences, and the ladies-in-waiting from the Palace were seated in the eastern gallery. The exorcists intoned loud spells, and the archbishops and bishops of greatest importance sat in rows to the south. #4 The stress of the situation was so great that none of us could hold back our tears. When they started to snip Her Majesty’s hair and make her take her vows, everyone was thrown into confusion.