Kumiho

by Charles La Shure

 
Kumiho means, literally, “nine-tailed fox.” The following description appears (word for word) in both the Donga Color World Encyclopedia (Tonga wonsaek segye paekhwasajeon) and the Dusan Great World Encyclopedia (Tusan segye taebaekhwasajeon):
“A fox with nine tails that commonly appears in the oral tales of our country. It can freely transform into, among other things, a bewitching girl that seduces men. A fox that lives a thousand years is said to turn into a kumiho. There are a number of legendary tales in which the kumiho appears.” A half dozen or so of those legendary tales can be found in the encyclopedic Compendium of Korean Oral Literature (Hanguk kubimunhak taegye). A quick look at them will help supplement the brief description given above.

Hypericum – bearer and giver of sunlight

by Anja Heij

 
“So much to do, I still have so much to do!” In this song the Dutch band Toontje Lager describes in a comical way how we try to fit into modern day society by exercising a thousand activities in a very limited scheme. At the same time we wish to work, raise children, be cultural engaged, follow the news and interesting programs, shape our body in a gym, cook healthy, clean the house, work in the garden, attend meetings, follow workshops, visit family members and friends, and hopefully meditate five full minutes a day. Time is money, and we try to live an instant life. Until the nervous system starts protesting…