A Living God

A living god is a short story written from a limited omniscient point of view about a man named Hamaguchi
Ghoei and the way he burned his market produce to save the people of his village from the tsunami. The story
provides an insight into the quick thinking of Hamaguchi as he selflessly burned his whole years’ worth of rice
with the help of his grandson Tada to save his entire community. This story provides a realistic experience of
dealing with natural calamities and the sense of urgency that is required for it.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

(1) Who is known as Hamaguchi?

Answer: (b) an old man

(ii) The story “A Leaving God” appears in which book written by Patrick Lafcadi Heam?

Answer: (d) Gleanings in Buddha fields

(iii) Hamaguchi saves the lives of..

Answer: (a) 400

(iv) When did this story take place?

Answer: (d) Before Meiji era

(v) How is a grandfather referred to in Japan?

Answer: (a) Ojiisan

(vi) Who is referred as Choja in Japan?

Answer: (d) the richest person

(vii) What is the name given to the sudden raising of tidal waves?

Answer: (b) Tsunami

(viii) Whom did Hamaguchi ask to bring a burning torch?

Answer: (b) Tada

(ix) What was Hamaguchi named by the villagers after they were saved?

Answer: (a) Hamaguchi Daimyojin

(x) Hamaguchi was the head of which village?

Answer: (d) None of the above

Logic-based questions

(1) The story “A Living God” is a real story because____________

Answer: it is based on the historical account of Hamaguchi Gohei, a respected elder in his village, who
saved his community from a tsunami by setting fire to his rice stacks to draw them to higher ground.

(ii) Hamaguchi was justified in being apprehensive of the impending danger because____________

Answer: he had experienced many earthquakes in his time and understood the signs of an impending
tsunami, such as the unusual receding of the sea.

(iii) Hamaguchi was right in setting the stacks of rice on fire because____________

Answer: this act served as a signal to draw the villagers away from the shore and up to higher ground, thus
saving them from the incoming tsunami.

(iv) A human being can be called “A Living God” because____________

Answer: of their exceptional deeds and sacrifices for the welfare of others, as demonstrated by Hamaguchi
who risked his wealth to save his community.

(v) The title of the story can be justified because____________

Answer: Hamaguchi’s actions led his community to revere him as a deity, a “Living God”, for his wisdom
and selfless act that saved their lives.

(vi) Hamaguchi can be called the hero of the story because____________

Answer: he saved the lives of his entire village by setting his rice fields on fire to warn them of an incoming
tsunami. His quick thinking and selfless action prevented a major disaster.

(vi) Tada thinks that his grandfather has gone mad because____________

Answer: he saw him setting fire to their own rice fields, not understanding that this was a desperate measure
to save the village from the impending tsunami.

(vii) Hamaguchi emerges out to be a great character because____________

Answer: of his wisdom, courage, and selflessness. He sacrificed his own wealth (the rice fields) to save the
lives of his fellow villagers. His actions were recognized and revered by the villagers, who even declared
him a god.

(ix) Selfless action and presence of mind make a person a real hero because____________

Answer: these qualities enable them to make difficult decisions in critical situations, often leading to the
protection and preservation of others’ lives, as demonstrated by Hamaguchi’s actions.

(x) The story has a relevance in the modern context also because____________
Answer: it highlights the importance of quick thinking, selflessness, and community spirit in times of
natural disasters or crises. These qualities remain crucial for survival and recovery in such situations.

Short answer questions

1. What are the risks the people living on the coastal line face?

Answer: The people living on the coastal line face the risk of enormous tidal waves, or tsunamis, caused by
earthquakes or by submarine volcanic action. These tsunamis can cause massive destruction, ruining towns
and villages, and leading to loss of life.

2. Which is the natural calamity discussed here? When and where did it take place?

Answer: The natural calamity discussed here is a tsunami. It took place long before the era of Meiji on the
Japanese coast.

3. What was Hamaguchi’s status in the village?

Answer: Hamaguchi was the most influential resident of his village. He had been the village headman for
many years and was well-respected. He was often called “Grandfather” by the villagers, but due to his
wealth, he was sometimes officially referred to as the Choja. He used to advise the smaller farmers, arbitrate
their disputes, lend them money when needed, and sell their rice for them on the best terms possible.

4. Where was Hamaguchi’s house located? What was its importance?

Answer: Hamaguchi’s house was located at the verge of a small plateau overlooking a bay. It was a big
thatched farmhouse and was the highest point in the village. Its location was important as it provided a
vantage point to observe the village and the sea. This strategic location played a crucial role in Hamaguchi’s
ability to save the villagers during the tsunami.

5. Where had his family members gone on that day?

Answer: On the day of the tsunami, Hamaguchi’s family members had gone to the village for a festival. The
villagers were celebrating a good rice harvest with a dance in the court of the local Shinto temple.
Hamaguchi and his little grandson were the only ones left at home because he was not feeling well.

6. What unusual thing the old man saw from his balcony?

Answer: The unusual thing the old man saw from his balcony was the sea behaving strangely. It had
darkened quite suddenly, and it seemed to be moving against the wind. It was running away from the land, a
phenomenon that indicated an impending tsunami.

7. What did the villagers do on looking at the sea and why?

Answer: On looking at the sea, the villagers ran to the beach and even beyond the beach to watch it. They
were astounded by the unusual phenomenon of the sea receding far beyond its normal limit. This was
something they had never witnessed before, and they did not understand that this monstrous ebb signified an
impending tsunami.

8. How were the villagers generally warned?

Answer: The villagers were generally warned by the acolyte of the hill-temple, who would set the big bell
booming in case of danger. In this particular instance, the bell was rung after Hamaguchi set his rice stacks
on fire, creating a visual signal that something was wrong.
9. Who is Tada? Why did Hamaguchi call him?

Answer: Tada is Hamaguchi’s grandson. Hamaguchi called him to quickly light a torch. This was part of
Hamaguchi’s plan to save the villagers from the impending tsunami. He set his rice stacks on fire to attract
the villagers to higher ground, away from the sea.

10. What was the importance of rice for the old man?

Answer: For Hamaguchi, the rice was of great importance as it represented most of his invested capital. The
rice stacks were his wealth and livelihood. However, in the face of the impending disaster, he chose to
sacrifice this wealth to save the lives of his fellow villagers.

Long answer questions

1. Hamaguchi proves to be a ‘Living God’ to the villagers. Discuss and illustrate from the text.

Answer: Hamaguchi, the headman of the village, is revered as a ‘Living God’ by the villagers due to his
selfless act of sacrifice and foresight that saved their lives. When he noticed the sea behaving unusually, he
understood that a tsunami was imminent. He set fire to his rice fields, which was his wealth, to gather all the
villagers at the higher ground of his field. This act of setting the rice fields on fire was a sacrifice he made to
save the villagers from the impending disaster. After the tsunami, the villagers realized the reason behind his
actions and were grateful for his wisdom and selflessness. They lost their homes and fields, but their lives
were saved. In their gratitude and reverence, they declared him a god, Hamaguchi Daimyojin, and built a
temple in his honor. They believed that the spirit within him was divine and worshipped him, considering it
the greatest honor they could bestow upon him.

2. What is observed keenly by Hamaguchi from the window of his house? What does he do to save the
whole village?

Answer: Hamaguchi observed the sea behaving unusually from the window of his house. He noticed that
the sea was moving against the wind and was receding from the land, exposing parts of the seabed that were
never seen before. Understanding the signs of an impending tsunami from the tales told by his ancestors, he
acted quickly. He set fire to his rice fields, which were his wealth, to gather all the villagers at the higher
ground of his field. He did this knowing that the villagers would rush to put out the fire, thus moving them
away from the lower ground near the sea where the tsunami would strike. His quick thinking and selfless act
saved the lives of the villagers.

3. ‘Selfless service is the best’, validate this statement with close reference to the text.

Answer: The story of Hamaguchi validates the statement ‘Selfless service is the best’. When he noticed the
signs of an impending tsunami, he did not think about his wealth or the loss he would incur. He set fire to his
rice fields, which were his wealth, to gather all the villagers at the higher ground of his field. He made a
personal sacrifice for the greater good of the community. After the tsunami, the villagers realized the reason
behind his actions and were grateful for his wisdom and selflessness. They lost their homes and fields, but
their lives were saved because of Hamaguchi’s selfless service. In their gratitude and reverence, they
declared him a god and built a temple in his honor. His selfless service earned him the respect and reverence
of the villagers, validating the statement that ‘Selfless service is the best’.

Additional questions and answers

1. Who is Hamaguchi Gohei?

Answer: Hamaguchi Gohei was an influential resident of a Japanese village. He was the village’s headman,
or muraosa, and was well-respected and liked by the people. He was often referred to as Ojiisan, which
means Grandfather, but sometimes he was officially referred to as the Chōja, the richest member of the
community. He used to advise the smaller farmers about their interests, arbitrate their disputes, advance
them money at need, and dispose of their rice for them on the best terms possible.

2. What is a tsunami?

Answer: A tsunami is an enormous tidal wave caused by earthquakes or by submarine volcanic action.
These sudden risings of the sea occur at irregular intervals of centuries and have swept the shores of Japan
from immemorial time. The term ‘tsunami’ is used by the Japanese to refer to these catastrophic events.

3. What did Hamaguchi do to save the villagers from the tsunami?

Answer: Hamaguchi Gohei saved the villagers from the tsunami by setting fire to his rice stacks. He noticed
the sea acting strangely, moving away from the land, which he recognized as a sign of an incoming tsunami.
To get the villagers to safety, he set his rice stacks on fire. The villagers, seeing the fire, rushed to the
plateau to put it out. This act led them away from the village and up to the safety of the plateau just before
the tsunami hit. His quick thinking and selfless act saved four hundred lives.

4. How did the villagers honor Hamaguchi after the disaster?

Answer: After the disaster, the villagers honored Hamaguchi by declaring him a god. They called him
Hamaguchi DAIMYOJIN, thinking they could give him no greater honor. They built a temple to his spirit
and worshipped him there. They also fixed a tablet bearing his name in Chinese text of gold above the front
of the temple. Even after his death, his temple still stands, and the people still pray to his spirit for help in
times of fear or trouble.

5. What is the setting of the story?

Answer: The story is set in a small village in Japan. The village is located on a plateau overlooking a bay
and is surrounded by thickly wooded summits on three sides. The land slopes down from the plateau to the
water’s edge, and this slope is terraced and used for rice cultivation. The village consists of ninety thatched
dwellings and a Shinto temple. The most influential resident of the village, Hamaguchi Gohei, lives in a big
thatched farmhouse at the edge of the plateau.

6. What was the aftermath of the tsunami?

Answer: The aftermath of the tsunami was devastating. The village and the fields were completely
destroyed, with only two straw roofs left floating in the water. The terraces used for rice cultivation ceased
to exist. The villagers were initially speechless and stunned by the loss. However, they soon realized that
Hamaguchi’s act of setting fire to his rice stacks had saved their lives. They expressed their gratitude to him,
and despite the loss of his wealth, Hamaguchi was content knowing he had saved four hundred lives.

7. What was Hamaguchi’s role in the village?

Answer: Hamaguchi Gohei was a highly respected and influential figure in the village. He had served as the
village’s headman, or muraosa, for many years. The villagers affectionately referred to him as Ojiisan,
meaning Grandfather, but he was also officially recognized as the Chōja, or the richest member of the
community. Hamaguchi played a crucial role in advising the smaller farmers about their interests, arbitrating
their disputes, lending them money when needed, and selling their rice for them under the best possible
terms. His wisdom and foresight were instrumental in saving the lives of the villagers during the tsunami.

8. What is the philosophical reflection at the end of the story?

Answer: The story ends with a philosophical reflection on the concept of the soul. The peasants believed
that the spirit of a person could be in many places at once, even during life. This idea is contrasted with
Western ideas about the soul, with the suggestion that the peasants’ belief might contain some truth if one
accepts the doctrine of the unity of all mind. The villagers’ worship of Hamaguchi as a god, even during his
lifetime, is seen as a manifestation of this belief. The story suggests that this belief, while different from
Western notions of the soul, might contain a deeper understanding of the nature of consciousness and the
interconnectedness of all beings.

9. What is the significance of Hamaguchi’s farmhouse in the story?

Answer: Hamaguchi’s farmhouse holds a significant place in the story. It was a large thatched structure
located at the edge of a small plateau overlooking the bay. The house was not just a dwelling but a symbol
of Hamaguchi’s status and influence in the village. As the wealthiest member of the community and the
village headman, Hamaguchi’s house was a place where he advised the smaller farmers, arbitrated their
disputes, and helped them financially. Moreover, the location of the farmhouse played a crucial role in the
story. From his house, Hamaguchi could oversee the entire village and the sea, which allowed him to spot
the unusual retreat of the sea, a sign of the impending tsunami. Thus, the farmhouse was significant both as a
symbol of Hamaguchi’s status and as a vantage point that enabled him to save the village.

10. Describe the geographical setting of the village.

Answer: The village in the story is located along the shores of Japan, nestled in a landscape that is both
coastal and mountainous. The village proper consists of ninety thatched dwellings and a Shinto temple, all
situated along the curve of the bay. The houses extend up the slope on either side of a narrow road that leads
to Hamaguchi’s farmhouse. The farmhouse itself is situated on a small plateau overlooking the bay. This
plateau is mostly used for rice cultivation and is surrounded on three sides by thickly wooded summits.
From the plateau, the land slopes down to the water’s edge, creating a large green concavity. This slope,
terraced and appearing like a massive flight of green steps when viewed from the sea, adds to the unique
geographical setting of the village.

11. What event was the village preparing for on the autumn evening?

Answer: On the autumn evening, the village was preparing for a celebration. They had had a very successful
rice harvest that year, and the villagers were planning to celebrate this bounty with a dance in the court of
the ujigami, or the local Shinto deity. The preparations for the merry-making were in full swing, with
festival banners fluttering above the roofs, strings of paper lanterns hung between bamboo poles, and the
shrine decorated for the occasion. The villagers, especially the young people, were gathering in their brightly
colored attire, adding to the festive atmosphere. This celebration was a significant event for the community,
a time to come together and express their joy and gratitude for a successful harvest.

12. How did Hamaguchi predict the upcoming disaster?

Answer: Hamaguchi Gohei was able to predict the upcoming disaster due to his knowledge of the traditions
of the coast and the stories told to him by his grandfather. On the day of the disaster, he noticed a long, slow,
spongy motion of the ground, which he found unusual. This was followed by the sea acting strangely,
moving against the wind and receding from the land. These unusual occurrences, combined with his
knowledge of the coastal traditions, led him to understand that a tsunami was imminent.

13. What unusual phenomenon did Hamaguchi observe in the sea?

Answer: Hamaguchi observed an unusual phenomenon in the sea that indicated an impending disaster. He
noticed that the sea had suddenly darkened and was behaving strangely. It seemed to be moving against the
wind and was receding from the land. This was an unusual occurrence as no such ebb had been witnessed on
that coast within the memory of living man. This phenomenon, along with the earlier unusual motion of the
ground, led him to predict the upcoming tsunami.

14. What action did Hamaguchi take upon realizing the impending disaster?
Answer: Upon realizing the impending disaster, Hamaguchi took immediate and decisive action. He asked
his grandson to light a torch, which he then used to set fire to his rice stacks in the fields. This act was
significant as the rice stacks represented most of his invested capital. However, the sight of the burning rice
stacks drew the villagers up to the plateau, away from the village and the coast. This action saved the lives
of four hundred villagers when the tsunami struck, as they were safely on the plateau, away from the
destructive force of the tsunami.

15. Why did Hamaguchi set fire to his rice stacks?

Answer: Hamaguchi set fire to his rice stacks as a way to save the villagers from the impending tsunami. He
had observed unusual signs in the sea, indicating a massive tidal wave was approaching. Knowing that the
villagers would rush to put out the fire, he used this as a tactic to get them to higher ground, away from the
reach of the tsunami. His quick thinking and selfless act saved the lives of the villagers.

16. How did the villagers react to Hamaguchi’s actions initially?

Answer: Initially, the villagers were confused and astounded by Hamaguchi’s actions. They couldn’t
understand why he would set fire to his rice stacks, which represented a significant part of his wealth. Some
even thought he had gone mad. However, when they saw the approaching tsunami, they realized the wisdom
behind his actions and were grateful for his foresight and selflessness.

17. What happened when the tsunami hit the village?

Answer: When the tsunami hit, it caused massive destruction. The village and most of the fields were wiped
out, and even the terraces ceased to exist. All that remained were two straw roofs floating in the sea. The
villagers, who had reached higher ground due to Hamaguchi’s actions, were left speechless at the sight of
the devastation. However, they were alive and safe, thanks to Hamaguchi’s quick thinking and selfless act.

18. How did Hamaguchi’s actions save the villagers?

Answer: Hamaguchi’s actions saved the villagers by leading them to safety before the tsunami hit. He had
noticed the sea behaving unusually, indicating an impending tsunami. To get the villagers to higher ground,
he set fire to his rice stacks, knowing that the villagers would rush to put out the fire. As a result, when the
tsunami hit, the villagers were on the plateau, safe from the destructive force of the wave. His quick thinking
and selfless act saved the lives of four hundred villagers.

19. What was the extent of the destruction caused by the tsunami?

Answer: The tsunami caused massive destruction to the village and its surroundings. The village and most
of the fields were completely wiped out. Even the terraces ceased to exist. All that remained of the homes
around the bay were two straw roofs floating in the sea. The site of the village and temple was left bare, with
only rocks and deep-sea wrack remaining. The devastation was so extensive that the area was
unrecognizable after the tsunami.

20. What is the significance of the temple built for Hamaguchi?

Answer: The temple built for Hamaguchi signifies the immense respect and gratitude the villagers had for
him. After the tsunami, the villagers declared Hamaguchi a god, calling him Hamaguchi DAIMYOJIN, and
built a temple in his honor. This temple served as a place where they could express their reverence and
gratitude towards him. They believed that his spirit was divine and prayed to him in times of fear or trouble.
The temple still stands even a hundred years after his death, indicating the lasting impact of his actions on
the community.

21. How did Hamaguchi’s life change after the tsunami?

Answer: After the tsunami, Hamaguchi’s life changed significantly. Despite losing his wealth in the
disaster, he gained immense respect and reverence from the villagers. They declared him a god and built a
temple in his honor. However, Hamaguchi continued to live simply in his old thatched home on the hill,
maintaining his humble lifestyle despite the honor bestowed upon him.

22. What is the role of Hamaguchi’s grandson in the story?

Answer: Hamaguchi’s grandson plays a small but crucial role in the story. When Hamaguchi realizes the
impending disaster, he asks his grandson to light a torch for him. The child does so promptly, enabling
Hamaguchi to set his rice stacks on fire and alert the villagers to the danger. This quick action plays a part in
saving the villagers from the tsunami.

23. How does the story reflect the cultural beliefs and practices of the Japanese people?

Answer: The story reflects the cultural beliefs and practices of the Japanese people in several ways. The
villagers’ decision to honour Hamaguchi by declaring him a god and building a temple in his honor reflects
the deep respect and reverence they have for those who act for the community’s benefit. The story also
highlights the belief that the spirit of a person can be in many places at once, even during life, which is a
concept different from Western ideas about the soul. This belief is reflected in the villagers’ worship of
Hamaguchi’s spirit.

Additional MCQs

1. Who is Hamaguchi Gohei?

A. A miner
B. A journalist
C. A farmer
D. A riverboat pilot

Answer: C. A farmer

2. What did Hamaguchi Gohei do to save the villagers?

A. He set fire to the rice

B. He built a temple
C. He built a house
D. He wrote a letter

Answer: A. He set fire to the rice

3. How did the villagers honor Hamaguchi Gohei after the disaster?

A. They made him rich

B. They declared him a god
C. They built him a house
D. They gave him a medal

Answer: B. They declared him a god

4. What is the distinctive style of the author’s narratives?

A. Serious and melancholic

B. Humorous and satirical
C. Adventurous and thrilling
D. Romantic and poetic

Answer: B. Humorous and satirical

5. What is the author’s view on societal standards and expectations?

A. They are necessary for order

B. They camouflage and conceal uniqueness
C. They are a source of humor
D. They are a source of adventure

Answer: B. They camouflage and conceal uniqueness

6. What did the villagers build to honor Hamaguchi Gohei?

A. A house
B. A statue
C. A temple
D. A school

Answer: C. A temple

7. What is the name of the enormous tidal waves that occasionally hit the shores of Japan?

A. Tsunami
B. Typhoon
C. Cyclone
D. Hurricane

Answer: A. Tsunami

8. Who was Hamaguchi Gohei in his village?

A. A fisherman
B. The village headman
C. A school teacher
D. A blacksmith

Answer: B. The village headman

9. What did Hamaguchi Gohei do for the smaller farmers in his village?

A. He taught them farming techniques

B. He advised them about their interests and arbitrated their disputes
C. He provided them with seeds and farming tools
D. He helped them build their houses

Answer: B. He advised them about their interests and arbitrated their disputes

10. Where was Hamaguchi’s farmhouse located?

A. Near the sea

B. On a small plateau overlooking a bay
C. In the center of the village
D. On the top of a hill

Answer: B. On a small plateau overlooking a bay

11. What did the villagers believe about Hamaguchi Gohei after the disaster?

A. That he was a hero

B. That the ghost within him was divine
C. That he was a traitor
D. That he was a wizard

Answer: B. That the ghost within him was divine

12. What was the villagers’ perception of the mind or spirit of a person?

A. It can be in many places at the same instant

B. It is confined to the body
C. It is immortal
D. It is a source of power

Answer: A. It can be in many places at the same instant

13. What was the villagers’ reaction when Hamaguchi led the way to his house after the disaster?

A. They were silent

B. They cried and shouted
C. They followed him quietly
D. They refused to follow him

Answer: B. They cried and shouted

14. What did the villagers do when better times came after the period of distress?

A. They left the village

B. They rebuilt the village and built a temple to honor Hamaguchi
C. They celebrated with a feast
D. They built a monument in memory of the disaster

Answer: B. They rebuilt the village and built a temple to honor Hamaguchi

15. What did the villagers call Hamaguchi after declaring him a god?

A. Hamaguchi the Great

B. Hamaguchi DAIMYOJIN
C. Hamaguchi the Divine
D. Hamaguchi the Savior

Answer: B. Hamaguchi DAIMYOJIN

16. What did the villagers do at the temple they built for Hamaguchi?

A. They held annual festivals

B. They worshiped him there with prayer and offerings
C. They held community meetings
D. They kept his belongings as relics

Answer: B. They worshiped him there with prayer and offerings

Fill in the blanks

1. The enormous tidal waves that occasionally hit the shores of Japan are called __________.

Answer: Tsunami

2. Hamaguchi Gohei was the most influential resident of his village and served as its __________.

Answer: headman

3. Hamaguchi’s farmhouse was located on a small plateau __________ a bay.

Answer: overlooking

4. After the disaster, the villagers believed that the __________ within Hamaguchi Gohei was divine.

Answer: ghost

5. The villagers thought of the mind or spirit of a person as something which, even during life, can be
in __________ places at the same instant.

Answer: many

6. After the disaster, Hamaguchi led the way to his __________.

Answer: house

7. When better times came after the period of distress, the villagers did not forget their debt to
Hamaguchi Gohei and declared him a __________.

Answer: god

8. The villagers called Hamaguchi __________ after declaring him a god.

Answer: DAIMYOJIN

9. At the temple they built for Hamaguchi, the villagers __________ him there with prayer and
offerings.

Answer: worshiped

10. The villagers built a temple to the __________ of Hamaguchi Gohei.

Answer: spirit

11. The villagers were preparing for a __________ to celebrate their rice harvest.

Answer: festival

12. Hamaguchi Gohei observed the village festivities from the __________ of his house.
Answer: balcony

13. The old man felt a long, slow, spongy motion which was actually an __________.

Answer: earthquake

14. After the earthquake, Hamaguchi’s attention was suddenly diverted by the sense of something not
knowingly __________.

Answer: perceived

15. The villagers saw a white horror of __________ raving over the place of their homes.

Answer: sea

16. Hamaguchi Gohei saved four hundred lives by setting fire to the __________.

Answer: rice

17. After the disaster, the villagers prostrated themselves in the dust before __________.

Answer: Hamaguchi Gohei

18. When better times came, the villagers built a __________ to the spirit of Hamaguchi Gohei.

Answer: temple

19. The villagers worshiped Hamaguchi Gohei in the temple with __________ and offerings.

Answer: prayer

20. The villagers still __________ to the ghost of the good old farmer to help them in time of fear or
trouble.

Answer: pray