Kumo no Ito - The Legend of Kandatta and the Spider's Thread

The legend of Buddha and Kandatta and the Spider's Thread is a profound Buddhist tale that reflects on redemption, morality and the importance of small acts of kindness. This story was immortalized by the famous Japanese author Ryūnosuke Akutagawa in his work "The Spider's Thread" (蜘蛛の糸, Kumo no Ito). The tale tells of the chance of salvation given to Kandatta, a criminal who, through a small act of kindness, was given a chance to escape hell.

Origin and Meaning

In Buddhism, stories like Kandatta's are used to teach about karma, compassion and salvation. Kandatta, although known for his cruelty and crimes, at one point in his life chose to spare the life of a spider.

This small kindness did not go unnoticed by Buddha. The story revolves around the concept that even a single good act can somehow lead to salvation, but it is a person's ongoing character and subsequent decisions that determine their ultimate fate.

The story

Buddha, observing the world from heaven, sees Kandatta suffering in hell because of his bad deeds in life. However, he remembers the occasion when Kandatta spared the life of a spider. As a result, Buddha decides to give Kandatta a chance at redemption by sending a spider thread from heaven to hell so that Kandatta could climb it and achieve salvation.

When Kandatta spots the spider's thread, he desperately grabs it and starts climbing. However, he notices that other convicts are also starting to climb the same wire. In a selfish act, he shouts for everyone to stop, fearing that the thread would not support the weight of everyone. The moment he expresses this selfish thought, the thread breaks, and Kandatta falls back into hell, condemned by his own selfish nature.

The Moral of the Story

The legend of Buddha and Kandatta is a parable that explores themes of redemption and compassion, emphasizing that small acts of kindness can offer opportunities for salvation. However, it also shows that selfishness and attachment to old faults can destroy these opportunities. The tale reflects the Buddhist understanding that karma is not just about single actions, but about a person's continuous behavior throughout their life.

References and Influences in Popular Culture

The theme of the "Spider's Edge", which originated in Buddhist legend, appears in several other works of popular culture, especially in games, anime and manga. See some of these works below:

References in anime

The legend of the Spider's Thread is directly referenced in several anime. In episode 9 of Jigoku Shoujo (Hell Girl), Kandatta's story is mentioned during a plot about redemption and karma. In Sayonara, Zetsubou-Sensei, the protagonist Nozomu Itoshiki makes an ironic reference to the legend.

In episode 16 of Neon Genesis Evangelion, Shinji compares his situation to that of Kandatta while trying to escape from an AT camp. In Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, in episode 15, the legend is quoted during a discussion about morality.

In addition, the legend is directly portrayed in the 1979 animated film, Kumo no Ito, and in the series Aoi Bungaku, which adapts the original tale by Ryūnosuke Akutagawa in one of its episodes.

Zelda: Skyward Sword and the Dungeon of the Spider Thread

In the game The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, one of the most notable dungeons that refers to the legend of the Spider's Edge is the Ancient Cistern, known for its complexity and design full of symbolism. This dungeon is a clear allusion to the story of Buddha and Kandatta, mainly due to the structure divided between two worlds: a beautiful temple above the surface and a lower region reminiscent of hell.

The upper part of the dungeon with a Buddha's head in the center represents paradise, with its clear waters and serene atmosphere, while the lower part is reminiscent of the underworld, with dark and dangerous areas full of enemies, such as zombies called "Cursed Bokoblins", who try to drag Link back. This contrast reflects the heaven/hell duality present in the legend.

Other References in Media and Games

The legend also appears in other forms of entertainment. Many Japanese RPG games, such as Shin Megami TenseiIn these games, there are allusions to karma and salvation through small acts of kindness or evil. The idea of a thread connecting heaven and hell is a symbol that often appears in puzzles, tests and moral challenges in games.

Curiosities About the Legend

1. Ryūnosuke Akutagawa: The Japanese author who popularized the legend in his work "The Spider's Edge" is one of Japan's most renowned writers. He is known for creating stories based on deep moral themes, mixing folklore and Buddhist teachings with literary narrative.
2. Spider Thread Symbol: In Japan, the spider thread has become a symbol of fragility, but also of hope. It represents the tenuous connection between good and evil, between salvation and damnation.
3. Buddhist TeachingsThe story is used in many Buddhist temples and teachings as a metaphor for karma and the transitory nature of life. It's a way of teaching about the importance of every decision we make, even the smallest ones.
4. Comparison with Other LegendsMany cultures have similar legends involving opportunities for salvation or redemption based on small acts of kindness. The legend of Kandatta reflects this universality of moral stories.

Highlights of the Legend

Conclusion

The legend of Buddha and Kandatta and the Spider's Edge is a story rich in symbolism and moral teachings, offering lessons on karma, compassion and the impact of small actions on the journey to redemption. Its influences can be seen in various forms of media, from classic literature to modern video games, showing how this story resonates with humanity over time. The message is clear: while a small kindness can open doors to salvation, selfishness is the real prison that prevents us from achieving liberation.