Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
The Temple of Dawn by Yukio Mishima follows the story of a young man, Isao, as he grapples with his inner desires and moral code in the midst of political turmoil in 1940s Japan. It is a tale of passion, honor, and the search for spiritual enlightenment.
In The Temple of Dawn by Yukio Mishima, we follow the protagonist, Shigekuni Honda, as he embarks on a journey to Thailand. Honda, a middle-aged lawyer, is on a quest to find the reincarnation of his deceased friend, Kiyoaki Matsugae. Honda believes that Kiyoaki has been reborn and is determined to find him.
Upon his arrival in Thailand, Honda meets a young Thai princess named Ying Chan. He is immediately struck by her resemblance to Kiyoaki and becomes convinced that she is the reincarnation he has been searching for. Honda's obsession with Ying Chan grows, and he becomes increasingly entangled in her life.
As Honda spends more time with Ying Chan, he becomes aware of the complexities of her life. She is married to a much older man, Prince Jao, and is also involved in a romantic relationship with a young military officer, Lieutenant Kaji. Honda's feelings for Ying Chan become more complicated as he tries to understand her situation and his own emotions.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Kaji, who is also captivated by Ying Chan, becomes a central figure in Honda's life. The two men form an unlikely friendship, bonded by their shared fascination with the princess. However, their relationship is strained by their conflicting desires for Ying Chan and their differing perspectives on life.
Throughout The Temple of Dawn, Honda is also on a personal quest for enlightenment. He is deeply influenced by his encounters with Buddhism and the teachings of the Thai monk, Phra Bua. Honda's search for the truth about Ying Chan's identity becomes intertwined with his spiritual journey, as he grapples with the concepts of reincarnation and the nature of existence.
As the novel progresses, Honda's obsession with Ying Chan intensifies, leading to a series of dramatic events. His pursuit of the truth about her identity becomes increasingly desperate, blurring the lines between reality and his own fantasies. Honda's mental and emotional state becomes increasingly fragile as he struggles to reconcile his desires with the harsh realities of life.
In the final part of The Temple of Dawn, the story takes a tragic turn. Lieutenant Kaji, who has been involved in a failed coup attempt, is executed, and Ying Chan is left devastated. Honda, too, is deeply affected by these events, realizing the futility of his quest and the destructive nature of his obsession.
As the novel draws to a close, Honda comes to terms with the fact that Ying Chan may not be the reincarnation of Kiyoaki after all. He acknowledges the dangers of his obsessive pursuit and the toll it has taken on his life. In the end, The Temple of Dawn is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the human desire for transcendence.
The Temple of Dawn is a novel by Yukio Mishima that delves into the themes of beauty, obsession, and spiritual awakening. Set in post-World War II Japan, it follows the story of a young man named Mizoguchi who becomes infatuated with a beautiful noblewoman. His pursuit of her leads him on a journey of self-discovery and ultimately to the Temple of Dawn in Bangkok, where he seeks enlightenment and redemption.
The Temple of Dawn (1970) by Yukio Mishima explores the journey of a young Buddhist acolyte who seeks spiritual enlightenment through self-destruction. Here's why this book is worth reading:
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get startedBlink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
What is the main message of The Temple of Dawn?
The main message of The Temple of Dawn is the pursuit of self-discovery and the complexity of human desires.
How long does it take to read The Temple of Dawn?
The reading time for The Temple of Dawn varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Temple of Dawn a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Temple of Dawn is a thought-provoking novel that delves into the depths of the human psyche. It is definitely worth reading.
Who is the author of The Temple of Dawn?
The author of The Temple of Dawn is Yukio Mishima.