# the Buddha — Short Fiction character guide

> the Buddha in Short Fiction by Akutagawa Ryūnosuke.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** The Buddha

**First appearance:** 0027-the-spider-s-thread

## Who they are

The Buddha appears in a story about salvation and judgment.

## Relationships

### [Kandata](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_59_se/characters/kandata)

_psychological_

Kandata is a devotee of the Buddha, but their relationship is marked by spiritual struggle and redemption.

## In the story

### [Rashōmon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_59_se/chapters/rash-mon)

Implied through the reference to Buddhist images being broken and sold for firewood.

### [The Spider's Thread](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_59_se/chapters/the-spider-s-thread)

The compassionate deity who offers Kandata a chance at salvation by lowering a spider's thread into Hell.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_59_se/chapters/i)

Observes Kandata in Hell and decides to offer him a chance at salvation.

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_59_se/chapters/iii)

Watches Kandata sink and feels pity, then continues walking sadly.

### [Tu Tzuchun](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_59_se/chapters/tu-tzuchun)

Implied as the higher power behind the trials and the old man's actions.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_59_se/characters/the_buddha
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_59_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_59_se/characters