40. The Law / The Rites(御法)
Passage
But now at last this greatest of imaginable sorrows had indeed effected what all previous afflictions had failed to achieve. No longer did he ask for a day more in the world, save that he might devote it to penances and fasting.
Genji has experienced the loss of many people throughout his life. However, the grief caused by Murasaki's death is incomparable to any of those.
Summary
Murasaki knew that she was about to die. So, she held a large memorial service and said goodbye to her close ones.
In the autumn of that year, Murasaki passed away. Her funeral was held, and many mourners came to pay their respects. Genji was plunged into deep sorrow.
Comment
Death is the mirror of life.
Ancient people illuminated the present world from the afterlife. Thus they knew their own lives and fate.