As a young boy, Takeboki finds work as the temple Flower Keeper, sweeping the paths of the Japanese garden clean of fallen cherry blossoms and leaves. But this is considered to be child’s work, and as Takeboki grows older, his family encourages him to find more suitable grown-up work— work that will pay more money. Takeboki will not leave his beloved garden because he delights in knowing that he makes the garden a beautiful and serene retreat for the monks. Takeboki knows that he is rich beyond words because the charms of the garden and a job well done are riches greater than gold to him. lvb