Chapter 1 Summary

Chapter 1 opens by mentioning the legend of a god-like figure who had gone to Nirvana after his death, but was recalled after 53 years, through the prayers of his followers, to lead a battle against Heaven and the gods. This figure has many names. His followers call him Mahasamatman, however he himself shortens the name to Sam. While Sam has never himself claimed to be a god, he has also never denied it.

The opening scene takes place in the monastery of the night goddess Ratri. Lord Yama, a powerful figure who is skilled in technology and has been cast out of the city of Heaven by the gods, stands working a complicated "prayer machine" that directs energy skyward through a lotus-shaped transmitter located on the roof of the monastery. The prayers are directed at a golden-colored cloud that circles the planet in space...