(Sequel article of "Bali to Java: The Quest Continues")
"Our first destination is the shrine of Sunan Ampel, one of the eldest among them. Most of the rest of the Sunans we're going to visit were related to him," Ahmed said, looking at Kendrick.
"Related as in a family?"
"Yes. He was also the guru for some of them."
"It's like a big clan, then?"
Ahmed beckoned Kendrick on. "Yes, it's something like that."
"So, how many times have you been doing this pilgrimage?"
"This trip will be my third one. Every time I come to Indonesia, I always try to visit at least one of the shrines whichever I'm close to at the time."
"What drives you to visit those places, Ahmed?"
"The spiritual aura, my friend. The strong sensation you feel whenever you are there. Rather hard to explain but it makes me feel closer to God." Ahmed stroked his chin slowly, smiling. His mind drifted.
Kendrick made a reflection. This should be a new experience for me. I must be able to feel the superpower engulfing me too, then.
He pulled out his diary, attempting to write on it despite of the shaking motion of the ferry in the rippled ocean.
"You keep a journal, huh?" Ahmed regained his consciousness from his daydream, paying attention to Kendrick again.
"Hum, yes. After I'm back to DC, I want to have good recollection of my journey, you know."
"All right, then." Ahmed glanced at his neat diary, grinning in full understanding. "You are a professor, aren't you?"
"Yes." He gave a secretive teasing smile while knowing his friend was curious about his diary. "Back to the subject, what do people usually aim by going to the shrines? I mean I assume there must be other reasons beside yours."
"Yeah. Some people come to seek for blessing, others for solutions of their problems, businesses, or households. Yet, some people even ask to have their rivals cursed."
Kendrick was surprised. "Cursing?"
Ahmed chuckled to see his friend's face. "Well, I knew that from people's stories."
"Does the pray work?"
Ahmed shrugged his shoulders. "I never ask anything when I'm in front of the grave. I just want to feel the aroma of the power, you know. It strengthens me."
"Yeah. You've mentioned that." Kendrick beckoned.
"Speaking of belief, I'm in favor of Sufism teachings. They stressed on finding the inner truth within one's heart. I don't really believe in those boundaries people made."
"Are you referring to the institutions?" Kendrick asked.
Ahmed creased his eyebrows. "I'm talking about everything, in general, blocking people's view to see the truth. Sometimes, we are carried away with the package we forget about what the essence is."
"I think that it's all about mind. To some extent, I agree with the restrictions because what you are talking is hard-chewed stuff. You know that not everybody can take in the same weighty consideration as you. At the end, not everything can be applied to everyone, can it?"
Ahmed pondered for a moment before continuing the conversation. "So, tell me, what you think about the sayings that they could lock you up but couldn't lock your mind? Fill me in a little here, Kendrick!"
"I believe in the system as long as there is freedom in it. As simple as that."
"Hmm…." Ahmed was silent and took his time to muse over their conversation until their ferryboat landed on the east tip of Java Island.
Driving for plenty hours, the car passed some big stores selling many souvenirs such as Koran, Islamic clothing, praying beads, and talismans.
"We are close to the grave," Ahmed informed. He reached his pocket, pulled out his string of beads, and began to spell it slowly. His lips moved in repetition, uttering soft voice Kendrick did not understand.
Their car stopped in front of a big mosque.
"I'll do my maghrib prayer first. Could you wait for me?" Ahmed pushed his door open.
"Sure. I'll wait here," Kendrick replied.
He was standing by their car thinking. Now, I understand what Ahmed was saying previously. Yes, I do feel a strong aura around here.
After praying, Ahmed strode inside the graveyard complex. Kendrick walked beside him. They found a huge tomb fenced in with around five-feet-tall stainless steel.
Ahmed bent his head down for a whiff and prayed in deep devotion and reverence. Kendrick stood still near him. He relished the serene feeling of being there with his friend. Kendrick could not understand Ahmed's words but he noticed that after finishing the pray his face turned to be radiant as if he had been recharged. God, I want to have that kind of serenity either. He seemed so relaxed and joyful.
Ahmed stroked his face with both of his palms taking a deep breath. "Come, let's go, Kendrick."
His voice startled him. "Okay. Shall we find a place to sleep?"
"All right, let's find one."
Author: Damien Dematra
He is a novelist, writer, painter, and photographer.
He can be contacted at info@damiendematra.com
www.damiendematra.com
You are allowed to copy and to distribute this article with limitation only for non-commercial purposes and with credit to the author.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Bali to Java: The Quest Continues
(Sequel article of Lunch in Ubud)
Kendrick went out with Maya and Mangku Marendra a couple of times to see the traditional dance performance and other Bali's exotic places. During his stay in Bali, Kendrick attempted to meditate more often.
The longer he attended the yoga class, the more he became calm. His mind was still filled with many thoughts, sometimes it traveled back and forth DC and Bali, mixed-up with his quest but then, it was lessened, until one day, he managed to break down his thoughts one by one. However, Kendrick's heart was still searching. He has become calmer but his yearning heart remained unanswered.
He was sitting in an open-air café, gazing at the beach, delighting the sunny weather, pondering.
God, maybe, this is not my path. It seems to be my friends' path of life and I haven't been satisfied yet.
Kendrick searched for his diary inside of his leather backpack, seized it out, and started to write.
God, I think I'm going to end my stay in Bali. Where should I go next? I'm still not able to feel You, the way the Mangku expressed in his words and eyes. Am I doing it wrong?
Well, maybe, I should take another road but where should I go?
Suddenly, his cell phone rang. He startled to hear the sound. It had been quite a while since he heard it ringing. Is something happening in my house in DC? Is it on fire? He frowned and rashly opened the flip.
"Hello? Professor Lovington?"
"Speaking. Who's this?"
"I'm Ahmed Badullah, your friend from the conference."
"Oh, yes. Of course, I remember you. How are you?" Kendrick's imagination ran into a tall man around of his age with a white turban, pointed nose, and trimmed beard.
"I'm fine. I heard from Mangku Ida Marendra that you are attending the meditation class."
Kendrick chuckled. "Yes, but I'm about to leave."
"So, have you found what you are looking for?"
"Hum…" Kendrick was hesitant. "I found the peace inside me but I haven't got my ultimate answers."
"Listen, I'm still in Bali and about to take a pilgrimage throughout Java Island. How about if you come along with me? I can go in company. I've rent a car."
Gee, could this be an answer from God? "Hum, okay. When will you leave?"
"Oh, great! I know you would say yes. I'm leaving on Monday."
"Two days from now? All right."
"Great. Pick you up at eleven?"
"I'll be ready. Thanks, Ahmed. See you."
Kendrick wore the beige clam-digger pants with a white cotton shirt. He stretched out his arms in front of him to examine his appearance and smiled.
I'm ready to start a new journey.
He walked slowly across his room, turned the doorknob, pulled a deep breath, and aimed to the receptionist at the front hall of the hotel waiting for Ahmed.
At eleven o'clock sharp, Kendrick saw a green landrover approaching the hotel. Ahmed jumped out of the car.
"Kendrick! Hi! How have you been?" He shook Kendrick's hands cheerfully. "Oh, this is Hamdan. He's from Java. He used to drive pilgrimages to the sacred places. Ahmed patted Hamdan's back who immediately gave a blushing gesture.
"Hi," Kendrick greeted him.
Hamdan was a skinny dark-haired man in his thirties with a heart-shaped face and friendly gesture. He bent his shoulders every time he walked passing the two men and rushed to close the door for them.
No one had bestowed him such a respect. "Does he have to do that?" Kendrick's eyebrows curled.
"It's his way of giving a respect. He considered us superior."
Kendrick would never imagine one of his students would do that to him.
"Well, well, all right then, if he feels convenient with it."
They drove a couple of hours to the harbor and took a ferryboat to Java Island.
"So, could you brief me on this journey?" The breeze teased his hair touching his soft face repetitively. He let the sliding window next to him open to get the ocean breeze penetrated inside the condensed cabin.
"We're going to Surabaya to the first stop of the nine shrines of the Sunans we're going to visit."
"I'm sorry, do you mind shedding a little light on the journey for me? What is a Sunan?"
"It's an Islamic title for the earliest Islam preachers in Indonesia. It means God's messenger."
"Oh, I see."
Author: Damien Dematra
He is a novelist, writer, painter, and photographer.
He can be contacted at info@damiendematra.com
www.damiendematra.com
You are allowed to copy and to distribute this article with limitation only for non-commercial purposes and with credit to the author.
Kendrick went out with Maya and Mangku Marendra a couple of times to see the traditional dance performance and other Bali's exotic places. During his stay in Bali, Kendrick attempted to meditate more often.
The longer he attended the yoga class, the more he became calm. His mind was still filled with many thoughts, sometimes it traveled back and forth DC and Bali, mixed-up with his quest but then, it was lessened, until one day, he managed to break down his thoughts one by one. However, Kendrick's heart was still searching. He has become calmer but his yearning heart remained unanswered.
He was sitting in an open-air café, gazing at the beach, delighting the sunny weather, pondering.
God, maybe, this is not my path. It seems to be my friends' path of life and I haven't been satisfied yet.
Kendrick searched for his diary inside of his leather backpack, seized it out, and started to write.
God, I think I'm going to end my stay in Bali. Where should I go next? I'm still not able to feel You, the way the Mangku expressed in his words and eyes. Am I doing it wrong?
Well, maybe, I should take another road but where should I go?
Suddenly, his cell phone rang. He startled to hear the sound. It had been quite a while since he heard it ringing. Is something happening in my house in DC? Is it on fire? He frowned and rashly opened the flip.
"Hello? Professor Lovington?"
"Speaking. Who's this?"
"I'm Ahmed Badullah, your friend from the conference."
"Oh, yes. Of course, I remember you. How are you?" Kendrick's imagination ran into a tall man around of his age with a white turban, pointed nose, and trimmed beard.
"I'm fine. I heard from Mangku Ida Marendra that you are attending the meditation class."
Kendrick chuckled. "Yes, but I'm about to leave."
"So, have you found what you are looking for?"
"Hum…" Kendrick was hesitant. "I found the peace inside me but I haven't got my ultimate answers."
"Listen, I'm still in Bali and about to take a pilgrimage throughout Java Island. How about if you come along with me? I can go in company. I've rent a car."
Gee, could this be an answer from God? "Hum, okay. When will you leave?"
"Oh, great! I know you would say yes. I'm leaving on Monday."
"Two days from now? All right."
"Great. Pick you up at eleven?"
"I'll be ready. Thanks, Ahmed. See you."
Kendrick wore the beige clam-digger pants with a white cotton shirt. He stretched out his arms in front of him to examine his appearance and smiled.
I'm ready to start a new journey.
He walked slowly across his room, turned the doorknob, pulled a deep breath, and aimed to the receptionist at the front hall of the hotel waiting for Ahmed.
At eleven o'clock sharp, Kendrick saw a green landrover approaching the hotel. Ahmed jumped out of the car.
"Kendrick! Hi! How have you been?" He shook Kendrick's hands cheerfully. "Oh, this is Hamdan. He's from Java. He used to drive pilgrimages to the sacred places. Ahmed patted Hamdan's back who immediately gave a blushing gesture.
"Hi," Kendrick greeted him.
Hamdan was a skinny dark-haired man in his thirties with a heart-shaped face and friendly gesture. He bent his shoulders every time he walked passing the two men and rushed to close the door for them.
No one had bestowed him such a respect. "Does he have to do that?" Kendrick's eyebrows curled.
"It's his way of giving a respect. He considered us superior."
Kendrick would never imagine one of his students would do that to him.
"Well, well, all right then, if he feels convenient with it."
They drove a couple of hours to the harbor and took a ferryboat to Java Island.
"So, could you brief me on this journey?" The breeze teased his hair touching his soft face repetitively. He let the sliding window next to him open to get the ocean breeze penetrated inside the condensed cabin.
"We're going to Surabaya to the first stop of the nine shrines of the Sunans we're going to visit."
"I'm sorry, do you mind shedding a little light on the journey for me? What is a Sunan?"
"It's an Islamic title for the earliest Islam preachers in Indonesia. It means God's messenger."
"Oh, I see."
Author: Damien Dematra
He is a novelist, writer, painter, and photographer.
He can be contacted at info@damiendematra.com
www.damiendematra.com
You are allowed to copy and to distribute this article with limitation only for non-commercial purposes and with credit to the author.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Lunch in Ubud
(Sequel article of Maya and Yoga)
Maya led Kendrick and Mangku Marendra to a new white modern car parked not far from the building.
"Nice car," Kendrick complimented it. He opened the front door for her.
"Oh, thank you." She showed her elegant smile.
After they were all in their seats, Marendra directed his eyes into the back compartment where Kendrick was sitting comfortably. "So, is there any specific place you have in mind?"
Kendrick pondered in brief. "I'm curious about a place called Ubud?"
"Sorry?" Marendra could not catch the name of the place Kendrick mentioned as he did it in the western pronunciation.
"I think Kendrick was talking about Ubud," Maya explained smiling. "My ex-husband used to call the place like that."
"Yes. I heard that it was a huge art village."
"All right." Maya put on the gear and the car started to race steadily.
Driving for an hour, Kendrick noticed that the Ubud streets were similar to the area by the Kuta Beach except that it was located on the highland. The surrounding countryside was greenish with sprawling terraced-rice fields along the rivers, convenient villages, and assorted hotels.
"Wow, it's a very nice place," Kendrick enthused. "Marendra, what if we have lunch first? Seeing interesting places has made me energetic and hungry."
They laughed. "All right. Let's go to the restaurant rows. There are plenty for you to choose. What food do you have in mind, Kendrick?" Marendra asked.
"Hum, let's just go with the traditional ones."
"Very nice."
Maya made a turn and parked the car on the side of the street. They stepped out strolling on the sidewalk.
Kendrick made his choice and they all entered into a cozy, semi-open air gallery café. The weather was good and sunny and white clouds were winging on the sky.
A welcoming waitress with a long wrapped-skirt and a white flower slipped behind her ear, greeted them, and handed the menu book. The restaurant served Indonesian, Balinese, and vegetarian food.
"Why don't you pick for me?" Kendrick spoke to Maya.
"All right. Do you have any forbidden food?"
Suddenly, Kendrick remembered that his new friends might not eat beef. Having read their minds, Marendra said, "How about if you take the mixed rice, the specialty from Bali? It's some white rice mixed with a complete range of food. You'll get spicy chicken, meat on skewers, vegetables, and chilies."
"All right. You make my mouth waters." He gazed at the waitress. "I'll take that."
Maya stepped in to make his order clear to the waitress.
Kendrick observed the paintings hanging attractively on the wall. "There are plenty of lotus flowers in Bali. Like there, in the painting, it also has a background setting of the lotus ponds. Does it have a specific meaning?"
"Oh yes," Marendra replied. "The lotus flower throne with its eight petals is the eight symbols of God's holy and supreme character."
"Please, enlighten me."
"First, the character of God is very fine like the atomic particles. Then, the weightlessness, He is lighter than the ether."
"Ether?"
"Yes, you know that ether was believed as the substance composing the heavenly bodies," Maya added.
"Oh, I see."
"And then He exists in our entire universe. He is God, the Almighty. There's no empty space and that everyplace is reachable by Him."
We can't escape from God. We can run but we can't hide from God when we are still alive or after we enter the eternity. Kendrick smiled in his heart. How can we? He is God.
"Do you mind sharing your thoughts?" Maya gazed at him.
Realizing that he was smiling to himself, Kendrick said, "I was just thinking that there's no hidden place from God."
"I see. Yes. I agree," she said. "That's why when I make peace with God and myself. I find the essence of my life regardless my outer situation."
"So, what's the fifth?"
"His wish will always be accomplished," Marendra said.
"God never fails," Kendrick added.
"True. He is the King of all, and above all, the prime ruler, the number one, and the ultimate. And then, He has the highest power. He controls over everything and exceeds everything. The last one, no body can oppose against His will. He is God, the omnipotence."
"Wow." Kendrick was speechless for a moment. "You have such a thorough understanding about Him."
"At the end, well, he is God. Who can ever be the judge of Him?" Marendra added.
Kendrick bent his head in awesomeness absorbing what his heart had already known but still struck by the fact every time it came up to the surface. Being reminded again with such bold statements, Kendrick's heart had been aching more to have an encounter with Him.
"There's more about Hinduism. They're not very complicated but at the end you'll have to find the resolute answers inside your heart and discover your own enlightenment." Marendra's voice became solemn and serene.
Suddenly Maya enthused, "Oh, there's our lunch."
The lunch, served with banana leafs, was spread on the wooden table.
Seeing the delicious food in front him, Kendrick smiled.
Author: Damien Dematra
He is a novelist, writer, painter, and photographer.
He can be contacted at info@damiendematra.com
www.damiendematra.com
You are allowed to copy and to distribute this article with limitation only for non-commercial purposes and with credit to the author.
Maya led Kendrick and Mangku Marendra to a new white modern car parked not far from the building.
"Nice car," Kendrick complimented it. He opened the front door for her.
"Oh, thank you." She showed her elegant smile.
After they were all in their seats, Marendra directed his eyes into the back compartment where Kendrick was sitting comfortably. "So, is there any specific place you have in mind?"
Kendrick pondered in brief. "I'm curious about a place called Ubud?"
"Sorry?" Marendra could not catch the name of the place Kendrick mentioned as he did it in the western pronunciation.
"I think Kendrick was talking about Ubud," Maya explained smiling. "My ex-husband used to call the place like that."
"Yes. I heard that it was a huge art village."
"All right." Maya put on the gear and the car started to race steadily.
Driving for an hour, Kendrick noticed that the Ubud streets were similar to the area by the Kuta Beach except that it was located on the highland. The surrounding countryside was greenish with sprawling terraced-rice fields along the rivers, convenient villages, and assorted hotels.
"Wow, it's a very nice place," Kendrick enthused. "Marendra, what if we have lunch first? Seeing interesting places has made me energetic and hungry."
They laughed. "All right. Let's go to the restaurant rows. There are plenty for you to choose. What food do you have in mind, Kendrick?" Marendra asked.
"Hum, let's just go with the traditional ones."
"Very nice."
Maya made a turn and parked the car on the side of the street. They stepped out strolling on the sidewalk.
Kendrick made his choice and they all entered into a cozy, semi-open air gallery café. The weather was good and sunny and white clouds were winging on the sky.
A welcoming waitress with a long wrapped-skirt and a white flower slipped behind her ear, greeted them, and handed the menu book. The restaurant served Indonesian, Balinese, and vegetarian food.
"Why don't you pick for me?" Kendrick spoke to Maya.
"All right. Do you have any forbidden food?"
Suddenly, Kendrick remembered that his new friends might not eat beef. Having read their minds, Marendra said, "How about if you take the mixed rice, the specialty from Bali? It's some white rice mixed with a complete range of food. You'll get spicy chicken, meat on skewers, vegetables, and chilies."
"All right. You make my mouth waters." He gazed at the waitress. "I'll take that."
Maya stepped in to make his order clear to the waitress.
Kendrick observed the paintings hanging attractively on the wall. "There are plenty of lotus flowers in Bali. Like there, in the painting, it also has a background setting of the lotus ponds. Does it have a specific meaning?"
"Oh yes," Marendra replied. "The lotus flower throne with its eight petals is the eight symbols of God's holy and supreme character."
"Please, enlighten me."
"First, the character of God is very fine like the atomic particles. Then, the weightlessness, He is lighter than the ether."
"Ether?"
"Yes, you know that ether was believed as the substance composing the heavenly bodies," Maya added.
"Oh, I see."
"And then He exists in our entire universe. He is God, the Almighty. There's no empty space and that everyplace is reachable by Him."
We can't escape from God. We can run but we can't hide from God when we are still alive or after we enter the eternity. Kendrick smiled in his heart. How can we? He is God.
"Do you mind sharing your thoughts?" Maya gazed at him.
Realizing that he was smiling to himself, Kendrick said, "I was just thinking that there's no hidden place from God."
"I see. Yes. I agree," she said. "That's why when I make peace with God and myself. I find the essence of my life regardless my outer situation."
"So, what's the fifth?"
"His wish will always be accomplished," Marendra said.
"God never fails," Kendrick added.
"True. He is the King of all, and above all, the prime ruler, the number one, and the ultimate. And then, He has the highest power. He controls over everything and exceeds everything. The last one, no body can oppose against His will. He is God, the omnipotence."
"Wow." Kendrick was speechless for a moment. "You have such a thorough understanding about Him."
"At the end, well, he is God. Who can ever be the judge of Him?" Marendra added.
Kendrick bent his head in awesomeness absorbing what his heart had already known but still struck by the fact every time it came up to the surface. Being reminded again with such bold statements, Kendrick's heart had been aching more to have an encounter with Him.
"There's more about Hinduism. They're not very complicated but at the end you'll have to find the resolute answers inside your heart and discover your own enlightenment." Marendra's voice became solemn and serene.
Suddenly Maya enthused, "Oh, there's our lunch."
The lunch, served with banana leafs, was spread on the wooden table.
Seeing the delicious food in front him, Kendrick smiled.
Author: Damien Dematra
He is a novelist, writer, painter, and photographer.
He can be contacted at info@damiendematra.com
www.damiendematra.com
You are allowed to copy and to distribute this article with limitation only for non-commercial purposes and with credit to the author.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Maya and Yoga
(Sequel article of 'Contemplation')
Kendrick Lovington was in his hotel room getting ready for his meditation class. He had changed his sleeping wear into white cotton trousers and long sleeve. He stared at his reflection in the mirror.
"Okay, be calm and relax," he said to himself.
He grabbed his leather backpack neatly sat on the chair, inserted the key into the deadbolts, pulled the door open, and pushed it back slowly.
Kendrick walked out and passed the beautiful garden, the swimming pool, and hailed a taxi.
Kendrick stared at a gray brick-mixed stone building. He saw a pile of brochures spreading on the desk covered with a green-checkered tablecloth before the entrance door and took one. As he paced inside the red brick door into a big hall, he read a short note about the essence of yoga.
He put the brochure inside his brown backpack. Okay, I'm ready to be united with the divine, he said silently to himself.
He saw a middle-aged woman having long hair and serene look with a touch of eastern exoticism approaching him.
Wow, she's pretty! he commented inside the heart.
"Hi, I'm Maya," she introduced herself and walked him to the corner hall where some other students were sitting crossing their legs.
Kendrick placed his backpack on the side of the big wall and sat down on the floor with the others.
They began the session. He knew that he was supposed to listen to the silence. After a certain stage, his mind would be still and then he should find what he was looking for.
Kendrick could not concentrate at the first meeting. His mind was loaded with too many jumbled questions from important things until rubbish statements popping up in his mind.
Have I brushed my teeth?
Oh, gee, the lady in front of me is so pretty. Gosh, is it that all these times I couldn't get attracted to women because I'm looking at the wrong places? Could it be that my soul mate is in Asia?
Golly! Golly! Kendrick! What are you thinking? Why is your mind wandering around that far?
I'm supposed to be silent. He squinted. The painting on the wall is very nice.
Look, how serene she seems now!
God, can I be still? Why am I so restless? Oh… take a breath, slowly and slowly.
Hmm… where should I go after this?
This place is so full! Look, there are many young people!
He heard Maya telling them to be still and listened to the inner voice. Once again, he tried but failed.
After the meditation class was over, Maya approached him.
"What do you think about the session? Is this the first time you follow a meditation course?"
"Yes, it is. Well, my mind seemed to be full and I get to admit that it was quite hard."
Maya nodded. "I know. Meditation could be that way for some people. Take it slow," she encouraged him.
"Yeah, I think I will." Kendrick felt he was blushing in front of her. "How could you do that? I mean, you looked so serene back there."
"I have found myself and yielded my life completely to God. Otherwise, you know, with all my daily problems, I might end up crazy." She circled her forefinger next to her temple and gave a soft smile. Her eyes were shining when she continued, "After being enlightened, I start living my life differently."
Kendrick gazed at her interestingly. "Listen, I'm meeting Mangku Marendra in about a minute or so. Do you want to come with us for lunch?"
"You're meeting him here? All right, then. Thanks for the nice offer," her face was brightened.
"My pleasure." With the tip of his eyes, Kendrick noticed Mangku Marendra was walking toward them. "Oh, here he comes."
Marendra smiled and greeted them. "Hi, Maya, Kendrick." Marendra turned his head to Kendrick. "So, how's your first meditation class?"
"I still have to learn a lot," Kendrick said honestly.
Marendra opened an understanding smile. "It takes time. Don't worry."
Kendrick grinned. "Maya is telling me the same."
"Is she?" Marendra gazed at her.
"I've invited Maya to have lunch with us," Kendrick told him.
"Oh, sure. Let's go then."
Author: Damien Dematra
He is a novelist, writer, painter, and photographer.
He can be contacted at info@damiendematra.com
www.damiendematra.com
You are allowed to copy and to distribute this article with limitation only for non-commercial purposes and with credit to the author.
Kendrick Lovington was in his hotel room getting ready for his meditation class. He had changed his sleeping wear into white cotton trousers and long sleeve. He stared at his reflection in the mirror.
"Okay, be calm and relax," he said to himself.
He grabbed his leather backpack neatly sat on the chair, inserted the key into the deadbolts, pulled the door open, and pushed it back slowly.
Kendrick walked out and passed the beautiful garden, the swimming pool, and hailed a taxi.
Kendrick stared at a gray brick-mixed stone building. He saw a pile of brochures spreading on the desk covered with a green-checkered tablecloth before the entrance door and took one. As he paced inside the red brick door into a big hall, he read a short note about the essence of yoga.
He put the brochure inside his brown backpack. Okay, I'm ready to be united with the divine, he said silently to himself.
He saw a middle-aged woman having long hair and serene look with a touch of eastern exoticism approaching him.
Wow, she's pretty! he commented inside the heart.
"Hi, I'm Maya," she introduced herself and walked him to the corner hall where some other students were sitting crossing their legs.
Kendrick placed his backpack on the side of the big wall and sat down on the floor with the others.
They began the session. He knew that he was supposed to listen to the silence. After a certain stage, his mind would be still and then he should find what he was looking for.
Kendrick could not concentrate at the first meeting. His mind was loaded with too many jumbled questions from important things until rubbish statements popping up in his mind.
Have I brushed my teeth?
Oh, gee, the lady in front of me is so pretty. Gosh, is it that all these times I couldn't get attracted to women because I'm looking at the wrong places? Could it be that my soul mate is in Asia?
Golly! Golly! Kendrick! What are you thinking? Why is your mind wandering around that far?
I'm supposed to be silent. He squinted. The painting on the wall is very nice.
Look, how serene she seems now!
God, can I be still? Why am I so restless? Oh… take a breath, slowly and slowly.
Hmm… where should I go after this?
This place is so full! Look, there are many young people!
He heard Maya telling them to be still and listened to the inner voice. Once again, he tried but failed.
After the meditation class was over, Maya approached him.
"What do you think about the session? Is this the first time you follow a meditation course?"
"Yes, it is. Well, my mind seemed to be full and I get to admit that it was quite hard."
Maya nodded. "I know. Meditation could be that way for some people. Take it slow," she encouraged him.
"Yeah, I think I will." Kendrick felt he was blushing in front of her. "How could you do that? I mean, you looked so serene back there."
"I have found myself and yielded my life completely to God. Otherwise, you know, with all my daily problems, I might end up crazy." She circled her forefinger next to her temple and gave a soft smile. Her eyes were shining when she continued, "After being enlightened, I start living my life differently."
Kendrick gazed at her interestingly. "Listen, I'm meeting Mangku Marendra in about a minute or so. Do you want to come with us for lunch?"
"You're meeting him here? All right, then. Thanks for the nice offer," her face was brightened.
"My pleasure." With the tip of his eyes, Kendrick noticed Mangku Marendra was walking toward them. "Oh, here he comes."
Marendra smiled and greeted them. "Hi, Maya, Kendrick." Marendra turned his head to Kendrick. "So, how's your first meditation class?"
"I still have to learn a lot," Kendrick said honestly.
Marendra opened an understanding smile. "It takes time. Don't worry."
Kendrick grinned. "Maya is telling me the same."
"Is she?" Marendra gazed at her.
"I've invited Maya to have lunch with us," Kendrick told him.
"Oh, sure. Let's go then."
Author: Damien Dematra
He is a novelist, writer, painter, and photographer.
He can be contacted at info@damiendematra.com
www.damiendematra.com
You are allowed to copy and to distribute this article with limitation only for non-commercial purposes and with credit to the author.
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