Although a work of fiction, this religious thriller has been packed with so many true events that it will stay with you long after you've finished reading it. Even the backdrop of the Vietnam War and what happened to Nickolas and his fellow soldier...
"I'm sorry Nickolas. Please, he wants to see you."
Nick stood up from his small garden and looked with great sorrow. "I'll just wash my hands." The two men proceeded to walk toward the cave's entrance, first stopping near a bucket of water.
"Nickolas, is that you, my son."
"Yes, but you mustn't speak. Please try to rest."
"Oh, I will be resting plenty as soon as I'm with the Lord. Please, take me outside. Under the big tree. Gather everyone around."
Rama and Nick picked Surya up, bed and all, and placed their beloved teacher in the shade. Everyone was there. Nobody said a word. Then Suryavarman began to speak. He spoke in English. By now Nick had taught all the monks and there was not a man among them that could not understand or speak it well. Most of them could even write in English.
Tears were in everyone's eyes as Surya began to slowly talk. "Today I am going to begin my new life with our Lord. I have only a few moments left to be with you." He then motioned for each one to come to his side—one by one. As they knelt down he whispered a few words. The mood was very somber. Finally it was Nick who knelt by Surya's bed, bending over to hear his last words.
"Nickolas, please be the brave young man that I know you are. Life has dealt with you harshly and living here has not been easy. But you have been very kind to us. You have been an inspiration. Instead of letting your harsh circumstances ruin your spirit—instead of bitter you have become sweet." Surya reached up and placed his hand on Nick's head. "You have been a good son to me. You have stayed and cared for me when you could have left. I want to thank you before I go.
Gesturing with his hand as the men gathered closer, Surya continued. "Nick, this is your family, now. The family that God has chosen for you. You have one another. Simply help each other. And above all—call upon on the Lord to protect you. Help each other to pray. This is love.
"Ask the Lord to watch over and maintain your soul. This way you will all dive deeply into the lake of blessings. Who can take your blessing from you? No, not even death. Remember Nickolas, the Holy Name is our lifeboat. Love is helping those who would perish, otherwise. My son, find shelter within the Holy Name and remain safely there. His Name is our greatest blessing. Are we not, in truth, our blessings? We are our blessings."
Looking directly into Nick's eyes, again Surya spoke. Nick bent over so he could hear. There wasn't much time. "Nicholas, thank you for calling upon Lord Krishna's Holy Name. It has given us great pleasure hearing you call out to Him. But always remember Christ, your savior. Now please bring me a sip of water."
Within seconds, Rama's hand was under the back of Surya's shoulders, lifting him to drink. He then let him back down.
"Please sing."
At that request, Haridas began to chant a few Vedic mantras followed by the singing of Lord Krishna' Holy Names—all the monks softly following. The men sang for about a half hour. Nick sat by Surya's side, holding onto his hand. Suryavarman slowly reached over to Rama with his other hand—and just like that Surya became a child of God, holding onto his Father's eternal hand as he fell into a divine sleep. As they sang, one of the greatest saints to have ever lived passed away, leaving behind his message of love and prayer.
Surya's pet monkey, Hanuman, sat watching nearby, wanting with all his heart to be held again by his master. Surya had many loving disciples. Even the monkeys loved him. They visited him everyday knowing that a warm hand and a little scrap of food was never denied. Hanuman also began to cry.
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