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...
"Rama, I must say that its nice to have your company again. Let me take a quick look at you. Yes, it appears that you've added some grey up there since I last saw you." They both began to laugh. Other men could be heard laughing behind them as they walked.
"Thank you Nick. Yes, it's good to be here—grey hair and all. And you're right, we're all getting older. But I see our spirits are young. How long has it been?"
"Much too long. I take it that your trip to India went well." The two men stopped walking as they both gazed out upon the beautiful pond near their temple.
"Rama, remember when we first saw this? I swear, it seems more beautiful today than it did when we first discovered it."
"Yes, this is certainly the most beautiful place on Elephant Mountain. Surya would have loved it."
Just beyond the waterfall there was a small glen—waiting for everyone's arrival. It was shaded by beautiful trees and the morning promised to be special. Elephant Mountain, despite her defiant posture actually sheltered a very special jewel located safely beyond the rugged trails, gorges and caves—protected by the Khmer who lived on her gentle slopes, far below, and loved by all who visited. As the men approached, the morning sun was peeking through the branches, slowly warming the earth below with her golden light, inviting everyone to sit down.
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photos: Kevin & Raymond Bosma
No wonder this was where the men gathered. Over 30 monks sat on the ground, their spirits lifted high by Rama's return and the beautiful morning that greeted them. It was as if God was creating the day for something very special. Certainly Rama's arrival was very special.
Rama looked at Nick and then at the men gathered around him. A small bird could be heard in the distance. The waterfall spilling into the pond created a wonderful sound as Rama began to speak.
"Seeing the rays of light filter down through the trees reminds me of a verse from The Bhagavad-gita that I read when I was in India:"
yad yad vibhutimat; sattvamsrimad urjitam eva va tat; tad evavagaccha tvam; mama tejo-'msa-sambhavam - Know, Arjuna, that all beautiful, glorious and mighty creations spring from but a spark of My splendor.
As Rama finished, his eyes closed. Everyone sat still. Quietly, moments slipped by. No one was in a rush. Rama then turned to Nick and began to speak again.
"You look good, Nick. You must have slept well last night." Rama smiled, remembering the day that Nick had been found unconscious and how for weeks on end he had nursed him back to life. The special bond between these two men was obvious to everyone.
"Thank you, I did. In fact I had a wonderful dream about my wife and my daughter. Its been a long time—but everyday I pray for them."
Nick's eyes moistened. "It was a nice dream but what about you? We have been waiting for your return for months and of course we're all curious—what do you have in the bag? Gifts I hope." Everyone began to smile; soon laughing, unable to contain their excitement.
