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...
Again the weather was cooperating as everyone settled down in the beautiful glen to listen to Rama. For Maria, Blake, Sutton and Judy the evening promised to be a welcome opportunity to change gears. Besides learning more about Nick's closest friend they were also looking forward to thinking about something else besides all the things that had been consuming them for the past several months—especially the last six weeks.
Sitting to Nick's right sat Maria and Blake—Major Sutton and Judy to their right. Nick and Rama were also sitting together, Rama immediately to Nick's left—their eyes bright and both men smiling as they looked out upon everyone gathered around.
Nick began to speak. "Normally when we sit down together we like to say a few words thanking God for His kindness—and naturally we always remember Surya and thank God for the many years that we were blessed by his presence." Nick then turned and looked at Maria, taking her hand. "Obviously," he continued, "we have so much to be thankful for." As everyone sat looking at Maria, her smile became infectious and happiness stirred within everyone like little butterflies flirting with a bed of beautiful flowers.
Looking very happy, Nick continued. "Not only do we have Rama back safely, by now you have all met my daughter and Major Sutton, as well as Judy and Blake. It seems that God is intent on making our small family just a little bit bigger."
Hearing this everyone became even happier and their laughter a delight to their ears. Maria squeezed Blake's hand. Nick continued. "As we all know it was just a few days ago that Rama was sitting on this very spot telling us about his adventures in India. Of course, with the unexpected arrival of our guests there was no way he could continue. Because of this I have asked Rama to begin this evening where he left off. He has already told us about meeting his American friend, Radhanath Swami." Reaching out and taking Rama's hand, Nick then said, "we are all so happy that you made it back safely.
Rama reached down and took a sip from a small cup fashioned from a coconut shell that sat in front of him. "Thank you, Nick. Yes, there is so much to be thankful for and like you just said, it has especially warmed my heart getting to know Maria and her friends."
All the monks nodded their heartfelt approval.
"About my trip to India—yes, there is much to tell. I have already mentioned that once I reached Vrindavan I stayed with my uncle Sripada and his family. Because he is somewhat famous, my uncle meets many musicians and loves inviting them for dinner.
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Sripada Playing his Sitar in Vrindavan, India/photo: Gopak devi dasi
Rama continued, "For me, this is what I enjoyed most about the time I spent in India. Not only did I get to meet people from all over the world, those who make the journey to Vrindavan are naturally very religious. This not only brought me in contact with a wide variety of people, it also exposed me to spiritual topics that I had no idea even existed."
