Walking for Peace - Pt. 2

 

After walking for about an hour, APK called for a rest and we sat down under some trees to catch our breath.  We had reached the river and if I'm not mistaken, it flows for something like ten kilometers before it merges with the sea.  It was moving rapidly and gurgling noisily as though to welcome us!  The nurses then distributed water and nuts to boost our energy.  These two girls in their teens told me that they go hiking regularly and this three-day walk is "no  big deal" for them!

Then some children came running and stared at us curiously.  Soon their parents joined them and the nurses explained our mission to them, since we had taken an oath of silence.  We learnt that they're poor fishermen earning their keep from the fish they catch from the river and they were eager to learn more about the Buddha's teachings. 

So APK gave her first discourse for about an hour. I was happy to see that she had gained considerable knowledge from her two or three years' stay at the temple and was able to speak fluently.  The fisher folk thanked us profusely after hearing her talk and brought us bread and coffee for lunch.  They were very kind indeed and wished us luck in our mission.

Having refreshed ourselves, we continued on our journey.  The nuns were in good spirits and chanted mantras as they went along.  The nurses reported happily to Head Nun over the phone that everything was going smoothly and of course, she was very relieved.

Unfortunately we spoke too soon.  Suddenly, four ruffians appeared from nowhere and blocked our path.  The leader, a horrible looking man with long unkempt hair and an unshaven face, started making fun of us.  "Hey guys, look what we found!  A bunch of bald headed females!  Hee Hee, we're going to have a party tonight!"

APK braced herself and speaking in calm tones, said, "Brothers!  We come in peace.  Please let us through!"

The leader laughed again and said, "Let you through?  Not until we have our fun.  Come on, guys, grab them and bring them to our hideout!"

I had forgotten APK had taken karate or was it judo lessons when she was young and when the leader tried to grab her, she threw him over and sent him sprawling to the ground. Enraged, he picked himself up and grabbed a nearby stick.  It looked like we were going to have a big fight.  

Then, suddenly, out of nowhere, appeared a pack of fierce dogs.  They came growling and barking, attacked the ruffians and sent them running.  Then as quickly as they had appeared, the dogs disappeared.

Shaken but undaunted, we continued our walk.  To our dismay, it began raining heavily.  Fortunately  we had come prepared for rain or shine, so we put on our raincoats and after some time arrived at some kind of motel by the name of "Bodhi Hut".  The proprietor, an elderly man by the name Ananda, warmly welcomed us and offered us shelter for the night. We were of course very grateful especially as it continued to rain heavily. At the same time we offered a prayer of thanks to the Lord Buddha for sending the dogs to save us!

We had a simple dinner with Ananda and after dinner, APK talked about peace and loving kindness. By 9 o'clock, we were already tired and went to sleep in a spare room which the old man had prepared for us.  

And so ended Day 1 of our Walk for Peace.

(To be continued)