The Circle of Life

One fine morning, all nine of us junior disciples set off on a journey into the heart of the mountains under the guidance of Guru, a pilgrimage of sorts. We were aware that we were going to set out on a journey, but the destination was entirely unknown. He gestured for us to follow him, and we embarked on a trek that would test our abilities.

We scaled imposing mountains with sharp peaks that reached the heavens. We traveled through old forests where the swaying leaves seemed to hide ancient secrets. We moved gracefully and nimbly like the creatures that lived in these wildernesses as we arched across deep valleys. And when we came to a large river, we crossed it together, leaping off the stones in the river with quick, light steps. The image training, foundational martial arts, and physical conditioning we had undergone had proven their value, transforming us into people capable of deeds that would have been impossible in our former lives.

With each obstacle we conquered, our confidence grew, and our connection to the energy within us deepened.

We finally reached our objective after a tough climb on a steep rocky mountain. Atop the mountain, the sight of a gorgeous and enchanting structure that looked like a Japanese pagoda greeted us. With exquisite carvings and vivid colors. Its deep, earthy browns contrast brilliantly with the vivid reds and golds that adorn the surrounding beams and railings. The entire edifice exuded an aura of grace and dignity, standing at an impressive four stories in height. There also seemed to be a courtyard behind the pagoda on the other side of the mountaintop. A quaint one, with meticulously landscaped gardens and blooming cherry blossoms that offer a breathtaking backdrop to the pagoda. It was a place of undeniable beauty, a testament to the harmony between nature and human craftsmanship. When I looked around, satisfaction swept over me as I soaked in the breathtaking scenery of both the pagoda and its courtyard and also the surrounding views from the mountaintop. The warm glow of the sun, the early morning fog that had yet to disperse, the glistening dew drops cresting the leaves, and the crisp mountain breeze against the warm glow of the sun truly painted an exquisite painting that seemed straight out of a fairytale.

'This is so picturesque, Even if this sight was the reason we were brought here, I have no complaints rather I am grateful.'

But there is always more to the guru than what meets the eye, leaving me to wonder what he had in store for us next. My interest had been sparked and I eagerly anticipated his next revelation. Leaving me to wonder what he had in store for us next.

As we walked towards the pagoda, curiosity and awe filled my being. The pagoda's tiers are connected by a central pillar, which serves as the backbone of this stunning edifice. Ornate carvings adorned the walls, depicting mythical creatures and ancient legends. Shafts of sunlight filtered through the intricately designed windows, casting mesmerizing patterns on the polished marble floor. Each step I took resonated with a gentle echo as if the pagoda itself whispered tales of its long history.

Audible gasps were heard as we passed by the ornate pillars with carvings of various majestic beings coiled around the pillar. Some were seen as ascending the pillar, while some descending and some others felt like sentinels placed to guard this place from any unworthy visitors. Their gazes as if boring unto our very beings.

Everyone was so engrossed in these sights that no one spoke a word and the only sound we could hear was our footsteps. Our attention was soon grabbed by a single snap of the guru's fingers. The pin-drop silence that engulfed us and the architecture of the pagoda itself amplified the sound which broke us off our daze. The guru walked into the courtyard overlooking the valley and sat down on the ground signaling us to do the same.

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm, golden glow over the mountains as the guru gathered all of the junior disciples in a circle. Dawn had just broken and we sat cross-legged, our eyes fixed on the serene figure at the front eager to receive his teachings. The guru's wisdom was like a wellspring of knowledge, and today's lesson was promised to be something special. He began by speaking of the value of every life, a lesson that struck a chord with all of us.

"Life is a delicate tapestry," the guru began, their voice carrying the weight of ages. "Every thread of life, no matter how little, is crucial to the overarching structure of reality. Hence every life is valuable."

Ren, who often found humor in every situation, couldn't resist a quip. "Even mosquitoes?"

'Sigh, this guy, even when we are on such a heavy topic.'

The guru chuckled, his eyes twinkling with a hint of amusement. "Even mosquitoes. For in their existence, they serve a purpose—of maintaining balance - a reminder of the interconnectedness of all life."

Arya nodded in agreement. "But what about the food chain? Isn't it a part of nature for some creatures to prey on others for their own sustenance?"

'Whoa, as expected of Arya, she strikes where it hurts. So pragmatic.'

The guru's smile held a touch of sadness. "The balance of nature's ecosystem is, in fact, fundamentally influenced by the food chain. However, rather than heedlessly exploit it, it is our responsibility to comprehend and appreciate it."

With that, the guru began to impart their teachings about the devastating consequences that the removal of a species could have on the delicate ecosystem. He painted a vivid picture of a world thrown into chaos by the disappearance of key creatures.

'Ah, theory time.'

---

He took great pains to make sure we understood the consequences of not taking life seriously and overhunting motivated by greed. But the guru's lesson took an even more profound turn as he began to teach us the ability to feel the emotions of other beings around us. He encouraged us to close our eyes and focus on the living creatures in the surrounding forest. As the guru's presence swelled, it engulfed all of the current disciples and continued to spread out like a dome over the entire forest. I could feel the pulse of life all about me as I followed the guru's instructions—the rustle of leaves, the chirping of birds, and the gentle whispering of the wind. The guru served as a conduit, connecting us to the life around us.

'I can see it, each life glowing like a firefly and threads connecting to each glob of light like some sort of web. I did not think I would literally see the web of life but here it is and it is marvelous.'

"Everyone has a distinct perspective on the web of life since everyone has a different outlook and style of living. Focus on the feeling for now and save the chat for later. Also, take care not to be swept away and stay within my reach." The guru said.

'So each of these fireflies or rather globs of light are life forces of the creatures within the forest. Amazing. The size of these globs of light are quite varied too. Is it related to size? Or is it mana? Well, creatures with larger bodies can hold more mana, so both? Since I'm not bombarded with all sensory information from the microbes as I had earlier feared, perhaps I am unable to feel them because they are too small. Or could it be because I just started, do I need to concentrate more on that? Should I metaphorically squint my eyes to see better?'

But my inner monologue was interrupted by someone who cannot for the love of God shut their pie hole even in this magical moment.

Ren couldn't contain his excitement and spoke out. "I think I can feel a squirrel nearby! It's like a fuzzy feeling in my chest. Is it perhaps a way to connect and perceive emotions?"

The guru nodded in approval and added in a grave tone, warning us, "Astute observation Ren. Please keep in mind, my dear pupils, that the ability to perceive another person's emotions is both a gift and a duty."

The guru's wisdom guided us further, warning us not to peer too deep inside other beings lest we be overcome by their emotions and lose ourselves. He stressed the importance of empathy and understanding, of recognizing the value of each life as we value our own.

As the exercise continued, I could feel the emotions of the creatures around me—the fear of a rabbit, the contentment of a squirrel, and the quiet determination of a tree. It was a profound experience, one that left me with a newfound appreciation for the intricate web of life that surrounded us.

Sasha the shy one of our group, eyes closed in deep concentration, said, "I can feel the serenity of the trees and the curiosity of the birds. It's as if I'm sharing a part of their world."

Joon-Ho the laidback one of the group whistled, "This is some trippy stuff, man. Feeling the vibes of the forest and all. Who'd have thought?"

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over our circle, the guru concluded our lesson. "Remember, my beloved disciples, that being able to sense another person's emotions is both a gift and a responsibility. It serves as a reminder of the importance of every life and our interconnectedness."

The guru's voice was measured and grave as he said, "The world you are about to enter can be cold and cruel. But keep in mind that people who live there are frequently the cause of their own coldness and brutality, so one should always be mindful of how they act. Furthermore, excluding yourself from society out of fear of harm is insufficient. You will undoubtedly experience harm, but resist the temptation to harbor ill will or to treat everyone the same. Nothing is continuous and nothing is absolute. Always act honorably and give the benefit of the doubt to others."

Guru took a moment to let the significance of his words sink in. "Do not be too passive, my dear disciples, for the world has a way of backstabbing those who show vulnerability. I did not teach you these lessons of empathy so that you might become prey in the outside world, but rather to always carry empathy for those around you. Remember the food chain and its existence. Just as in nature, some individuals may choose a path that threatens the balance. There may come a time when you are forced to stand firm, to bring down those who would disrupt the harmony."

The guru sighed; their shoulders weighed down by the gravity of their words. "In such moments, you may be required to make difficult choices, and you might find yourself at odds with the very teachings that have guided you. But never lose sight of your purpose—to preserve the delicate tapestry of life, to protect those who cannot protect themselves, and to bring about a better world."

The guru's gaze held a deep intensity as he continued. "Finally, do not shy away from doing small acts of kindness more so if it costs you nothing. It might very well become the small hope for someone trying to find the light in the dark."

With those words, the guru's final lesson echoed in our hearts as we prepared to leave the mountains and venture into the world beyond. I knew that we carried not only the guru's teachings but also the responsibility to embody the empathy and wisdom he had instilled in us, no matter the challenges that lay ahead.

We left that circle with a deeper understanding of the world around us and a profound respect for the delicate balance of life.