15. Report - Like a brother

 I decide not to take the mountainous path that leads to the northwest, but instead choose the flatter path to the west towards Kerala. But the street is noisy and I take an additional detour on a quieter south loop.

When it is dark, I see a lighted house with canopies at the end of a property. The door is slightly open and I call. Father and son inform me that I should better ask at the neighboring house about a covered place to sleep.

The neighboring house is small but brightly lit. A man my age is sitting outside listening to my request. His English is simple, but he understands my concerns. With a noble gesture, he invites me into his house and welcomes me.

He is so kind and interested and presents spiritual books and icons of his teachers and role models. His son comes over and translates. There are some similarities between his father's biography and my career path. As a young man he too was in a spiritual community - and like me, he is still a spiritual seeker today. A brotherly mood arises between us.

The next morning we drive on his moped to a holy mountain where Siddharths were taught in earlier times. A beautiful place with temples and a cave where the Siddharths were taught and where they also slept. The most beautiful is a pond halfly covered by rocks, which the earlier masters used for bathing.

Inwardly, I decide to visit this place again.

Two hours later we say goodbye warmly. He puts his hands on my head, prays out loud and gives his blessing.