5. Report - 7/11/21 - Luck & bad luck & even more luck

The night under the roof of the abandoned house was bearable. I had pulled the second sleeping mat into the thin sleeping bag and covered myself with it to have better protection against the cold.

A strange man shows up in the morning. He watches as I pack my things. His words sound like "I should get out of here".

He's back a few minutes later, just as I'm about to leave. He's nicer now and answers my sign language question about where to have a milk tea.

There are snacks at the first tea stand or at the first snack bar. I order something and clean my new plastic shield.

The owner is wondering about my appearance and the luggage and asks something. I sense the content of his question and answer in fragments and gestures.

When I want to pay, he waves it away - invited.

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Soon afterwards the next tea booth: I'm really hungry for breakfast and order tea and a snack again. The owner's boy comes out from behind and eyes me with a shy smile. I ask the owner if I can show him a magic trick. He not only agrees, but says something, so that three of the little one's brothers and the mother appear and watch. Some other guests watch from a distance.

At this point, too, I continue my journey without having to pay anything.

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Endless serpentines lead down the mountain. The distance to Palani is 53 kilometers on the road - that means 3-4 days at my slow pace.

People wave at me briefly from their motorcycle; People on the roadside enjoy beautiful views and look in amazement when I pass by. Some brave people speak to me and want to know where I come from or want to take a selfie with myself.

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In the early afternoon a motorcyclist approaches and stops. His English is not good, but he is friendly and when he hears of my plans he promises to take me downhill on his way back to find a place to sleep and something to eat for me. I am happy, but skeptical.

Half an hour later he catches up with me and takes me home with him. With my thanks, I offer him an invitation to dinner.

After about 5 kilometers on the motorbike we are at his place. Sleeping opportunity on the floor looks simple, like the night before under the roof of the abandoned house. He has to leave for a while. He shows me the tap for the water hose for taking a shower outside.

After the refreshment, I wash my clothes. While hanging them up, Sarawankumar comes back.

There is still a long time until the evening. We talk about this and that. He is interested in meditation and asks me if I can give him tips.

I am looking forward to his request. In the two days so far on this pilgrimage there were some opportunities to share or be useful.

A few minutes later we are sitting on chairs in front of each other. I practice with him what I have learned in Bodhi Zendo and Vipassana courses about concentration and mindfulness.

I can see that he is doing well. But after a few minutes it becomes too much for him.

We change the subject. I'll show him a magic trick; he says that he would like to learn everything from me that I can do special. I am surprised that he all of a sudden stops the teaching of a magic trick.

Then juggle with chiffon cloths. He likes it and wants to learn it too. When I pick up a hand-sized fruit from the ground for him to do the first exercise with, he breaks off again.

He looks restless. I ask him what's going on. He says something about his mother, that she might disagree with something. Then it bursts out of him: I can't stay here!

I am a little stunned. I had already prepared the bed ... and my wet clothes on the line ....

I try as best I can to be mindful of the violent feelings that are currently working in me.

After a few moments the rough feelings in my stomach relax. And a little pity for him emerges.

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The road to Palani leads through endless orchards, all of which are walled in. The sun is about to go down. A temple complex can be seen behind a locked gate. I call, but no one responds except for a barking dog.

As I leave, I hear the gate open behind me. I run back and explain my concern about a place to sleep. The man with his long hair and huge beard looks like a guru. He doesn't even look at me, he just lets me in as if I were an acquaintance, takes me to the first house, sweeps a small porch, cleans a chair and then signals that I should sit down.

Only then does he say something.

He is a painter. On the veranda are some of his pictures, mostly sacred motifs with Indian deities. Everything looks very skillful and impressive. Also his portfolio with photos of other works - great. His two sons support him. The three also take care of abandoned animals.

The sons come later. They bring food. Everyone is calm and nice. I sleep in the neighboring house on the terrace under the canopy. The damp laundry is hung up in the adjoining building. About 20 adopted dogs - free running and on a leash - take care of it.

The next morning after breakfast, some magic and a hands-on blessing.

As a farewell, the painter hands me a new vesti (Indian wrap) - the address of a temple behind Palani, where you can stay and eat for free - and 100 rupees. And a very nice, warm feeling inside of me.