49. Report - Persecution 1

Babu and his family have grown dear to me the most along the pilgrimage. Because his place of residence is on the way to the Bodhi Zendo, we decide to visit again. 

But upon arriving at his training center, Babu seems only half interested. He is busy with an online payment on the laptop and reacts minimalistically to my joy at seeing him again. It's obvious something is wrong. He even falls asleep with his head on the desk. He admits that he is somewhat ill.

I'm sorry. I suspect that he will continue to torment himself selflessly in order to still give me a pleasant stay. I decide not to stay long. He had actually planned another trip with some of his students for the weekend, but no, that won't be a joy.

His wife seems a little helpless in this situation. When the daughter comes home from school and also looks shattered, I tell them my decision, better to come back another time and better go now. But they don't accept that. Babu says that he will be fit again tomorrow for the trip.

But the next morning Babu is not fit and he obviously needs rest - I will go! - With dear, physical violence he tries to hold me back. Inwardly, I feel friendly consistency and assert myself. He needs rest! The best service now is to leave him alone.

He tries to prevent me from shouldering the luggage, which he doesn't succeed. It's only half funny right now, but I feel a friendly responsibility.

I march through his neighborhood with my luggage. He drives next to me on his moped and tries to force me to stay. Several neighbors witness this strange march. But I quickly change direction several times, jump through the bushes at the right moment and hide in a small alley, where I will wait for a while.

But someone must have seen me and betrayed me: Suddenly Babu is back with his moped.

We both have to laugh. But he less than me. And he's begging me to stay. Otherwise, my leaving would leave him with a lasting pain. Again, some residents stand by and watch. Oh god I feel even more sorry for him now. He needs rest after all... I give up and become weak myself. Somewhat apathetically I climb on the back of his moped and drive back with him.

There will be no more tour that day. I use the time until the evening to have my hernia checked by a doctor again and to buy a new kurta. Babu insists on accompanying me. I just let it happen. But I have to admit that it is very good for me that he takes me to a different doctor than planned: I am very reassured by his examination and diagnosis.

While looking for a clothing store for the kurta, he reunites with some of his former IT students. I witness the honor and gentleness with which they greet him in their shop - I am impressed. Apparently teachers in India have a much higher status than in the western world.

The junior boss even let kurtas brought from his private apartment for the guest of his esteemed teacher.

Babu later hints why he is not doing well. Not many of his former students show the kind of gratitude to him that they do in this store. Some of them have apparently come a long way professionally thanks to his support, but are no longer interested in him. That hurts his heart.

In addition, the corona restrictions had brought a big kink in his flourishing study center.

"God, give this good man new hope and joyful prospects!"