Текст книги "The Warriors Of Shambhala"

Автор книги: Sergii Sheludchenko

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Текущая страница: 6 (всего у книги 17 страниц) [доступный отрывок для чтения: 7 страниц]

After talking with Samoylov, the Supreme Master went to the sector, where the Americans were placed. Talking with a climber satisfied him. Now it was necessary to conduct such a conversation with a senior member of the American group. If all goes well, we can start training the crew.

* * *

Dan Reynolds put the keyboard on his knees and drove for more than an hour on the monitor. The toy distracted him from thinking about the situation a bit, in which situation the group was in. They were captured, when everyone was asleep in the camp. It is likely that they used sleeping gas. During his career, Dan had seen a lot. The commander was not worried about his players, understanding that each of them will be able to bring the situation under control. Helen was more difficult. Dan never saw protection. He woke up in a room. He immediately offered to change. All negotiations were conducted on the intercom, under the guidance of an unseen instructor Dan familiarized with the capabilities of the computer that control the communications of the room. He was then asked to carry out several manipulations with the keyboard, resulting in Reynolds finding a device which amused him at the moment. Part of the wall silently lowered to the floor; a man entered the room in a strange robe.

‘Greetings to you on the basis of "Northern Shambhala."

‘Dan Reynolds, I am with the army of the United States.’

‘I know who you are. I think you correctly perceive everything that I will say. After the crash the group had virtually no chance of escape. Meteorological conditions have deteriorated significantly in the area. Before the approach of rescuers to the site of the disaster, you'd have died. We have helped you, but in return we require service provision.’ Reynolds looked with interest at the interlocutor. ‘Who is he? According to the technical equipment, the place where they were kept was in the Science Center. What should be learned from the special fighting unit? Unless, of course, they do not develop some military technology here.’

‘I'm just a soldier, and I cannot deal with issues relating to group activities for purposes prescribed in the regulations. But if you ask for personal services, in gratitude for what you have done, I am ready to fulfill any request that does not contradict the oath.’

‘I think your mission will be directly related to the implementation of the oath. Your sacred duty is to serve the motherland. We will give you a chance. As I mentioned, you are at the base. It does not belong to any earthly states. It's about the mission on the scale of the galaxy.’

‘You want to say that we are on the alien base, aren't we?’

‘To be more precise, "Northern Shambhala" is a station of the Order "Seven Stars". We spent much time on Earth. Sometimes people are deceived, confusing us with the gods, I will not deny. In our understanding, God is just superhuman. We helped to create your civilization, and now it's time to fight for its survival.’

For Dan, who was brought up in a spirit of respect for religion, this revelation seemed to be blasphemous. An Asian man in robes with a European face came into his room and said that he is almost a god, at least one of them.

‘Do you have any doubt? Do not despair; they are inherent in all living things in the universe. You were shocked by the term "god". Often people of your planet do not even understand what the meaning of that word carries. God is not a being in the physical state. He's just an energy that creates and consumes. Plants, we, the Cosmos, it is God.’

‘All around us are God's creations. Your religious functionaries serve the image of God in a perverted form. That's because it took many centuries that separates the time in which you live, with the time when the oracles and the prophets brought the teachings of the “True Path” to Earth. They are all people who have passed through Shambhala. The teacher gives them the mysteries of space knowledge. But over time, the words of the prophets were erased like stones in a mountain stream. Some way, or if you wish to tell the religions are survived in its original form. Others have changed. But the essence of all religions is the same. People should strive for excellence and the Great Love. Faith strengthens hope in man, and the hope gives rise to love. But we digress from our main theme. Do you agree to provide service to your planet?’

‘Is it like a cheap sci-fi series? Does the group of earthlings selflessly thrown into the depths of the cosmos fight monsters of other planets?’

‘Not really. You may need to take part in the hostilities but the main task is to deliver the goods on board of the ship to its destination. Earthlings just become a part of the crew.’

Dan thought about aliens, spaceships. This mission is related to the safety of the Earth. It's a good story for Hollywood, I have to agree. Moreover, God himself asks me.

‘I need time to think and consult with my comrades. I would like to know what awaits us in the case of failure.’

‘If you do not accept our proposal, we'll return you to the place where you were selected. I hope you understand the consequences. It is sad to realize but Dan Reynolds and his team are already considered to be missing. You almost died for your relatives. But there was hope. After the mission, you can go home. You are the senior one among your people. I think in this case the order is an extreme measure that forces people to obey. Soon we'll have a meeting, try to explain the situation and set up a group to complete the task.’

‘There are two persons, who are not related to the group: male and female. By the way, the man is a dangerous criminal. What do you intend to do with them?’

‘All collected Shambhala earthlings are needed to accomplish the mission. The laws of your planet do not act on this basis, thus we will not share you. A Higher Cosmic Intelligence does not distinguish between good and bad. By virtue of karmic dependence all beings choose their own path. Unfortunately, this way is not always the right one. You have to accept the fact that the man who was considered the culprit on your planet will be close to you. Be merciful. Try in your thoughts and actions to become like Jesus, one of the most deserving people who lived on Earth.’

Dan wanted to say something about the order, duty, but after being reminded of Jesus Christ every word would have lost any sense. He had no choice but to agree with someone.

‘Get ready to meet your people. I'm sure you can convince your comrades and make the right decision.’

‘What kind of decision can be discussed? You do not have a choice.’

‘There is a way out of any situation. Death is also a decent choice, if there are doubts about the sincerity of our intentions.’

Dan introduced Helen for a moment. Maybe death is an honorable way for a soldier, but it is unacceptable for a gentle, fragile creature. The hosts of the database do not offer anything that diverges from normal human principles.

Helen stood in the middle of the clearing of huge bright colors. A warm breeze caressed her face. The noise of the surf could be heard from afar. The model, which was created by the computer, was so real and perfect that Helen was confused. Knowing about the possibilities of modern electronic machines, she could not dream of such programs. The computer that was in her room could work miracles, from the creation of three-dimensional images in space to the simulation of natural events. Helen was interested in the principle of the machine as a specialist. Does it allow the transferring of an image from the screen to space? She used to communicate with the computer, as a living being, and this new electronic friend took up almost all of her time. Helen ran her fingers over the keyboard. The image was lost, restoring the former appearance of the room. That was enough for today. It was time to relax.

* * *

Eric and Marek viewed the latest records of the surveillance cameras. Sometimes they laughed at the unfortunate behavior of future members of the crew. The black giant Marek laughed the most, reminiscent of the size of Kowalski. If the technician did not know that the Earthman was before him, he could have sworn that the black giant was a native of the planet Siwa, as his behavior was very similar. It seemed that the civilization of the Earth was so backward that the most basic household development seemed to be earthlings’ miracles. Not one self-respecting inhabitant of the Spheres will allow clutter in their room. Personal computers were available for this. All the necessities of life were hidden in the walls of the room. If you want to turn it into a dining room, you can do this. The computer will put the necessary furniture and will fulfill the interior design. If you want a bedroom, you can create it easily! Earthlings have also removed all that is possible, from household storage, turning their rooms into a dump. Only the girl learned to properly use the capabilities of the machine. A yellow-faced creature, resembling a native of the Jangi, never touched the keyboard. Surprisingly, his character did not differ on the nature of the inhabitants of the planet on which he was so familiar. All the male population of the Jangi, including children, from the age of ten were considered warriors. They were the best mercenaries in the sphere. According to their belief, they despised death. To die in battle was a great honor for Jangi.

‘What do you think of the next crew?’

‘I do not know yet.’

‘Two people are not enough to complete the composition.’

‘I think that's not a problem, and the brothers went out and brought them.’

‘You drew attention to the narrow-eyed? It seems that he is not interested in anything. He did not put on his overalls; he refuses food, sitting naked in the middle of the room. The monks said that he was a criminal.’

‘You are wanted, too.’

‘Yes, Jangi will fit into the carriage.’

‘Nothing depends on me. The team is formed by the Templars. Incidentally, when were you appointed your rite of passage?’

‘There will be no ceremony.’ Marek patted his friend on the shoulder

‘I have asked the Supreme Master to send me with you. The ship requires a mechanic.’

‘And what is the Magistrate thinking about?’

‘He is still deciding.’

* * *

After completing a deep breath, Taihang threw his hands to his sides slowly. Then he high jumped and struck a kick in turn. He had fully recovered from his injuries sustained during the crash. Contact with the ground was so unexpected that the Taihang did not have time to regroup, as handcuffs prevented him. He fell between the seats, he broke several ribs and got concussion, but he tried not to show that he was injured. After the injection Taihang fell asleep and woke up in a room that was like a prison cell. He was in complete disarray. For a few days Taihang pondered his position, ignoring the commands transmitted by the speaker. Then he still decided to dress in the jumpsuit that was offered to him instead of other things that were still selected on the first day. But he did not touch the keypad of the control room. He was told that he was in complete safety and that nobody wanted anything bad to happen to him. Taihang did not believe this as it was some cunning American trick. We decided to change the attitude. They wanted to enlist and go to the leaders of Tonga. They are wasting our time. Taihang will never renounce his principles. During the last interrogation, the investigator made it clear: the leaders of the clan believe that the elimination of Kashgar groups is the work of his hands. Taihang realized that he had been framed. The map of the Kashgar Tonga was behind him. And if Taihang knew who did it, he did not miss the opportunity to get even. The Americans thought that Taihang was able to betray. Now he could enjoy the tranquility and take care of his spiritual essence. There were many sins on the conscience. Taihang headed Tonga with established traditions. Taihang profited almost seventy percent of clan revenue in legal business over a short time. He cut the profit in half from the sale of drugs.

Although Bangkok considered him as one of the most respected leaders of Tonga, Taihang tried to withdraw his organization from the shadow turnover. But he was not the principal in the clan hierarchy. Someone did not like the way Taihang led his business. Someone decided to just pass him over to the police as physically eliminating the leader of Tonga was quite problematic. Now he was an ordinary criminal of the people, and he was a traitor for the members of the clan. Taihang swore that, if he could break free, he would kill those who framed him. This revenge would be washed away by blood.

Taihang finished his training session and went to the shower. When he returned, the man, dressed in a purple robe, was sitting near his computer.

‘We'll have a long talk.’ The guest spoke in one of the Chinese dialects, that were well known to Taihang, with a barely perceptible accent.

‘I'm not going to talk to you until I know what your intentions are.’

‘Do not worry, I do not belong to one side which you have to fear. But our conversation will touch your clan activities. Unbutton your jumpsuit.’ Taihang was surprised by the politeness of his guest, but he fulfilled the command.

‘I see the sacred dragon on your body, a symbol of the most fearless warriors in the universe. Your genealogical tree roots are on the planet Janga. Once Janga was included in the brotherhood of the "Seven Stars". The Way of the Warrior is the story of your race. Now, let’s speak about the history of the clan. Few people on your planet were lucky enough to see the living symbol of the soldiers and rarely appear in the material sphere. The Dragon came to be most worthy. For your clan, he became a totem sign, having lost its true purpose. Traditions of the Dragons in the world are not as old as the universe. The Clan was created to fight for the freedom of your people. I'm not sure that you know the history of Earth Dragons. But if you want, I'll tell you.’

Taihang sat on the floor in front of the strange visitor. He was willing to listen.

‘A long time ago, an old man lived in the Emeys Mountains. He perfected himself in solitude, trying to comprehend the meaning of life. An experienced warrior, of many battles, developed a new technique from the combat school. There he first saw the Dragon. Repeating his movements the old man had created one of the most effective styles, calling it Ho Lung or Fire Dragon. The Patriarch went in search of the entire Celestial-worthy disciples. This is modern China. He passed on his knowledge to the young Jugha Lena, who brought the creator of the clan "Dragon" afterwards. I see you are interested in the story. Do you want to hear more?’

Taihang nodded.

‘Imagine cold autumn sun rays are touching the treetops. The night is receding into the forest slowly, leaving the weary wanderer, who was wandering on the road. Heavy monastic staff uniformly down on the ground, helping the owner step by step to overcome the road to nowhere. Fa-shi– is a wandering preacher. There are more and more of them who on the road in China. After the suppression of the rebellion and punishment of Han Xin, the survivors had to retreat away from the capital, taking their families, changing names and their way of life. Jugha Len chose the fate of the Fa-shi. He is a teacher of the law, the interpreter of the sutras. The last Patriarch was from the prosperous clan Ho Lung, who lost in one day all his disciples and followers by a will of fate and was left to himself to be forgotten by heaven on the forest road.’

The pursuit of self-interest destroyed everything sacred, which was pledged in his mind. With the highest authority in the clan, he was subjected to the whims of his disciples and led to the collapse of one of the strongest schools in China. His acquaintance Jugha Lens was with Fan Kuai, who later became an advisor of the great Liu Pang, who decided the further fate of the patriarch: the active participation of the clan to overthrow the Qin Dynasty, the protection of Han Xin commander, conqueror of the Chusk Empire, the crucial role of masters Ho Lung in the battle of Gaygenem, and gave the right to clone its patriarch only with the approval of the new emperor.

As time went on, the Han Dynasty united the scattered principalities of China into one state. Liu Bang tried to solve many problems of the empire. The promises were forgotten, old friends and associates were forgotten as treacherous officials appeared, trying to persuade the Emperor onto their side. Jugha Lens was driven out from the Emperor and his entourage, and he had no choice but to join the rebellion, led by Han Xin, demanding the Emperor to fulfill his promises. The revolt was suppressed, the leader was executed, the remnants of the rebels scattered around the country to escape the bloodhounds of Liu Bang.

The last fight was tough. Excellent training of the Ho Lung masters had helped hold back the first onslaught of the warriors of Liu Pang. But there were fewer and fewer students of Jugha Lens. Enlightenment came to the patriarch in a flash when the clash of swords and cries of the wounded began. He realized that when he headed the clan, he did nothing for his true strengthening and elevation. Money and position at court will not replace the great powers of the Teaching based on ancient traditions of China and passed down from generation to generation.

Memories cut through the consciousness of the patriarch, thousands of needles struck into his brain. The sword struck, Jugha Len went to his death with lowered arms and his head was held high. Students formed a circle in the center of which was the patriarch, and tried to break through the dense ranks of soldiers of Liu Pang. Jugha Len walked without noticing spears and arrows, falling at his feet. The Master approached his nirvana. The warriors of Ho Lung completed their task, the patriarch was saved, but his salvation cost the lives of thirty-five of his best fighters. He died of his wounds, he watched his mentor, who was receding farther and farther away from the battlefield.

The sense of reality came with the coolness of the night. This was a condition that Jugha Len had previously experienced. He was calm in there and there was not a drop of anger in his soul. He remembered the words of the teacher Wang Jiao, ‘Conquer anger by his absence, evil by good, greed by generosity, and a lie by truth; tell the truth, do not be angry if you are asking for it – give it. Fulfill these conditions and you will get closer to the gods.’

‘Heaven willed that Jugha Len attained enlightenment, but nirvana follows the enlightenment. Did this really end the great clan?! No, it didn't! He did not leave this world! To bear the light of the teachings, that is his true destiny.’

The first rays of the autumn sun painted the tops of the trees in a soft golden color. A heavy monastic rod peacefully fell to the ground. A Buddhist preacher, no name, no past and future, armed only with faith and the Holy Teachings went nowhere. Only the hilt of the sword, coming out of the monastic knapsacks, gave him the appearance of a once formidable warrior. By the will of heaven the sword was the last weapon belonging to the clan of Ho Lung, by the will of fate the monk was the last native patriarch and knowledge of the great masters. Weary travelers wandered step by step on God’s forgotten forest road.

For more than a month Jugha Len did not communicate with anybody. The area was deserted. Two days later, he reached the monastery of Lunsins. He was going quicker and quicker but the years had taken their toll. The road went to the north. Fa-shi measured his way by the amount of passed turns. Another turn was behind him… What is this?! The picture that was behind the eyes of the preacher shook him. There were many corpses of people chained in fatal convulsions, upturned peasant carts, and utensils scattered everywhere. Jugha Len grabbed the rod in a horizontal position. The sense of danger gave the master’s body its former lightness. He moved to the battlefield, catching every rustle and walking in a soft feminine grace. Eyes were fixed on his every movement; the patriarch was ready for the unexpected. An experienced soldier came to the conclusion, when he examined the area, that these were no ordinary robbers. Valuables, ornaments, silver utensils were in carts. The professionalism of the executioners of this bloody carnage was on the faces: the victims were killed with single blows of swords or knives. According to the temperature of the body the master determined the time of death – it was the beginning of the second watch… Who were these people? What brought them into the arms of eternity? Were they the same wanderers like him who were fleeing from the vengeance of the emperor? Karma overtook them, wielded by the swords of killers. Now the task of Fa-shi was to take care of their last refuge. Jugha Len began putting the corpses into a hole on the side of the road. Old men, women, and children; no one was spared from the executioner's hand. All that was left was to read a prayer and light a fire. Unclear, reminiscent creaking wheels, but sounds were heard from the edge of the baggage. Fa-shi listened. There was no doubt that it was a baby crying. The preacher ran up to the wagon. He removed the old clothes and he saw in a fruit basket a six-month old baby.

Jugha Len changed the baby’s diaper. The baby was shivering and crying incessantly. A bit of goat's milk in a clay jar was found in the wagon. That was enough. He plugged the mouth of the jug by a scrap of cloth and brought the end of the improvised pacifier to the mouth of the baby. The baby was satisfied; changed, clothed and so went to sleep. It was necessary to complete the ritual and move. Sparks of funeral fire flew into the sky. Prayer accompanied these unfortunate victims on their last journey into the forest night.

The closest place where Jugha Lens could get help was at Lunsins. Performing the cremation Fa-shi packed the sleeping baby into a basket and briskly walked away from the bloody nightmare. The road to the monastery took three days. The Patriarch was stressed by this living burden and forced to make long stops allowing the baby to eat and take a break.

The milk had long been over-soaked in water and so bread served as food for the baby. Concern for the child's life made him forget about his own fatigue and hunger. Finally, on the third day of the journey Fa-shi saw the gates of the temple.

The residents of Lunsins were not surrounded by luxury and pomp; it was a simple Buddhist monastery. There were thousands of such in China.The temple was surrounded by hills nestled by forest, it was an impregnable citadel for the enemy and a safe haven of the holy brothers. The only distinguishing feature was the sharp temper of the monastery abbot, Yuan Zong. His staff often fell back on a negligent student, saying, "If there is nothing anywhere why did he not make a full circle?" The concept of sitting meditation was subjected to constant criticism of the Master: "How are you different from a rotting stump? To calm the mind by concentrating on yourself, it is not Dhyana, it is a disease. Meditation means no limits and obstacles, and it is above all the situation as good or bad. The word "sit" means not to initiate thoughts in the mind. Zong Yuan was familiar with all of the advanced trends in Buddhism and Taoism. It had helped to develop a philosophical doctrine and actively implement it in the education of monks. The abbot’s method of interconnected opposites, according to which there is a comprehension of the Middle Way, which is any question answered, answer the opposite. The gates were opened, letting in Jugha Lens to enter into a small courtyard.

‘Yes, the Buddha will help you!’The two novices were bowed in reverence.

‘I want to see the abbot.’

‘The teacher is busy – he is helping one of the brothers to get rid of confusion.’

The door of the main temple swung open, the monk flew into the yard. A stout old man in a robe of the abbot ceremoniously marched back: "If China did not exist in white, then it would be impossible to see the stone, if China did not exist in hardness, the stone cannot touch. Hard, white stone are two-two, not three." With these words the abbot's staff arced and fell on the shoulders of the exhausted man. Noticing Jugha Len the teacher aroused his enthusiasm.

‘Let's the name of Buddha be allowed. Where do you keep the path?’

‘The Celestian Empire is my house. And no matter where I walk, I will not get out of it.’

‘Fa-shi is now customary to travel with the children in the basket?’

‘No, I would like to leave the baby in the walls of the monastery.’

‘Who are you? Call yourself.’ Jugha Len silently took the sack, drew his sword, and gave it to the abbot. The sign on the handle left no doubt; the pearl of Mu No was flanked by two dragons and was the weapon that belonged to the clan leader, Ho Lung.

‘I've heard a lot about you.’ The abbot said slowly, looking at the face of the patriarch. ‘You survived an ordeal, dooming yourselves to loneliness. But understand, if you want to save a life, it must be destroyed. When it is completely destroyed, a person first finds peace. This abode will give you peace. Make a decision for yourself.’

The approaching monk took the basket with the baby.

‘Goodbye’, Jugha Len leaned over the baby. ‘Here you will be fine. Reverence,’ called Fa-shi to the rector, ‘allow me to spend the night in the temple walls. In the morning I'll be gone. I want to look at the place that holds the footprints of the Great Teacher. Mountain Tsiduku is a high mountain located in the north-east of Shanmao. When the Buddha came to the true path he spent more than ten years to read the sutras in this mountain.’

‘The gates of the monastery are always open for a loyal son of heaven. But in the morning Jugha Len could not continue his pilgrimage.’

A cold autumn night and extreme stress affected the health of the patriarch. Serious illness affected Fa-shi. For some days the monks looked after the body of the wanderer, who didn't show any signs of life. The monks used all the knowledge and achievements of monastic medicine. Finally, the patient regained consciousness. It was hard to remember where he was and how he got here. The monks spoke briefly how the interpreter of Sutras found himself in the temple.

The forces gradually returned. Every morning Jugha Len did breathing exercises. After training, the Master attended the lectures of Yuan Zong, and then spent a long time at the cradle of the baby. The solution came by itself. Having asked an audience with the abbot, Jugha Len expressed a desire to join the monastic brotherhood. Zong Yuan was clear what guided the Fa-shi, making a decision. The wise abbot allowed the patriarch Ho Lung to enter the brotherhood, appointing a tutor kid with the right to name the baby.

The new mentor began to look for a name for the baby boy. Maybe the sky will tell? The Patriarch meditated. There was the emptiness, silence and peace. Suddenly faint golden light waves passed over a distance. The brightness gradually intensified, filling all around. The Great Tathagata was seated on a throne-lotus, he showed his face: "Listen to me carefully. Your teacher is a mirror. All that is in you is reflected in him. Sometimes it does not respond to your question as your question might just be curious and it does not have anything to do with your essence. And sometimes the teacher will respond to the question you did not ask, and not only did not ask, but you never knew that this question was there in you, and relevant to your innermost needs and requirements. You had the good fortune to possess the greatest gift. Its essence is to give people the knowledge. Someone divided the money – it's nothing, someone shares something more, but to share enlightenment – it means to share eternity and everything. We must share what we have achieved… Choose a name for the infant as a Son of Heaven, and then go to the secluded cave on the northern slope of Mount Gridhra. Seven years alone will be perfect for you, to get rid of attachments, commit in essence the great act of determination before you will start to fade. After seven years, come back into the walls of the monastery and rotate the wheel of the Teaching. "

The sun caught Jugha Len leaving the monastery. Coming out of meditation, Fa-shi described what he saw and put the scroll in the cradle of the baby. The boy's name, he wrote with black paint on the wall above the bed – "Gua Szen". The Patriarch shaved his hair and eyebrows, adhering to the statute of the hermit. He devoted himself to the destruction of wicked and evil feelings. He destroyed his appearance in his mind, and he rejected the amorous passions in the heart. He walked through the villages and asked for Lenten food with a cup in his hands. His hand did not knock at the house that was deprived of income. The cave on the mountainside of Ridhra served him as an abode for seven long years. Seven years he studied the true Sutra, enjoying the pure tranquility on a quiet river as he tied his canoe.

His time had come. Exactly after seven years of seclusion, on the third day of the full moon, he remarked to a line of people, who were rising from his hideout. After a few minutes the guests arrived at the entrance to the cave. These were monks from the monastery of Lunsins.

The oldest of them was holding the abbot’s scepter and a begging bowl.

‘Esteemed brother,’ the monk turned to the hermit the monk, ‘the Zong Yuan proclaimed you as his heir on his deathbed. We are asking to come back to the temple and take these signs of sovereignty.’ With these words the monk bowed and handed the rod and begging bowl to Jugha Len.

The collegiate brothers met the new abbot with cheers. The Patriarch went to the monastery, followed by elder brothers of the community.