One
When the deep meaning of things is not understood the mind’s essential peace is disturbed to no avail.
Chien-chih Seng-ts’an
Zen Patriarch, 606 AD
“Athena? Meratta? Where are you girls?” the old woman called into the evening air. Shaking her head she thought,Those girls! They are always running off together!
“Athena? Meratta? It’s time to come home!” she shouted out again.When will they ever learn it is not safe to be outside after the sun falls? she thought to herself as she turned to walk back down the stone steps into the cave-dwelling.
Athena and Meratta were very busy, unaware of anything except their search. They had not noticed the sun dipping below the tip of the great pyramid, for they were gathering more herbs to use as teas to help heal the families living in the caves.
“Here’s a new one!” Meratta exclaimed as she held up a tiny clump of greenery. “I think it is the one Amma told us would heal the hot sweats of the elderly women. I will take it with us and ask her tomorrow.”
“Oh, that is definitely a new one, Meratta!” replied Athena, inspecting the leafy green shoot.
“Oh no!” shouted Meratta as she pointed to the sun rays falling in an array of colors. “We have been outside too long, Athena; we must gather our things and return home quickly.”
Athena and Meratta watched one last time the setting of the sun and its glowing rays of yellow, pink, and red. They packed their baskets tight with the day’s findings. They were not far from their cave-dwelling and had faintly heard the calls from their mother, but as usual, they ignored them to pursue their passion. They loved their mother, but they knew she did not understand their strong desire to learn the ways of Amma, and how to heal those who were not well in the caves.
Once safely up the hill and in front of the stones leading to the opening of their home, Athena whispered as she pointed to the valley below, “It is so beautiful. Do you think we will ever be able to visit?”
“I hope so,” Meratta replied as she swept a finger across her forehead to remove the blonde strand of untrained hair obstructing her view. “Even if we never get to see the lighted valley, I will be happy here learning more from our dear Amma.”
“Yes, I agree with your words,” Athena said softly as she gazed lovingly into Meratta’s blue eyes. Slowly descending the stairway, the pair of blossoming young women vanished into the darkness.
Athena and Meratta were sisters who lived with their mother in one of the cav