At Last

A few days ago as I was listening to the river, I thought of how my son left me and how I left my father. I seemed to have made a parallel between them and since I had experienced being in both positions of father and son, I was able to sympathize with both my father and my son. My son did what I did to my father many years ago, creating and taking his own path in life. I realized that there will always be suffering in each generation and it must be embraced with open arms, not avoided. I looked into the water and saw the Brahmin's face and comprehended and connected his pain for me with the pain I have for my own son.

I later on shared my thoughts with Vasudeva and once again he did what he did best: listened. Afterwards he led me back to the river and directed me to listen. I peered into the river again and listened more intently. The face and voice of everything I have ever experienced and encountered in my whole life appeared before me, eventually merging together into a single "Om". Something in me, my soul suddenly transformed. I felt my soul unite and become one with the continuum of life that the river had shown me. I finally felt inner peace and at last...enlightened.

Vasudeva fixed his eyes on mine, walked into the forest, and never returned.

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With Vasudeva's departure meant that it was my sole job as the ferryman and I have been continuing to take people across the river ever since.

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This is my last post as I have finally attained enlightenment. Thank you for following me on my journey. Now if you'll excuse me, I believe I see an old friend coming along my way.

-Siddhartha