HOME | DD

Description
TAG: dragondoodle

Ten years ago
Nolene earned her second Dan, a black belt in Aikido. Nolene found herself on a pilgrimage to the majestic mountains of Nepal. Her mentor, a martial arts master who had imparted all his knowledge to her, had sensed a calling for her to seek enlightenment.

The journey to the monastery was an arduous one, with steep and winding paths that tested both Nolene's physical and mental strength. Yet, with each step, she felt a sense of purpose.

After a two day ordeal, Nolene walked through a long and narrow rocky path, it was curved, impassable by any land vehicle. The monastery emerged like an ancient guardian, its weathered walls dusted with wind swept snow, a gentle breeze at her back. Nolene reached the monastery gates. The head monk, adorned in saffron robes, welcomed her with a warm smile, "Welcome, seeker of truth."

She determinated that he was talking in Newari. Nolene had been learning both Nepali and Newari for the last three months. Nolene was led through stone corridors adorned with intricate mandalas and ancient scriptures, marvelling at the simplicity and beauty that surrounded her, finding solace in the silence that enveloped the monastery. Nolene immersed herself in the teachings of Buddhism. She participated in meditation sessions and engaged in conversations with the monks. The peaceful rhythm of monastery life began to resonate with the lessons of martial arts she had mastered under her mentor.

Two days later, as the sun dipped below the towering peaks, the head monk invited Nolene to the monastery's highest terrace. There, surrounded by prayer flags fluttering in the mountain breeze, he spoke of balance, harmony, and the interconnectedness of all things. "You have mastered the physical aspects of martial arts, dear Nolene. Now, it is time to align your spirit with the world around you," the monk gently advised.

Two monks, named Tenzin and Ming, began Nolene's training in the ancient arts of meditation and mindfulness. They taught her to quiet her mind, to let go of the noise that clouded her thoughts. Nolene delved into the teachings of the monastery. She learned the art of balance, both in body and spirit. Tenzin and Ming imparted the wisdom that martial prowess extended beyond physical strength—it was an embodiment of harmony and discipline.

A day later, Nolene was seated on a mat in the count yard. Tenzin and Ming, was standing before her. Ming handed Nolene a small, intricately crafted wooden box. "Open it. The journey begins with understanding." he told her.

Nolene opened the box to reveal a delicate piece of parchment, covered in ancient symbols. "What does it say ?"

"Patience, Nolene" Tenzin said. The monks guided Nolene to a training area, adorned with bamboo staffs and meditation mats. "Life and Martial arts is more than just the physical. It's about harmony and balance." Tenzin instructed as Ming hands Nolene a wooden staff. "First, the staff is an extension of your spirit. Feel its weight, understand its rhythm."

Tenzin's voice was serene, "The true secrets lie in the union of mind, body, and spirit. Harmony within oneself and with the universe."

Ming took a deep breath and demonstrates a series of precise and fluid movements with his wooden staff, "Observe. Each movement is a meditation and a dance."

Nolene watched in awe, attempting to replicate the movements, "It's beautiful, but how do I achieve that level of control ?"

"Patience and understanding. The journey is as important as the destination." Tenzin told her.

One evening, as the sun dipped behind the snow-capped peaks, Tenzin spoke to Nolene about the interconnectedness of all things. Ming again demonstrated the fluidity of movement. As the third week passed, Nolene felt the monastery become her sanctuary, a place where she embraced the profound teachings. She found solace in the simplicity of the Monks' existence.

Nolene found herself shaking, not because the thin air and the cold, but realising a new state of calm, a feeling of sensing the entirety of the universe and looking at the stars through a telescope. The monastery had illuminated the path to a holistic mastery—a journey that intertwined the physical and the spiritual, a dance she would carry with her throughout life.

The mountains had whispered ancient secrets, and the teachings had become a part of her being.

When the time came for Nolene to depart, Tenzin offered a parting gift—an amulet symbolizing unity and strength. Two months passed when she descended the mountain, Nolene carried with her the essence of the monastery—a blend of martial wisdom and spiritual enlightenment. Her mentor's teachings, now enriched by the profound experiences in the hidden sanctuary that would shape her life.

Description
TAG: dragondoodle

Ten years ago
Nolene earned her second Dan, a black belt in Aikido. Nolene found herself on a pilgrimage to the majestic mountains of Nepal. Her mentor, a martial arts master who had imparted all his knowledge to her, had sensed a calling for her to seek enlightenment.

The journey to the monastery was an arduous one, with steep and winding paths that tested both Nolene's physical and mental strength. Yet, with each step, she felt a sense of purpose.

After a two day ordeal, Nolene walked through a long and narrow rocky path, it was curved, impassable by any land vehicle. The monastery emerged like an ancient guardian, its weathered walls dusted with wind swept snow, a gentle breeze at her back. Nolene reached the monastery gates. The head monk, adorned in saffron robes, welcomed her with a warm smile, "Welcome, seeker of truth."

She determinated that he was talking in Newari. Nolene had been learning both Nepali and Newari for the last three months. Nolene was led through stone corridors adorned with intricate mandalas and ancient scriptures, marvelling at the simplicity and beauty that surrounded her, finding solace in the silence that enveloped the monastery. Nolene immersed herself in the teachings of Buddhism. She participated in meditation sessions and engaged in conversations with the monks. The peaceful rhythm of monastery life began to resonate with the lessons of martial arts she had mastered under her mentor.

Two days later, as the sun dipped below the towering peaks, the head monk invited Nolene to the monastery's highest terrace. There, surrounded by prayer flags fluttering in the mountain breeze, he spoke of balance, harmony, and the interconnectedness of all things. "You have mastered the physical aspects of martial arts, dear Nolene. Now, it is time to align your spirit with the world around you," the monk gently advised.

Two monks, named Tenzin and Ming, began Nolene's training in the ancient arts of meditation and mindfulness. They taught her to quiet her mind, to let go of the noise that clouded her thoughts. Nolene delved into the teachings of the monastery. She learned the art of balance, both in body and spirit. Tenzin and Ming imparted the wisdom that martial prowess extended beyond physical strength—it was an embodiment of harmony and discipline.

A day later, Nolene was seated on a mat in the count yard. Tenzin and Ming, was standing before her. Ming handed Nolene a small, intricately crafted wooden box. "Open it. The journey begins with understanding." he told her.

Nolene opened the box to reveal a delicate piece of parchment, covered in ancient symbols. "What does it say ?"

"Patience, Nolene" Tenzin said. The monks guided Nolene to a training area, adorned with bamboo staffs and meditation mats. "Life and Martial arts is more than just the physical. It's about harmony and balance." Tenzin instructed as Ming hands Nolene a wooden staff. "First, the staff is an extension of your spirit. Feel its weight, understand its rhythm."

Tenzin's voice was serene, "The true secrets lie in the union of mind, body, and spirit. Harmony within oneself and with the universe."

Ming took a deep breath and demonstrates a series of precise and fluid movements with his wooden staff, "Observe. Each movement is a meditation and a dance."

Nolene watched in awe, attempting to replicate the movements, "It's beautiful, but how do I achieve that level of control ?"

"Patience and understanding. The journey is as important as the destination." Tenzin told her.

One evening, as the sun dipped behind the snow-capped peaks, Tenzin spoke to Nolene about the interconnectedness of all things. Ming again demonstrated the fluidity of movement. As the third week passed, Nolene felt the monastery become her sanctuary, a place where she embraced the profound teachings. She found solace in the simplicity of the Monks' existence.

Nolene found herself shaking, not because the thin air and the cold, but realising a new state of calm, a feeling of sensing the entirety of the universe and looking at the stars through a telescope. The monastery had illuminated the path to a holistic mastery—a journey that intertwined the physical and the spiritual, a dance she would carry with her throughout life.

The mountains had whispered ancient secrets, and the teachings had become a part of her being.

When the time came for Nolene to depart, Tenzin offered a parting gift—an amulet symbolizing unity and strength. Two months passed when she descended the mountain, Nolene carried with her the essence of the monastery—a blend of martial wisdom and spiritual enlightenment. Her mentor's teachings, now enriched by the profound experiences in the hidden sanctuary that would shape her life.