Author's note: Hello everyone! Here is the monthly chapter as promised. We will see the situation on Kanade's side again.
By the way, I decided to continue writing another story as a side project. I will update that story every 2-3 months. The name of that story is "Memories that aren't plastic" from Plastic Memories fandom. I will also leave it in your care!
Enjoys!
Qwqs
Wet day and a worthwhile meeting
*sigh*
And once again, the story begins with a sigh.
However the sigh this time does not come from being tired, but come from being fed up.
Kanade sighs for an umpteenth time at the sheer number of people asking to put powder on her face.
'I understand that it is a tradition, but why won't they just give me a break already?'
Thinking so, she sighs again.
Today is 13th April and it is the period of Thailand's most popular festival, Songkran.
There are 3 things to do in celebration of this festival.
First is to pay a visit to your older relatives (usually in the countryside).
Second is to pour water on the Buddha images and on the hands of Buddhist monks as a mark of respect; this second act is for Buddhists.
And last but not least, the most popular act in Songkran that draws tourists from all over the world to Thailand: Playing with water.
People throw buckets full of water or use water pistols to soak everyone in the vicinity. You must be prepared to be soaked if you come to Thailand during this festival. Alternatively, people also use powder instead of water and put them on other people's faces and bodies in celebration of the festival.
And so, Kanade has been asked to be put powder on by men all around her so many times that she is too tired to count.
Yes, the festival is held here where she is.
Why? That's because now she is in Thailand.
To know the reason why she is here, we shall have to go back in time to several days ago.
-o-O-o-
"Eh? A trip?"
In the Naoi's household, Kanade's voice echoed through the entire living room.
It had been a few weeks since their first meeting. She had been coming here once a week to exchange information and discuss their progress with the former psychic.
Although the former psychic had asked her to investigate the entire Theravada Buddhism's teachings, there was no way she would do that.
Kanade just researched the teachings involving Afterlife as that was her original purpose. In contrast, the former psychic's research on Theravada Buddhism's teachings was all over the place. However, it was a perfect complementation with each of the other one's research. Something indirectly related to Afterlife that she had missed, the former psychic knew. In the same way, some imperfect parts of the former psychic's research were filled in by Kanade; especially the parts involving Afterlife.
So it could be said that both of them were quite satisfied with the result.
And that was when this happened.
"You asked me to go on a trip to Thailand with you for a few days?!"
Yes, that was what happened.
"Calm down, Kanade-chan, it is all free! My neighbor's family had a plan to go on a vacation in Thailand so they bought plane tickets and booked a hotel but suddenly the husband can't go because of work so they offered to give the tickets and the accommodations to us for a very small price. And apart from I, Ayato, and my husband, there is one free spot left," the former psychic explained.
"And why do I have to go?" Kanade softly asked.
Actually, she hadn't really minded going on a trip. However, she had no mood for it as of late as she was busy spending all of her free time doing research on Afterlife.
"There is a benefit for you too of course. After I had known that we are going to Thailand, I did a little research and I found an expert on Theravada Buddhism in Thailand who is willing to have a talk with us during our visit to Thailand. Are you a little interest in it now?"
Kanade thought about it for a while. From her research, she knew that Thailand is one of the Theravada Buddhism's most prospered countries in the world so it stood to reason that the experts there would be very knowledgeable. After a lot of thought, she answered.
"…I have to ask my parents for permission first. If it is just for a few days, I think it will be okay. However, the problem is that I will be going to Thailand with strangers from my parents' perspectives. I'm not so sure that they will agree," Kanade spoke reasonably.
"Oh, I guess there is that huh? But you are okay with going, right?"
"…If it really is only for a few days," she confirmed.
"…"
"…"
The room was silent for a while as the former psychic was deep in thought.
Eventually, however…
"Then I guess I can have a talk with Tachibana-san. We did know each other a little in the past after all. If I say you have become friends with my son and that's why we want you to go together with us, it probably should be okay."
"…Is it okay with that suspicious story?" Kanade expressed her concern.
"It will be fine. I'm a former psychic after all. Do not underestimate the persuasive power of a psychic!" the former psychic replies enthusiastically.
Well, generally, a psychic and a swindler are not so different after all. Although she was a psychic with real abilities, that did not mean she did not have a swindler's tricks.
-o-O-o-
And now Kanade is here; in Thailand.
The former psychic went to her house to persuade her parents and it was successful. However, the method annoys her.
'What's up with Ayato and I being lovers anyway?' Kanade curses softly in her mind.
Yes, for it to be effective, the former psychic made up a story of Kanade and her son being lovers. Furthermore, she added quite a dramatic background story in how they had become lovers.
Kanade still remembers her father's tearful, happy face as he listened to the story. It was such a great story that her parents accepted it even though he had never seen Ayato before.
There is only one sentence to say to that: As expected of a former psychic.
After the event, the former psychic promised to apologize for lying and will explain the truth to her parents after they come back. But for now, she is Ayato's lover in her parents' eyes.
'That's aside, how long do I have to put up with this?!' After she finishes thinking about the past, she focuses on the present.
Right now, they are being surrounded by men who want to put powder on her face. Luckily, because of the advice from the former psychic's neighbor, they have a sign, "ไม่เล่นน้ำสงกรานต์ค่ะ," meaning they do not engage in playing with water during the festival in Thai language, so Kanade is able to avoid getting wet. That, however, does not prevent her from getting asked to be put powder on.
In this festival, soaking and putting powder on girls is legal and not a sexual harassment. So although the original purpose of the tradition was just to have fun playing with water and powder, nowadays it becomes a perfect chance for men to soak or touch girls they don't know legally.
Naturally, since Kanade is a cool beauty, she becomes the main target for men all around here. At first she put up with it thinking it will end soon, however, more and more men come and ask to put powder on her face (and legally touch her face in the process).
While she is troubled, Ayato goes to speak with a local police officer in the area in English.
"Can you help us please? We want to pass through here quickly without involving ourselves in the festival."
When the police man hears that, he offers to escort them out of the area.
After he finishes the escort, he prepares to leave. Before he leaves he says, "I'm really sorry about this. It's embarrassing but the men here can't help it when they see such a cute girl," with an awkward smile, he finally leaves.
Kanade is grateful for Ayato's help, so she looks at Ayato with gratitude in her eyes while softly says, "Thank you."
Shrugging, Ayato says, "It's no big deal, little miss."
And so, Ayato and his mother together with Kanade walk towards their destination on this festival day.
By the way, Ayato's father is waiting at the hotel as he is not feeling so well.
-o-O-o-
"Oh, so you all are the guests, huh? Welcome," a dignified voice sounds when Kanade's group enters the room.
The owner of the voice is a late middle-aged man with a very charming face full of charisma.
"Thank you for allowing this appointment, Anon-san." The former psychic says in Japanese – the same language as the man's first sentence.
"No, it is no big deal. I would love to have a lot of people showing an interest in Buddhism. Well, in your case, you specify it to Theravada Buddhism, I guess," the man smiles kindly as he answers in Japanese.
"However, I believe I still should thank you. You are the only Theravada Buddhism's expert who can speak Japanese and have free time during this day that I could find after all. So I really appreciate it that you accepted my request."
"If that is so, then it can't be help, gratitude accept," the man nods before continues, "Now then, shall we introduce ourselves first? After that we can start talking about the questions you have about Theravada Buddhism."
"Yes, then we will introduce ourselves first," the former psychic says, "My name is Akari Naoi," then she points at Ayato, "This is my son, Ayato Naoi," And finally she points at Kanade, "And this is my friend, Kanade Tachibana-chan."
'Well, I guess she considers me as a friend even though I am her son's age,' Kanade thinks offhandedly.
The man nods once before responds, "I see. And as for my name, I am Anon Dhammasatian. I am one of many Thai scholars on Buddhism."
"By the way, I take it that you had a difficult time because of the festival, right?" The man asks when he sees the sign with a sentence meaning we do not engage in playing with water during the festival in Thai language in their hands and their disheveled appearances.
The three of them just smile wryly in response.
When the man sees that, he makes an apologetic face and says, "…I'm really sorry. It is really embarrassing but nowadays most people forget the original purpose of the festival and just think of it as a chance to soak or touch beautiful girls."
"…"
"…"
"…"
The three of them remains silent.
"Oh, well, shall we begin?" The man asks softly.
And so the meeting officially begins.
-o-O-o-
"Can you first tell me the summary of the main teachings in Theravada Buddhism?" Akari begins.
'Why didn't she ask about the Afterlife?' Kanade internally groans as she sees the former psychic going off-topic from the start. Does she forget the reason she invited Kanade to come here?
However, even though she thinks that, she does not speak it. She will just quietly observe the situation for now.
"The heart of all Buddhism's teachings in every tradition is, "do not commit sins, commit merits, and purify the mind," the expert smiles gently as he says so.
"What about the famous teachings like, "The Three Universal Truths," The Four Noble Truths," and, "The Noble Eightfold Path"? What about them?" Akari says the names of all the basic teachings.
"Oh, those, eh? Those are the core teachings in Buddhism. The first one is also known by another name as "The Three Marks of Existence." It teaches us that everything is impermanent, that impermanent causes us suffering, and the self is not ours and not unchanging."
The expert takes a pause before continuing.
"As for "The Four Noble Truths," it teaches us the four truths which exist in the world: all life involves suffering, suffering is caused by desire and attachment, desire and attachment can be overcome, and the way to overcome them is by The Noble Eightfold Path."
"But I suppose you already know this much, right?" The expert asks Akari.
The former psychic just nods.
"For the last one, as its name suggests, it teaches us the way to overcome desire and attachment and thus overcome suffering. To summarize, the eightfold path is: right understanding, right thinking, right speech, right conduct, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and finally right concentration."
The expert stops to take a deep breath before continuing, "However, I doubt you would come to ask me such generic questions. What is your true purpose?"
In response to the expert's question, Akari just smiles wryly.
'Why is she smiling? Is there something related to an Afterlife in her questions after all?' Kanade wonders.
"It's nothing much really, sir. I just want Kanade-chan here to at least hear the explanation of the basic teachings since she wouldn't listen to me explaining about any Buddhism's teachings if they aren't related to an Afterlife," finally, she says.
"Naoi-san!" Kanade calls the former psychic loudly, seemingly upset.
"I'm sorry, Kanade-chan. I believe you should know something this basic first in preparation for what will come next. Having knowledge wouldn't hurt, would it?" Akari apologizes to Kanade.
"…"
When Kanade hears that, she remains silent.
"Umm… why am I here again?" Ayato asks since he can't stand the atmosphere anymore.
It is a legit question. Why is he even here?
Surprisingly, the one who answers that question is the expert.
"Oh, I heard about your hypnosis ability from Akari-san, so I would like your cooperation for something later on. But for now, you can do whatever you want."
"…"
He stays silent for a while and then, "Then, I will go out for a bit," saying so, he exits the room. It is not a topic of his interest after all.
Thanks to the exchange though, Kanade finally is able to speak again, "And so, can you tell me why do I have to learn these things?" she asks the former psychic.
Akari answers easily, "You will understand once this meeting is over. I discussed something with the expert about your circumstances, you see."
"!" she is surprised
'So this meeting is really for me then'
She feels bad for doubting the former psychic.
"That's why, Kanade-chan, bear with it a little, okay? I do this for the best of your interest," Akari says softly.
"…" Kanade can't speak, so she just nods.
"So, what is the next question?" the expert says when he sees the situation has cleared up.
"Can you tell us about the Afterlife in Buddhism's belief?"
And here come the main question.
"Before we talk about Afterlife, you have to know that most people immediately be reincarnated after death. So Afterlife can mean "a next life" for those people, which can be in hell, in heaven, or in the human world. However…"
"However?" Kanade repeats.
"…There are some exceptions. The exceptions are those who shouldn't die yet but died and those who have strong attachment to something when they died. These people will linger in the dimensions different from the human world, heaven, and hell until it is their time to be reincarnated. I think the Afterlife you want to know is this latter case?" The expert asks for confirmation.
"Yes!"
"Yes!"
Kanade and Akari reply at the same time.
"Speaking of Afterlife…" The expert begins then stops and sighs
*sigh*
"What's wrong, sir?" Akari asks.
"It's nothing; I just recently lost my son in an accident. I guess I have the teachings to thank for; it help me a lot in accepting the death of my son. He was a very good kid; unfortunately his life had to end so soon," the expert says sadly.
"I'm sorry to hear that, sir," Akari says courteously.
"It's nothing," the expert just dismisses it but he still has a sad expression on his face.
"Anyway, in essence, Afterlife is places for those exceptions' souls to dwell in until they are reincarnated, nothing more, nothing less," the man pauses to take a breath before continues, "I know some parts of your story from Akari-san, you remember your past life and your experience in an Afterlife of that past life, correct?"
"Yes," Kanade replies.
"…It's a rare case; I doubt I will ever see another case like this happening in my life. The same with that thing on your left ring-finger, it is such a rare occurrence," the expert comments.
"…" Kanade just stays silent.
"Anyway, I can give you some solutions to your trouble, but before that, I want to ask you for a favor," the expert says.
"What is it, sir?" Kanade asks.
She would accept any request if it means her trouble can be solved.
"It is nothing much, I just want you to listen to a rambling about Buddhism's teachings from this old man for a bit in exchange for my help. Is it okay?"
"Yes! Anything you want me to listen to, sir!" Kanade agrees.
"I have told you the summary of the main teachings in Buddhism but I have not told you about the purpose of the teachings. Do you want to know, miss?"
"Yes! Anything is okay, sir!"
"No, not like that, I want you to listen to this voluntary and carefully, it is an important thing that you should know in order to reach your objectives."
When Kanade hears that, she decides to seriously listen and comprehend it.
At first she just said she would listen but it was not like she really cared. Now, however, she sincerely cares about it as the expert said that it is an important thing that she should know in order for her to meet her Yuzuru.
"The main purpose of Buddhism's teachings is, unlike other religions, for humans to develop and help themselves rather than relying on gods or anyone else with power to help you," the expert curtly says.
"For humans to help themselves?" Kanade repeats.
"Yes, that's right," the expert confirms.
"…" Kanade remains silent for a while as her brain comprehends the new information she has just got.
""Gods can't help you if you don't even help yourself," That is the truth the Buddha has told us. We have to develop ourselves. Train ourselves whether it is in abilities, wisdom, or tolerance in order to reach the goals we want; don't ever think of relying on gods or other people," the expert explains solemnly.
When Kanade finishes comprehend it, she has an enlightened and joyful look on her face.
'The main purpose of the teachings is so deep. So we have to do something by ourselves if we want to reach the goals we want, huh? It is so unlike any other religions I have known; those are always talking about God this and god that,' she appreciates the purpose of the teachings in her mind.
'Yes, this sure is a worthwhile meeting. I would never know these many wonderful things if I did not come here.'
However, while Kanade is appreciating it, the expert breaks the comfortable silent.
"Now then, since that is already said, I will now give you some solutions to your trouble."
Kanade's ears perk up when she hears that and she refocuses her concentration onto the expert.
"Give up on meeting that boy, Tachibana Kanade."
"…"
Those are the words the expert says to Kanade who starts to think that this is a worthwhile meeting.
Done!
It is quite a long chapter this time.
Sorry for leaving you all in a cliffhanger (Well, that is exactly my intention though).
Can you guess why the expert said the last sentence? Let me know your theories in review or PM!
Next chapter a new character will appear!