Alright, 2nd chapter here. I'm kinda sad thus far because no one has given me any kind of critique about how I'm writing Grin's perspective. This is probably one of the only stories where Grin's featured, and it seems no one likes it =/
P.S. I'm STILL doing research on Buddhism/Zen and it seems like I shall be doing so until the story is done. If there's any experts on the subject and you'd like to help, I'd really appreciate it =3
P.S.S. The way the temple is designed in this chapter is just from what I've seen in pictures. I've - uh - never actually been to a Buddhist temple.
Disclaimer: I don't own MD:TAS. If I did, I'd be rich.
It seemed that the temple in question had ended up not being far away from the Pond.
After a night of restless sleep, Grin continued to ponder of whether or not to venture to the monastery in which he had been invited to. The good thing was that he had updates for his new friend Raza; Nosedive had woken up sometime during the early hours of the morning and had been reading comics when Grin last saw the teen in the Infirmary. The other great thing was that, apparently, Wildwing had woken up and had talked to the youngest of the team when Grin and Duke (mostly Duke though,) sent Mallory down to check up on Tanya. Apparently, Tanya had stepped out for a moment and when she had come back to the Infirmary doors, she could hear the two talking.
It had been an improvement over the previous night anyway.
So he had decided to go. Even though these improvements had happened since the previous night, the larger drake thought that it would be something to tell his new human friend…and perhaps could talk to him about anything else that was still bothering him.
Grin stood in front of a decent sized, well-kept monastery, looking up at a sign in the front that said, "The Buddhist Lotus Temple". He looked at it for few more moments before going inside.
What he saw before him was unlike anything the larger drake had seen before.
It was spacious, with a rather large idol of (Grin couldn't really guess) some sort of divinity in the back. At the base of the statue sat about two dozen candles, burning brightly in their holders. And behind the statue was beautiful Oriental art that covered almost the entire back wall. Other than that, there were two rows (one on each side) of these things that looked like pews or long small tables in which to sit at.
Grin looked at the place in admiration, making him think of the days when he was being taught by his former master back on Puckworld. This place was actually very similar to his master's former home, minus a few things. The Zen-oriented duck began to walk in, just looking all around him, taking everything in.
"Looking for something in particular, or just enjoying the view?"
Grin looked to his left to see an older gentlemen, perhaps in his 50's or so, dark skinned (though not like Raza, more like a permanent tan), bald head, a dot on his forehead, wearing simple clothing. "We welcome anyone of other faiths here, for guidance, advice, or anything a person has in mind," the man said. "Helping others on the path they need is part of what we do here."
Grin smiled a little. Raza had been right, perhaps he could be guided by the monks who lived here. "Actually, I met someone who suggested I come here," he told the holy man. "He goes by the name Raza; he suggested that I come by today if I needed to talk to someone."
"Oh yes, Raza is one of the monks here," the other said. "However, I think right now he's finishing a meditation session if you would like to wait and speak with him."
"May I just look around here?" Grin asked, curious about the other decoration of the hall. "I have never visited a monastery on Earth before."
The man smiled. "Of course," he answered. "Feel free to look. I only ask that you do not touch anything, for many of the things here are very old."
Grin nodded and the man left him to look around the place. Against the side walls were paintings of different gods, goddesses, or people. He went over to one portrait and read the placard.
Anagarika Dharmapala, Sri Lankan Buddhist leader. Revived Buddhism in India in 1891 by founding the Maha Bodhi Society.
Interesting, Grin thought. I wonder what happened to make this religion need a revival though.
The larger drake went onto the next picture, which was actually a painting of the goddess Hārītī. With much curiosity of the picture, he examined it thoroughly, then read the placard.
Hārītī, goddess for the protection of children, easy delivery, happy child rearing and parenting, harmony between husband and wife, love, and the well-being and safety of the family.
Grin sighed sadly after reading just that. Safety and well-being of a family? Would that include two stranded brothers who constantly have to fight against evil?
"Found something interesting friend?"
Grin turned around and smiled when he recognized Raza's voice. "Some things on this planet hold new knowledge to me," he answered. "I never knew there were so many gods and goddesses to look upon."
"Well, that's debatable, depending on what religion you actually believe in," Raza said, adjusting his glasses. "In Buddhism, we have many gods and goddesses, as well as demons." He paused for a moment and studied Grin. "Your energy is different today. Did something happen since our last meeting?"
"Actually, yes something has," Grin answered, smiling.
"Then come, we'll go somewhere peaceful and talk," Raza said, beginning to lead Grin elsewhere on the grounds…
RVRVRVRVRVRVRV
Grin and Raza were now sitting under a large willow tree that was in the beautiful, large enclosed piece of land that was behind the temple. Most of the time, the monks of the temple would spend their time meditating or getting in touch with nature. Occasionally however, monks would speak with others who would visit the temple for the serene setting.
"So my friend, what has you in a better mood today?" Raza asked Grin.
The larger drake smiled. "Early this morning, my little friend woke up."
"This is good news," Raza said, looking delighted. "What else?"
"Wildwing woke up sometime around noon today," Grin said. "He and his brother talked, according to Tanya, and came to a crossroads. They eventually agreed, or at least compromised."
"Even better when family can reconcile," Raza said. He examined Grin for a moment. "Though your aura is brighter, it still seems…different. Is there something still troubling you?"
The larger duck thought of the painting he had seen in the main entrance. His thoughts had been on it since he had read the placard, so why not ask about it? Besides, it would be a good opportunity to learn something else new on this planet.
"Might I inquire about the portrait of a certain deity?"
"Which one?"
"The painting of Hārītī, the one that is supposed to protect families," Grin said. "Does her protection cover all kinds of family?"
"You're speaking of the two brothers on your team, yes?" Raza asked.
Grin nodded.
"Well…" Raza was quiet for a moment, thinking of a way to put his answer. "You see, it depends on what your actual faith is."
The drake looked at him, confused. "What do you mean?" he asked.
"Do you have many religions on your home world?"
"Not many," Grin said. "My master had a sort of…path, that this temple does. Actually, it makes me remember him, in speech and the way his home was." Grin shook his head. "Of the few religions that did exist, they believed in whatever aspect they chose of Drake DuCaine, a hero on our world. Very few believe much else."
"Well, you see, it's very different here," Raza began. "I myself was raised Roman Catholic, but converted to Buddhism when I was about twenty-two. On this planet, a few of the main religions are Buddhism, many different denominations of Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism, each believing in their own God, or in the case of Buddhism and Hinduism, gods and goddesses.
"In the case you ask of, the goddess Hārītī, can apply to anyone, whether or not they believe in her. But another thing to keep in mind is that she used to be a cannibalistic demon; she had hundreds of children whom she loved and doted upon, but to feed them, she abducted and killed the children of others. Eventually, Śakyamuni Buddha stole her youngest and hid him from her. When he saw how distressed she became while searching for him, Śakyamuni pointed out that she had felt the same misery as other parents she was causing unto them by stealing and eating children. From then on, she decided to protect all children. Is this what you wanted to know?"
Grin scratched his head. "I suppose so," he answered. "But if she is meant to protect families and children, why do you believe she would allow someone as young as my little friend to be on the verge of death for an amount of time?"
"Because, sadly friend, there's just too many children and she can't always protect them," Raza answered, crossing his arms. "It's like having a busy schedule; a person sometimes has one so full they can't cram anything else into it. Or perhaps it was meant to be that lovers who want children simply aren't cut out and Hārītī knows that. Or maybe even another god or goddess sees it and does something about it."
"So if you believe in something, it can't always help you."
"Well, I didn't say that," Raza pointed out. "Just because something bad happens doesn't mean that it doesn't help in the long run. It helps keep our perspectives where they should be and should help keep our faith in whatever we believe in."
Grin thought for a moment about this, remember something he had once said months ago to Wildwing.
*"As once said long ago, 'Don't wish for perfect health. In perfect health, there is greed and wanting.' "
"Being a bit cryptic there, ain't ya?" asked Duke, sitting back with his arms behind his head. Grin shrugged.
"Is there anymore to that particular quote?" asked Wildwing.
The Zen-oriented duck nodded. " "So an ancient said, 'Make good medicine from the suffering of sickness.' "
It was Mallory's turn to sigh. "I guess that's another way to say that someone has to learn from the bad stuff that happens to them," she commented…*
"Make good medicine from the suffering of sickness…"
"Yes friend, that is how many would see it."
Grin looked up, not realizing that he had said that part out loud.
Raza just chuckled at the look on Grin's face. "Might I ask something somewhat…personal?" the monk asked.
"What is it?"
"What exactly is your relationship to this Nosedive?" Raza asked. "Other than being a teammate on the ice and when in battle, what is he to you?"
"Well…" Grin thought for a moment, wondering how to answer. "In the beginning, back on Puckworld, I did not think very much of him when he first joined the Resistance, but I refused to judge him until I knew more about him. I was not going to let our former leader's ideas influence my own."
"Smart move."
"Over our time on Earth, it's like…we've bonded in a way that I didn't realize happened until some time later," Grin continued. "If I had to compare what our relationship was to something, it would have to be like he was a younger brother to me. I never had siblings of my own, but I've watched Wildwing and Nosedive's interaction and realized that I felt that same connection."
"And how is that?" Raza asked, uncrossing his arms.
"One of the more odd things we talk about is whether or not Bernie the Bear is in fact a bear," Grin started. "Nosedive likes to believe that he is, but I don't think he is."
"But it says so in his name that he is indeed a bear," Raza said, smiling.
A human agrees with Nosedive, Grin thought, wanting to do what Nosedive called a 'head-desk'. I'll have to remember not to tell him what Raza just said.
"As for battles, we once had to fake being in a mob to clear our other teammates' names."
Raza looked surprised. "Is that so? How did you manage that?"