GOD a notion, TRUE or FALSE

The journey begins here

Once I went to a place called Mawlynnong in Meghalaya (North East India). People told that there are living root bridges and I was really awestruck when I heard it. On the way to that place wonderful valleys and scenery which are perfect for post cards could be seen. I had to take a local guide as I was going with my family and when we arrived at the trek point we were given some sticks made of bamboo. The guide didn't carry any sticks as he was experienced.

Follow someone if you are ignorant.

The guide told us that we will be seeing a single living root bridge and a double-decker living root bridge. The child inside me was jumping to see them.

We started our trekking and there were cement steps laid down which was wet and covered algae. As a precautionary warning, guide told us that the steps would be very slippery and not to step on the algae but on the drier portion of the rocks. As our trekking commenced we progressed because we were going downhill and we couldn’t find much of strain. We could find lots of pineapple and jackfruits embraced by the nature itself without any man’s intervention. While we were progressing, suddenly, one amongst us slipped and fell down. No injuries.

These dark steps lead to enlightenment!

From then onwards, everyone started to look at the steps carefully and watch out for the algae and occasionally lift their heads to see the nature’s beauties. Further we reached the single living root bridge. With utmost care, they climbed the bridge to see what is there on the other side, but unfortunately the other side was so dense that it was left unexplored. 

Single root bridge: Nature's beauty

So for the sake of pleasure we crossed the bridge but had a satisfaction. The bridge formation was as if to facilitate the humans to cross sides beneath which a river with high current was flowing.

We had to quickly start for the want of time in order to reach the double-decker living root bridge. Further on the way, we found pure water flowing from the hill and every one of us had a refreshing sip from it. After having a sip, I really felt sorry for those water manufacturers in the market.

Purity comes from above

Further, while going to the other bridge, there were no proper steps, but for rocks which are really slippery. We also had to cross two shaky bridges made of iron and steel and go inside the deep jungle and further climb up to reach that place. While climbing down, including the guide, almost all of us fell down, in spite of having the stick. Except for the guide and one amongst us, almost everyone took rest.

Guide can only show the path. We should walk along it!

With an extra effort we climbed up and reached a village, from where living Root Bridge is not so far away. We could hardly see only 5 to 6 houses in that village in the heart of the valley. From there onward, we just walked without the use of stick and saw the Double – Decker living root bridge.

Double is always good

On seeing it we climbed and walked on it easily to and fro without any fears and there was a waterfall besides the bridge, where I had a dip along with the guide. We sat there in the bank of the river and felt that the effort was worthwhile.

Afterwards, in the village we had red tea, to energize us to climb back to the place from where we started and met a local gentleman whom I thought I would never meet in my whole life. 

Climbing back was indeed tiresome, we all watched our foot path in order to not fall down, as a result of which we missed the hills, valleys and nature’s beauties. Finally, we made it to the starting point and threw the stick……..

This trek taught me what life is all about and where man and God are related. The whole trek is like our life and we will have many goals to achieve in it. (e.g. to see the living root bridge.) The path has been already laid down for us and we always worry in our mundane lives as to how finish the tasks. Let me reassure you, there is no need to worry because things are all set for you. Sometimes the path maybe slippery, but because of that one shouldn’t abandon the journey.

As we started to watch out for the steps and leave the scenic beauties in the trek, do not be so obsessed with your mundane life and leave out the some of the real beauties in our lives such as our friends/parents/siblings etc. The guide who guided us during this trek maybe your parents/teacher/friends/religious leaders etc. At times, they can also be wrong, because even my experienced guide slipped. In the individual capacity, you need to find out which is better for you. You may have certain preconceived notions about certain people, whom you wouldn’t have even met. They are the ones who will be helping you when your energy levels are down. And finally, WHERE IS GOD?

Pure bliss.

God came with me throughout my journey. I did not realize it. I relied upon him to climb all the valleys and mountains. I rested upon him when I was tired. I fondled with him unknowingly. And finally, I threw him when the journey was over without realizing the fact that I will be requiring him if I had to get down there once again. It is the STICK, which stick with us as God throughout our journey called life. Even if we throw it, it comes back in some other form to help us.