To Convey

In the tranquil depths of the night within the temple grounds, the hazy moonlight barely revealed the outlines of things, as though the earlier commotion had never happened at all.

—Did I go too far…? Well, I guess I panicked a little, which isn’t like me… Still, even if it was a sacred implement, maybe I didn’t need to arm myself like that.

The stream of light released from the Sacred Wheel grew stronger in its liberating effect the deeper and stronger one’s faith was. In that sense, freeing whatever abnormal things lay hidden within and restoring them to a natural state had been the right choice.

“Since it was in the middle of the night and everyone was asleep, this is what happens when things return to normal…”

The starlight reflected in Sara’s upturned eyes must have been the same light that shone in the depths of her heart. It is said that the ancient knowledge of star-reading once taught by the gods to the people of Bharata is still passed down today. How clever of the goddess Ratri to grant people a way to see their own inner selves through the stars spread across the night sky. And to link that to the very concept of the heavens—ultimately leading to the idea of reincarnation… No wonder such acts came to be called divine.

Conflict never ceases.

rs. Or perhaps it is not merely the passage of time that shapes it. The surplus of food, originally brought about to free people from the suffering of hunger, became the beginning of inequality between humans—and thus the seed of conflict. It is nothing but irony.

The character for “strife” is said to have been created in the image of people fighting over a farming plow. That explanation is disturbingly convincing. If only people could accept one another’s thoughts as they truly are—from every angle, without bending or distorting them—then perhaps…

“So in the end, it’s the power to feel and perceive, huh… I understand what Amida-sama is saying, but…”

The five senses granted to humans to help them perceive and understand are, unfortunately, still clumsy even when used together. The feelings conveyed by Amida-sama—letting them permeate between people—honestly, it doesn’t seem like something that can be done so easily.

The swirling gaps between people’s hearts burst forth like a torrent, crashing into Sara’s mind.

—Words don’t convey anything in the end. Same language? So what? That’s useless. Say it, write it—it’s all pointless. It’s the listener’s fault for not trying to understand! Bad at expressing yourself? Isn’t it just that your words lack power? Stop blaming others. “I don’t get it” is what makes no sense!
Eyes speak louder than words? Yeah right. I’ve never seen them work that conveniently. Staring with all your might just makes your eyes tremble—and achieves nothing. If lining up light receptors and receivers could truly convey something, I’d like to see it. What are ears even for? A convenient sieve that only lets through what it wants? A multi-function device that looks impressive but is actually useless?
People understand each other by touching? Don’t be ridiculous—they’re already fighting long before that ever happens!

“The challenges we must clear are… overwhelming…”

As these thoughts passed through Sara’s mind, a faint light leaked from the main hall behind her. The head priest, who should have been lying down, was—

Peeking inside quietly, she saw him connecting various pieces of equipment with cables. He seemed to be adjusting them while listening intently. The harshness that had marked his face earlier was gone, replaced by a spirit filled with determination to perceive something unseen.

After finishing the connections, the priest pulled out something large enough to be held in his arms and connected it to the equipment.

“…No way, another weapon—? No, that’s the priest’s stringed instrument?”

Was he planning to do something with a guitar? If so, this might go faster than expected. Sara raised the “Purusha Scale” toward him.

The Purusha—perhaps it could be called the true self or the soul—the deepest essence within each being that can reach the depths of another. The scale measured its color, shape, size, and warmth, revealing the potential of one’s true self.

It showed Sara the priest’s Purusha: warm, vast, and embracing, glowing with an almost burning gentleness.

Just then, as if his preparations were complete, the priest turned and gave her a thumbs-up. It seemed to mean, Let’s begin the session.

Practice before theory, perhaps.

Sara took out her own stringed instrument. Without realizing it, the corners of her mouth lifted into a smile.