Life of Bāo - Chapter 28
July 1, 2023
Note to Subscribers and Followers: I love to read! I know where I am by looking at the bookmark when I read a physical book. So consider this blurb your bookmark. You are more than 3/4 through Life of Bāo. With that in mind, for the last 1/4 of the book, I will post chapters in related groups where applicable. The chapter you are about to read, Chapter 28, is the longest and pivotal. Enjoy
Chapter 28
June 31, 2023
Well-wishers surrounded Master Zhao, Bāo, Yan, and Juān as they waited at the monastery's front driveway. It was 4 a.m. Mei had made yellow headbands for each of them, which they wore proudly now. Each headband was inscribed with the name of a Buddhist Chinese temple: White Horse, Heaven, Jokhang, and Famen. Mei explained, “We want to share our good fortune with others.”
A large bang, like a gunshot, startled the group. The large white van approached, trailing grey smoke. It pulled up to the front entrance. The rear panels were rusted, the back window was cracked, and the front antenna was bent at a 90-degree angle. Syaoran jumped out the door enthusiastically and said, “Well, don't just stand there. load up.” Seeing their headbands, he sneered, “Oh, great, now everyone will think this is some religious pilgrimage! If you chant, you're out!” The spaniel jumped from the van to run in circles, and the beagle lumbered down the steps of the van and plopped on the pavement.
Master Zhao turned to Mei and said, “I forgot to tell you that we need to have the dogs stay with you.”
Mei replied, “They're so cute,” then she said, “Don't worry, Yan told me last night.” She approached Syaoran with a yellow headband.
“Not on your life, sister.”
Mei relented and said, “You will not be disappointed.” He placed it around his head. On the front of the headband was the word Syaoran. Bāo, Yan, and Juān couldn't help but laugh and say, “Our leader, Little Wolf.”
With a displeased look, Syaoran said, “Let's go.” Then, they all picked out their seats for the drive. Syaoran rolled down his window and said loudly to Mei, “Don't spoil them. I need them as guard dogs.” The van erupted in laughter.
***
They arrived to get the first cable car to the top of the mountain. Even with their backpacks and supplies, there was ample room. The cable car moved quickly as if flying through the clouds. Everything disappeared below the white cotton. When the car ascended above the clouds, sunlight reflected off mountain peaks. Syaoran looked far to the west and saw a large thundercloud. He made the group aware and said, “We should be finished by the time that reaches us. However, the winds can quickly change at 5000 feet.”
Bāo questioned, “What if we are still on the mountain if that storm reaches us?”
“We will just have to deal with it.” They exited the cable car and removed all the gear. Syaoran announced, “Grab your gear and let's get a move on. We have a thirty-minute walk.”
The panoramic view was amazing. Master Zhao was lightheaded and told Syaoran. Syaoran handed him a bottle and said, “Electrolyte water. It should help.” He stopped the group and announced, “This is it. This is the point where we descend. If you want to turn around, now is the time.” No one said a word. Syaoran continued, “Okay, let’s get started then.” He threw three harnesses on the ground and shouted, “First rule, do everything exactly as I say or demonstrate. The second, trust me. If I say you can do it, then you can. When you step to the edge, doubts will surface, and that is when you need to trust me the most. There is a balance between speed and safety. We will always err on the side of caution. Safety first. Does everyone understand?”
Everyone responded, "Yes sir,” but Bāo looked at a most unusual site. White clouds caught in an updraft rose up the mountain in a crevasse to his left. Are those clouds rising up the mountain?
Syaoran shouted, “Bāo! You're distracted. Pay attention.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Good, at least you learned one thing yesterday. Harnesses first. Watch me.”
They observed and then followed Syaoran’s example. Once their harnesses were set, he pulled each harness from different angles. Juān stood in front of him. He noticed a slight looseness in her harness. Without yelling, he corrected calmly, “Do you see how this needs to be adjusted here?” as he repositioned and tightened the harness. “There you go now. It must be snug.”
They moved toward the edge of the mountain cliff. Bāo could feel the mist on his face from the clouds below being pushed by the updraft. What if I slip like I did yesterday? The wind is strong. What if my harness breaks? Syaoran demonstrated, “I am going to secure this rappelling rope using a long ground spike and pitons.” Bāo watched as Syaoran used a hammer to pound a metal spike into a rock crack. This is called a piton. This hole is used to attach the rope. For our protection, I will secure two additional pitons.” Pointing to the hole at the top of the piton, he said, “The rope will first be secured to this long ground spike and then through the holes in the pitons. More accidents happen during rappel than any other part of a climb. All our systems will be duplicated so that we will have added safety.”
They listened intently as he explained the rappel extension again: threading the device, backing up the rappel, and rappelling. Bāo thought, Why am I feeling less secure? Will those spikes hold my weight? Syaoran could see that Bāo was apprehensive. “Okay, let's hook up. Pay attention. Bāo, you'll rappel first on this line. I will rappel on the other. I'll walk you through every step of the way.”
Bāo acknowledged and said reluctantly, “Okay.”
“Bāo, I need you to focus on me. Trust me. You can do this.”
They both added an extension from their harness to a rappel device, which they clipped onto with a lock-in carabiner. They locked into two points on their tether to make the system redundant.
Syaoran explained, “We will back up the rappel with a friction hitch. If something happens while you rappel and lose your grip on the rope, the hitch will engage and stop you.” After a few more adjustments, he said, “Let's double-check everything.”
After double-checking everything, he told the others, “I will take Bāo down and then ascend and do the same with each of you.” He turned and focused on Bāo’s eyes and said, “This is the hard part, Bāo.” He held the brake line and slowly walked backward, extending himself out over the side of the mountain. He looked at Bāo and said, “Bāo, you can do this.”
Bāo kept repeating, I can do this. The mist dampened his skin. My gloves feel slippery on this rope. His heart raced as he followed Syaoran instructions. He held the brake line, walked backward to the edge, and then extended over the side of the mountain. He looked down to see the clouds below. Oh my! His legs began to shake.
Syaoran said, “Don't look down. Look at me.” And repeated, “Bāo, look at me! We are now going to rappel slowly. It’s only 100 feet. You can do this.”
Bāo followed his every move. They repelled slowly. Over Syaoran’s shoulder, he could see the mist of a cloud rising alongside the mountain. The damp wind became stronger, wetting the rope. Bāo’s feet slipped off the face of the mountain, and the side of his body slammed into the mountain. He kept repeating, “Don’t look down.” The safety rope suspended him between heaven and earth.
Syaoran yelled, “You're okay!” He could see that Bāo was beginning to panic. “Look at me! Look at me!”
Bāo forced his eyes away from the ground, turned his head, and fixed his eyes on Syaoran.
Syaoran, aware of Bāo’s building panic, focused on Bāo’s eyes and said, “Breath. Take a deep breath in.”
Bāo inhaled deeply.
“Now let your breath out slowly. Good. Do that again. Slowly.”
Bāo’s looked intently at Syaoran. He continued breathing slowly. His heart rate slowed. I’m okay. Stay calm. I’m okay.
“Now use your right foot to push off the face of the mountain, and then stop yourself evenly with both feet landing on the mountain.” Syaoran watched as Bāo’s foot barely pushed off the mountain face. You’re almost there. Give it more force. I know you're nervous, but you need to get confident that both feet will support you. Trust me and the rope. You’re okay. Use your foot and push off. That’s it.”
I can do this. Bāo’s right foot pushed, and like a pendulum, he swayed back toward the mountain. This time, he kept his knees bent, and as his foot touched, he pushed off again. He touched with both feet. His knees acted as shock absorbers and slowed his momentum to a stop. He steadied and centered himself. His hand firmly grasped the rope. With a vice grip, he held the rope as a wave of relief spread over him. Adrenaline-induced fear escaped with a deep sigh. I did it. I’m okay.
Syaoran spoke in a calm voice. “You’re okay. Let’s take a minute. Gather yourself. Relax. We don’t have much further to go. Let’s go.”
They reached the cave’s entrance, which had a ten-foot ledge. Bao’s feet rested on the rock ledge as Syaoran instructed, “Get a little slack in that line, hold to the brake at all times, and walk toward the cave entrance.”
Bāo followed his instructions, and when he was at the mouth of the cave, he sat down and detached the rope.
Syaoran complimented him, “Look Around! Temple of Heaven! Sit. Enjoy the view. I'll bring someone else down.”
Bāo reflected on what had just occurred. He overcame fear and gained confidence. He saw distant mountain peaks and cloud formations moving over them from this vantage point. After 45 minutes, Yan, Master Zhao, and Syaoran sat at his side. Syaoran informed, “Juān did not have the confidence to rappel. I encouraged her but did not push her into something uncomfortable.”
Bāo whispered to Master Zhao, “I thought we needed Juān to find the treasure.”
Master Zhao replied, “The legend said four souls, which we have. They are just not the ones we expected. Syaoran makes four.”
“Oh, brother,” Bāo replied.
***
Ong Jin, the Dragon Head, knocked three times. The monastery door opened, and Jin bowed three times and said, “Amitufo, may you be well, happy, and peaceful. My name is Venerable Liao Guo.”
Mei replied, “Amituofo. How may I help you?”
“I have traveled a long distance from Xinjiang and seek shelter for the journey. I am traveling to Fujian and need a place to rejuvenate for a few days. May I trouble you for a meal and a place to rest?”
Mei replied, “Our pleasure. Know that you are welcome here, venerable Liao.
Jin entered. A spaniel ran in circles around him, and the beagle didn’t bother. Jin said, “Dogs in a monastery are unusual.”
Mei explained, “They are not residents, only visitors. Their owner will return soon.”
Jin smiled politely. I hope it's soon.
They walked through the courtyard. Repairmen were fixing a broken railing on the balcony above. Mei opened the door to one of the guest rooms and said, “Please rest. Dinner is at 6 p.m. The prayer room is always open, but you may wish to join us at 3 p.m.”
“Thank you for your hospitality.”
Mei said, “I will let our Abbott know we have a guest.”
***
They sat at the mouth of the cave, well away from the precarious edge. Master Zhao, Bāo, and Yan agreed that the rappel was the most exhilarating experience they had ever had. Their newly found confidence soared, and they felt ready for any challenge or obstacle.
Syaoran enjoyed watching them. He understood the feeling after one’s first rappel. He understood that their limitations were not physical but mental, so he constantly told climbers, “You can do this.”
Bāo listened as the wind passed over the cave's mouth. What was that noise? It was not the wind. It was something else. He walked into the cave and shouted, “Listen! Do you hear that?”
Yan stood, “Hear what?”
“Come closer. There is a distant, humming sound.”
Syaoran and Master Zhao moved closer to Bāo and Yan. Syaoran suggested, “That may be the sound of the wind echoing and reverberating within the cave. There is only one way to find out. Let's do some exploring.” As they walked, Syaoran told Master Zhao, “You never told me what you are looking for.”
Master Zhao replied, “I am not sure what it will be, but it will be spectacular!”
They each wore a headlamp over their yellow headbands. Syaoran had brought extra supplies to the cave: fifty feet of climber rope, extra batteries, protein bars, a small foldable pickax, paper, and pencil in a waterproof container, and a waterproof camera. He always brought the camera with him on group climbs.
As they proceeded further, the humming sound grew to a rumble. A fine mist surrounded them. Syaoran shouted, “Watch your step. The rocks are wet. Getting a stretcher in here would be impossible.”
Bāo only heard, “Watch your step,” over the rumbling. He looked around, and his headlamp lit cascading water on the wall and a pool at his feet. In awe, he followed the falling water up with his headlamp as he walked forward.
“Careful.” Syaoran shouted, “Look.”
They all stopped feet from the pool’s edge. Syaoran jostled his backpack, removed a high-beam flashlight, and directed the light beam at the waterfall's crest. The beam followed the water to where it cascaded into a plunge pool. He moved the light to the left, where the water meandered into a crevasse.
Master Zhao saw something out of the corner of his eye and shouted, “Move the light to the bottom of the waterfall and follow it up to the bank on the other side. Point the beam directly into the waterfall, about five feet above the ground. The beam of light pierced through the slight stream. “There. Right there!”
Syaoran stopped the light at the desired spot. “I have seen this before. Erosion at the base of a waterfall causes the waterfall to recede, creating a hollow niche’ called a rock shelter.”
Master Zhao shouted so they could hear, “There is something behind the waterfall.”
It appeared to be rectangular, resting on a rock pedestal. The edges were well-defined. Master Zhao insisted, “We must get to the other side.”
Syaoran objected, “We don't know how deep or fast the water is.”
Bāo recalled the words of the unexpected child sage; It furthers one to cross the rushing water. “I'll do it. You can tie the rope to my harness. It only looks to be about fifteen feet to the other side. If I fall, you can pull me back.”
Syaoran hesitated, “I'm not sure.”
Now confident, Bāo persisted and pointed to rock fissures on the other bank. “I can drive pitons into those cracks to secure the rope and hammer in another piton further up on the shore. Then, you can cross by clipping onto the rope and walking over.”
Master Zhao supported Bāo, “We have come this far. There is something on the other side.”
Yan argued, “We can't stop now. We are close. What did we see outside the cave described by the child sage? Clouds rise to heaven.”
Syaoran replied, “I don’t understand what you are talking about.”
Master Zhao asserted, “It’s difficult to explain, but you asked us to trust you. Now, I am asking you to trust me. We must get to the other side.”
Syaoran weighed the risk versus the reward. He finally relented, “Okay, but we do this safely. The minute I feel we are taking too much of a risk, we stop. Agreed?”
They all answered with a shout, “Agreed!”
Syaoran fastened a rope to Bāo’s harness and then secured it with an additional knot.“Wait until I give you the signal. I will secure a piton on this bank and slide the rope through, securing the end of the rope on my harness. Step into the water slowly. Walk slowly across. Once on the other side, position the first steel spike, secure the rope, and insert another. Secure the rope again before climbing up the other bank.”
Bāo waited for Syaoran’s signal and then stepped into the water. It came up to his knees. “There is a current, but it’s manageable.” After ten steps, the water was up to his waist. He got to the middle. It’s cold. My legs are going numb. He continued to proceed until his foot hit something solid. As he bent forward to catch himself, he turned to the others and said, “There is a ledge here.” That’s convenient. He secured two steel spikes and secured the rope as instructed. He stepped up to be only ankle deep and informed the others, “You can step up onto this ledge. Walk slowly to the side to feel it with your foot.” Bāo stepped out of the water onto the bank. Within five feet, he hammered the last steel spike and secured the rope.
After they all crossed, Syaoran said, “That was easier than I thought it would be.”
Master Zhao, the archaeologist, was excited, “Let’s see what's behind the falls.”
They all stepped to the side of the falls and walked into a twenty-by-twenty-foot space carved from the mountain walls. Their headlamps illuminated a stone altar.
As they moved closer, Syaoran, puzzled by what he saw, said, “What on Earth?”
A gray stone tomb rested on a carved stone base. They all walked around it and touched it. Bāo’s fingertips lightly slid over the surface. It feels like silk, polished marble. Master Zhao shined his headlamp on the side of the tomb. He asked, “Syaoran, may I have the camera you brought?”
Syaoran replied, “How do you know I have a camera?”
“Photos of previous guided climbs are displayed in your home.”
Observant. As he removed the camera from his bag and handed it to Master Zhao, Syaoran said, “Very observant and intuitive of you.”
Master Zhao snapped photos of the inscription written in Kaishu calligraphy, developed during the Three Kingdoms period and used in the fourth century A.D. Master Zhao announced, “These characters appear to be a name, Prince –”
Before he could complete his sentence, Bāo said, “Yijun.” and commented, “The denounced Wei dynasty Prince of the Three Kingdoms. The one touched by God, who, according to legend, lived in a cave.”
Master Zhao confirmed, “That's right, Yijun. There is something after his name. It looks like a Christian cross. How could that be?”
Bāo remarked, “Look at the base. It's hard to make out, but it looks like carved fish and loaves of bread on a platter. That’s odd.”
Master Zhao recommended, “We need to see what is inside.”
The four gathered around the tomb. It wasn't lost on Bāo that part of the legend that said, “The gold bracelet will be returned to the monastery after another treasure is found in a mountain by four souls fleeing a dragon.” There is no dragon here.
Master Zhao said, “Take your headbands and put them around your nose and mouth. They are wet and will act as filters to block spores that may escape when the lid is opened. If this is a good seal, what's inside will be intact. On three, lift and push toward me. We only need about two feet to observe and retrieve anything inside of value. Bāo, the head should be on your side, facing East.”
They each stood at one of the corners as Master Zhao counted. On three, they lifted and slid the lid. A skeleton was wrapped in a grey shroud with a metal box on its chest. Master Zhao said, “Two fish and five loaves of bread are stamped into the metal. What was difficult to make out on the stone can now be confirmed.”
Master Zhao removed the metal box and carefully opened it to reveal a book. He opened the book and read the first few lines, written in Hanzi.
It read: “These are the secret sayings that the living Jesus spoke and which Didymos Judas Thomas wrote down. 1) And he said, “Whoever finds the interpretation of these sayings will not experience death. …”
Master Zhao said urgently, “We must protect this book. Syaoran, can you please hand me the camera bag?” After the book was stored in the metal box and placed in the bag, Master Zhao said, “Let's put the lid back, but first, let's take additional photos.” He snapped photos from different angles. The light from the camera brightened the skeleton like flashes from a lightning storm. He saw something they had overlooked: another metal box wedged between the arm and body of the skeleton. He reached down and removed the metal box, which was smaller than the first, opened it, and removed a second book. This book was wrapped in leather and secured with leather bindings. He placed it in the same bag without opening it and said, “We will open this later; it's getting late.”
Syaoran agreed, “We must get back up before those clouds roll in.”
They all used the rope to cross the pool with ease. Syaoran demonstrated how they would ascend at the cave's mouth, “We used this ascender system yesterday in practice. As you climb the rope, you will use an assisted-breaking device called a Grigri and a Ropeman.” He put the Grigri on Bāo’s rope, buckled into the harness, and took up any slack in the rope. He applied the Ropeman above, attached a Screwgate Carabiner to the Ropeman, and then attached a roller clip pully, explaining, “This clip pully will reduce the rope friction. Now we have a 2:1 pully system.” He secured a foot loop sling to the Ropeman and instructed, “Place your foot in the sling to stand on. As you pull on the rope, you are lifted. As before, I’ll ascend with the first person, rappel down, and then accompany each of you individually.” Within 90 minutes, everyone reached the top safely. Bāo and Yan shared their excitement with Juān.
They had succeeded where no one else ever dared to look. Once safely back in the van, Master Zhao thanked Syaoran, “We could not have done this without you.” The ride back to the monastery was filled with excitement, and soon, Bāo, Yan, and Juān, exhausted from the day, were fast asleep.