Awareness opened one of the Dharma doors with a new way of seeing things. She started to understand more and more, then realized that all was neti! neti! Starring at all things, she saw through all forms the emptiness that beheld the whole. What is the meaning of life then? she asked. Who is standing watching the world, seeing all things that come and go, things made to fade away like the clouds in the sky? Why should she follow the clouds when she is the sky?

Time flew but didn’t matter anymore. All things were so unreal -- like a bubble, a shadow, a dream. Internal and external forms became the same. Whatever starts must end... all is birth and death. Yes!

She becomes tired of this and that, of the coming and going, of life's struggle, that leads to nowhere but death and rebirth. All because of desire, greed, fear, pride and ignorance. Suffering is indeed the best teacher, for one never forgets the lesson. Nothing can stop one who seeks the Truth! With good will, the decision was made. The small fire of joy would keep burning in her heart and keep her warm in the cold days of the journey.

The decision day. With great strength she starts to row. She wants to leave the swamp and nothing will stop her. Keep going ...

There were lots of difficulties and obstacles: hardships, weariness, fears, loneliness and sorrows. - keep going - the voice firmly reminded her. Everything comes and goes ... If sometimes she could not bare it, she would stop and breathe. In and out. Quickly she would feel better.Just the release of old thoughts and pains. They lead to nowhere but hell!

Only one goal! Straight forward -- No fear. There is nothing but the TRUTH! Even in the storm the Way appears in a lightening flash and suddenly brings back peacefulness. She went on.

A look behind, the last one confirms the right decision, but there she saw her entire past. Why look back? There is nothing to see. The past is dead and the future is yet to come Don't waste time! Go on.

In the midst of the journey, in the middle of the sea, she stood for a while. A few waves clapped against the boat. Nothing else. Then a thought arose along with waves of fear. A big wave splashed and hit her face... She was saved!

Gripping the oar she knew she would not let go, no matter what. She penetrated obstacles with fierce strengh and courage. She's on the Way.

There is a place where all is quiet. Everything fades away: time, memories -- even that fictitious ego. There is no need for anything. All is quiet and peaceful.

Now is all that is. Just a shadow melting with the whole. A free, relieved and happy shadow. Gate, gate, para gate, parasamgate.