Angkor Wat, Cambodia ©  Huong Viet Travel

 

"My home is located in a place called, Angkor Wat. One day, some men from Europe came to Cambodia to restore our temples. Their leader was Bernard Groslier. 

"He had many assistants with him. One of the men was an American. He was also a Greek Orthodox priest. His name was Father Mikalson.  He was both a brilliant and gentle soul who had come to Angkor Wat to discover the religious meanings of the statues that Mr. Groslier had told him about. For over a year Father Mikalson stayed with my family. Besides greatly improving my use of the English language, I learned much from him, as he did from me."

 
 

Father Mikalson

 

 

 

Eleni, you remember how I almost became a priest before I joined the Army. Yes, that was a long time ago. Although I have never forgotten God—the war, my two tours in Vietnam—just the anger and the nature of this place was turning me into a different person. I admit that I was not the Christian I should have been.

For reasons that I think about everyday, my life has now dramatically changed for the better.  Eleni, I can only credit your prayers—and the prayers of my family and my friends—as the explanation for what has happened. Not only did God save me from the very clutches of death, He has continued blessing me in the most remarkable way. 

 

 

Surya continued: "One of the most wonderful things that Father Mikalson spoke about, was a deep realization he once received.  Ever since that day, I have included what he taught me as part of my own religion.

After taking a sip of tea and full of curiosity, Nick waited for Suryavarman to continue.

"What Father Mikalson taught me has brought God into my life in a very meaningful way. It is something that I practice everyday. We all do."  Surya looked at his disciples and they smiled back at him.  He said a few words that Nick could not understand.  The monks all smiled.  "As you have noticed, these men have been kind enough to stay here with me.  Together we live in peace and everyday we dive deeply into the holy waters of prayer, devotional service and the mutual company of each other that we venerate.

"What Father Mikalson told me rang true within my heart the moment I heard it. The Father said that his realization had to do with the teachings of Jesus Christ when the Lord said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."

 

 

Sermon on the Mount Carl Heinrich Bloch

 

"First he explained to me what Jesus meant. He told me that every person has an innate inner love for themselves. No one is more dear to us. What this means is that first and foremost, we provide for our own satisfaction. But, equally profound is the love we have for our immediate family. We spring forth from our mother and father. Our blood is mixed with their blood, as it is mixed with the blood of our children. This is why we naturally love our family as much as we love ourselves. We love our grandparents and our brothers and sisters in this same way. 

"The real art to what Jesus was teaching, is to look upon everyone we meet in the same loving way that we look upon our family.  In other words, to love everyone as we love ourselves.

"Practically speaking, the Father said that living life like this would dramatically change the entire world. But he also told me that the full meaning of what Jesus taught could be easily missed. Father Mikalson said that before his realization, even though he was trying to be a good priest, he, too, had not fully understood what Jesus was saying.  It took a special event to bring him to that grace.

"He told me that one day he had been traveling to console a family who had lost their only child. On his way to their house he was on a very busy street and off to the side of the road he noticed a carriage that had broken down. Gathered around it was a small family, confused and afraid. As it turned out, everyone was so busy with their morning affairs that they drove right past the carriage and because of his appointment, the Father did the same. He thought that someone else would stop. Someone else would help them.  He further went on to say that the memory of the carriage and the poor family standing beside it plagued him for days. He said that his guilt was enormous. After great anguish, the truth of what he had misunderstood suddenly came to him. He said that it was so profound, it changed his life forever.

"The Father told me that he suddenly realized that—if—he had recognized the man and woman standing next to the carriage to be his own mother and father, that in an instant he would have turned around. Of course he would have. Any of us would do the same. Father Mikalson said that if those people had been his grandparents or even his best friend, he would have also stopped. 

"Neighbors, he said, does not necessarily mean neighbors we already know. That kind of thinking changes what Jesus was saying: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. 

"No, regardless of who they are, or what part of town they live in, or from what country they come from, or how well we know them—if we are living our life according to the teachings of Jesus Christ, then no matter who we meet—just imagine the loving way we would treat them.

"This very message is found in our Scriptures, Nickolas." Suryavarman picked up a small book. "This is called, The Bhagavad-gita and is also spoken by the Lord. He states that the person who has the kind of awareness that Father Mikalson is speaking about, ‘sees with equal vision a priest, a cow, a dog, and a dog eater.’"   

"I'm sorry. What do you mean by a dog eater? And I’m not sure I understand the comparison. Would you please explain this to me?"

"Yes, I can understand how this might sound strange to you. A dog eater is a person who eats dogs. In many cultures, that individual would be looked down upon as the lowest form of human being. Lord Krishna is saying that whoever we see—even the lowest and most sinful—we should look at that person with the same love we extend to the greatest amongst us. The Lord says that this is the vision of the humble sage. Because he sees the same life-force in all creatures, he feels humble, realizing his eternal kinship with all he meets.

"Father Mikalson was a strict vegetarian. He said he liked this verse very much. He appreciated the way Lord Krishna encouraged this equal vision to extend even to the animal kingdom. As you know, Nickolas, Saint Francis championed this vision in the Christian church."

At this point in their conversation, Nick could hear the little bell ringing in the distance. Noticing this, Surya commented that lunch would be served soon.

Looking with fondness at Suryavarman, Nick began to speak. "Thank you very much for that story. This is something that none of us should ever forget. By the way, I want to especially thank your disciple, Rama, for taking care of me. He is a wonderful friend. One of the first things I remember after being brought here was that little bell. I asked Rama about it and he said that whenever something is cooked, before it is eaten it is first offered to Lord Vishnu to enjoy. I asked Rama who Lord Vishnu was, but he said I should ask you.  And just now you have mentioned, Lord Krishna.  So as you can imagine, I have many questions."

Thanking Nick, Suryavarman leaned back and continued. "After telling me about the carriage that had broken down and how he realized that he had completely missed the whole point of what Jesus was saying, Father Mikalson told me that several days later, an even deeper understanding came to him—which is directly related to the First Commandment: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

"With new determination, Father Mikalson told me how he began seeing people in an entirely different light. He said that his love for everyone was much greater and that the joy in being kind and helpful took on both new meaning and depth. Then one night after praying for many hours, as he was falling asleep, the Father sat right up in bed, as if he had been touched by an angle. Perhaps he had been."

Surya began to chuckle and even though the monks sitting around the two men didn’t understand what they were saying, seeing their spiritual master laugh, they all began laughing, as well.

"Nickolas, I want to tell you what Father Mikalson then said. And this has had such a wonderful impact on my own life. He said he realized, that besides embracing strangers as neighbors, or even as members of his own family, he should actually look upon them—as God. After all, Father Mikalson said, how do we know? Do any of us really know who we are actually talking to, when we meet a stranger—or anyone else for that matter?"

Off to Nick’s left, a few birds landed, hopping from branch to branch.

"My son, Father Mikalson mentioned how even in the Holy Bible, God changes His appearance. As an example, the Father showed me in a book called, Mark—how after Jesus rose from the cross, he changed his form: Later that day he appeared to two of his disciples who were walking from Jerusalem into the country, but they didn’t recognize him because he had changed his appearance."

 

 

The Road to Emmaus: (Mark 16:12) Altobello Melone

 

"Father Mikalson told me that after this realization, he just began practicing on everyone he met. In other words, he would just pretend—but in a very sincere and spiritual way.  Whoever he met—he simply assumed that the person was actually God in disguise. Father Mikalson said that as long as he didn’t forget to do this, everyone became most dear and delightful. He use to laugh and say that if people would just practice this, then, when they finally did meet God, they would know exactly what to do and exactly what to say to Him."  

 

 

Major Sutton continued to read: Eleni, my first conversation with Suryavarman was one of many that we had while I stayed at the monastery. We talked about everything. Anything I wanted to know, he was more than willing to explain. He showed me how to experience new depths in my walk with Christ.

 

 

After the plates had been removed, more tea was served and Nick felt satisfied. Suryavarman began to speak. "I will never forget Father Mikalson and the wonderful things he taught me about seeing God in everyone. He was full curiosity. One of the most remarkable sights that anyone can visit at my home in Angkor Wat are the many statues and wall carvings depicting the demons and demigods churning the ocean of milk.  Father Mikalson was very curious about this."

 

 

Churning the Ocean of Milk photo by: Michael Meadows

 

"Father Mikalson wanted me to tell him all about this story. In doing so, naturally he asked me about Lord Vishnu, because Vishnu is mentioned throughout this story."

Surya cleared his throat. "Nickolas, let me first begin by telling you this: the nature of God is a great mystery. All religions proclaim, as they should, that God is great. The most important thing, however, is that if you want to understand His greatness, you have to have an open mind. And who doesn’t want to have an open mind? But even having said this, keeping an open mind is not always so easy.

"This is one of the many reasons I enjoyed Father Mikalson’s company. Although he only stayed for a year, because his heart was open to all the possibilities concerning God, both of us learned many new things. And perhaps even more important, after we talked, the key points concerning both our religions were stronger, not weaker. We didn’t find dissension between our beliefs. Rather, we found solid evidence of a single spirit—a single message—a single God.

"The Father was found of quoting Jesus—'Anyone whose Father is God listens gladly to the words of God.' (John 8:34-51)

"Other times he would remark that, 'the person who truly loves God is the one who is open to God’s knowledge.' (1 Corinthians 8:3)

"Father Mikalson was a rare soul. He wasn’t afraid to admit that he had more to learn. And he certainly wasn’t afraid to ask sincere questions about my religion. One day I noticed little pieces of paper bookmarking his Bible. When I asked him about them he turned to the pages and read out loud:"

We can see and understand only a little about God now, as if we were peering at His reflection in a poor mirror. Now all I know is hazy and blurred.  (1 Corinthians 13:12)

Oh, there is so much more I want to tell you, but you can’t understand it now. (John 16:24)

"As I was saying, Father Mikalson also asked me about Vishnu. Nickolas, now I will tell you what I told the Father."

"Thank you very much as I am very eager to hear what you said."

"My friend, there is only one God. Your Holy Bible calls Him Christos and we call Him Krishna. Can you hear the same Name in these two words—Krishna, Christos?  Krista is another way of saying Krishna and Krista and Christos are very similar."

"Yes, I can hear how they are the same."

"Good Nickolas, but actually, God has millions of Names. However, there are not millions of Gods. There is only one—but then again, there are many. This sounds like double-talk, until you understand the contradictions. Then everything makes perfect sense.

"As I told you, I was born in Angkor Wat. Someday I hope to return but for many years this has not been possible. A great struggle has torn my country apart. Nickolas, Angkor Wat is not a Buddhist shrine, although it is understandable that you would mistake us for Buddhist. What makes this even more confusing to the casual observer is that in Angkor Wat you will find many statues of Buddha. His face has also been carved above many of the temple entrances. But these were added, years later. Rather, Nickolas, Angkor Wat was built to honor Lord Vishnu." 
 

 

Lord Buddha’s Face photo by: Erin Joy

 

"Soon, Rama will tell you the story of, The Churning of the Ocean of Milk—perhaps tomorrow when you are rested. We would like you to stay with us longer so that your leg can completely heal. This way there will be plenty of time to answer all your questions."

"Thank you so much. And yes, I can see that I have more strength to gain."  Looking at Suryavarman, Nick then said,  "I hope we talk a little longer before we eat."

"Nickolas, as I said, God is a great mystery. His form is also a great mystery. After all, there are so many different stories about Him—found in the different religions of the world. And when you take a look at them, you seldom see the same God. As I mentioned earlier, even in the Holy Bible, God changes His form—even appearing as a burning bush. Nickolas, I know that you could tell me many examples, yourself, and I could tell you how God has appeared in different forms in my religion.

"We call these different forms, incarnations. Just as the same actor can change into many different costumes—sometimes appearing as a great king; sometimes as a soldier; sometimes as a teacher; sometimes as a priest; sometimes as a doctor; and sometimes even a lowly servant—underneath all the different costumes we discover the same actor—the same person.

"If you try, you can understand God this way. The Divine Character who puts on the Divine Costumes, is Lord Krishna. Although He has many Holy Names, such as Govinda, Vishnu and Christos, when we speak of Krishna, we always mean this original, Divine Character. What you call Him is not that important. God is eternal and remains the same. He is the one, single, unchanging, glorious, Almighty Lord.

"The beautiful, Hymns of Brahma, which glorify God, are very old. By hearing these prayers, we can appreciate, who Lord Krishna is. Here are just a few lines:

Krishna, who is known as Govinda, is the Supreme Godhead. He has an eternal, blissful, spiritual body. He is the origin of all. He has no other origin and He is the prime cause of all causes. I worship Govinda, the primeval Lord, who is adept in playing on His flute, with blooming eyes like lotus petals, with head bedecked with peacock’s feather, with the figure of beauty tinged with the hue of blue clouds, and His unique loveliness charming millions of Cupids.

(Bhaktisidanta Sarasvati, Shri Brahma-samhita, texts 1, 29, 30, © Bhaktivedanta Book Trust International, 1985)

 

 

Govinda

 

 

"This is what you need to know, Nickolas: Krishna expands into many forms—called, His Vishnu forms. Think of it like this: when you take one candle and from it, light many other candles—yet the original flame remains. In the same way, even though Krishna expands Himself into countless Vishnu forms, Krishna remains Krishna, never diminishing in any way.

"Krishna expands into His Vishnu forms for many reasons. For instance, both the spiritual and material worlds are created by Vishnu. Even though Vishnu looks different from Krishna, it is understood that Vishnu is Krishna. In this way, God is one, but also many.

"Adding to this great mystery is the fact that Vishnu often changes Himself into other divine forms. Plus, more than one Vishnu expansions can exists at the same time.  God is unlimited and can do whatever He pleases.  No wonder He is so difficult to understand.

"According to Lord Krishna's own sweet will, He expands Himself into Vishnu. This Vishnu—for divine reasons—further expands into other Vishnu forms. Even these sub-expansions, by divine will, transform and incarnate into other forms. All the while, the integrity of Lord Krishna remains untouched. His greatness isn't diminished in the process of creation or incarnation. He never become spiritually depleted. Just as the original candle remains the same.

"Nickolas, in Angkor Wat, where most of us are from, there are many Vishnu carvings.  These Vishnu expansions can be either male or female—or even animals. Rama will be telling you how Vishnu changed Himself into both a female, a male, and an animal in order to churn a great ocean of milk. All these Vishnu forms have their own particular names—both formal and informal. A single form of God can have dozens of names.

"This is why the Saints say that God has millions and millions of Holy Names. Nickolas, understanding God can be difficult. But the most important thing is to not lose sight of Krishna or Christos. Nothing created God. Krishna is not an expansion or derivation of some greater God. You will never find another God that can, in anyway, replace or do more, or be more, or appear more wonderful than Krishna. Don’t be misled by some scholars who say that Vishnu creates Krishna. They are just confused."
 

 

Four Armed Vishnu

 

"After Rama tells you how the ocean of milk was churned, we can talk again. I also have questions I would like to ask. Father Mikalson was a Greek Orthodox priest and I would be honored to learn more about your faith."

"Sir, believe me, it is I who must thank you for taking so much time with me today. Thank you for answering my questions. I understand everything that you told me. I am also grateful for the wonderful lunch."

Turning toward the men sitting nearby, Nick smiled, trying his best to say thank you.

Even though he knew that they didn’t speak English, he spoke anyhow. "God saved my life. My suffering is quickly becoming a faded memory and I now find myself stronger in both body and spirit. I am beginning to feel like I did when I was younger. My thoughts are purer and I find myself wanting to pray. Thank you, again, for being so kind to me. Thank you."

 

 

Major Sutton felt the need for some fresh air so he placed Nick’s letter on his sleeping bag, unzipping the tent’s door. It was late and the jungle felt quiet. Near a small clearing, Sutton lifted his head upward to gaze at the moon—peaking out behind the clouds.

 

Vishnu, Krishna, an ocean of milk. Sutton thought to himself. How strange! He gazed even deeper into the night sky. He remembered being a boy scout. For a whole week, one summer, they had explored the Grand Canyon. Thinking to himself, Yes, now I remember—that’s where I heard that word before. There were all all kinds of Hindu names given to the different rock formations that Mr. James had told us about.  Sutton tried to remember what he had said. Besides their scoutmaster, Mr. James was an amateur geologist and the Grand Canyon was just one of the many places he took his scouts.  The memories cleared his head as he remembered Mr. James' lecture. 
 

 

Vishnu Temple, Grand Canyon photo by: Sergey V. Makogonov

 

Vishnu Schist, Grand Canyon photo by: Allie Wojtaszek

 

Vishnu Temple, Grand Canyon photo by:  Bob Manning

 

And as far as Krishna, the first thing Sutton remembered were some people at the airport. For years on end you couldn’t catch a flight without the "Hare Krishnas" stopping you with one of their books. Is this what those Hare Krishna books at the airport were all about: churning an ocean of milk?  My God, this is unbelievable!

Next Sutton remember the firestorm that had engulfed his mother’s neighborhood in Oakland, California on October 20th, 1991. 

Sutton had spent countless hours spraying water on his mother’s roof trying to keep it from catching on fire. Much of the surrounding area had burnt to the ground. Many homes were lost. It was a close call, but his mother’s house had been spared.

 

Oakland Firestorm photo by: NASA

 

Sutton remembered the morning right after the fire. Stopping in front of their house, several men and women from the Hare Krishna temple in Oakland knocked on their door, offering them hot food and other refreshments. They were part of Krishna Disaster Relief—doing what they could to help. Sutton remembered how kind they were. He remembered their delicious breakfast and how grateful his mother had been.

Pulling the zipper down on the mosquito netting, Sutton re-adjusted the pillow under his head and began to read.

Eleni, during the time I spent recovering from my injuries I had many conversations with Suryavarman. After my leg healed and I could move around, he invited me to take morning walks with him. I was just really impressed with this saintly old man. His command of the English language and how thoroughly he understood Christianity never failed to impress me. I have never known anyone with such a sharp memory as his. He told me that after Father Mikalson left Cambodia, the two of them exchanged letters for many years.

As weeks turned into months, my strength fully returned. As I am about to say, I left the monastery just over a week ago. But first I want to tell you about some of the things Suryavarman and I talked about. I think of him everyday and feel his blessings upon me. Something must of have guided me to this bomber, giving me the opportunity to write you this letter. I believe it was him.

 

 

Suryavarman was feeding his pet monkey when Nick approached. Surya asked him how he was feeling.

"Thank you, I am much better today. By the way, yesterday Rama told me the story of, The Churning of the Ocean of Milk. I didn’t know that you both came from the same village, in Cambodia."

"Yes, Nickolas, but not exactly the same village. Angkor Wat is a very large area and my village is a few miles from his. But I have known his father most of my life. His name is Ajita and was one of my best students. Tell me Nickolas, what did you think of the story?"

"I must say that I have never heard anything quite like it. But if I may, I fear that my faith in God is not very strong. When Rama was telling me about the demons and demigods churning the ocean of milk, it reminded me of other stories that I  can’t seem to believe, either. For instance, there is a story in the Holy Bible that makes me feel uncomfortable. This story is found at the beginning of the Book of Jonah. Anyhow, the Bible says that after Jonah was thrown into the sea, a great fish swallowed him. He remained inside the fish for seventy-two hours. After offering prayers to the Lord, the fish was ordered by God, to spit up Jonah on the beach, and it did.  

"I want to thank you, Sir. You have not only helped mend my injuries, you have mended my spirit and re-kindled my feelings about God. From the bottom of my heart I thank you. However, once again I am faced with the same doubts. Please tell me—what about these misgivings? Excuse me—what I’m trying to say is—do you really believe in these stories? Or, are they just inventions of mankind? I know that the Orthodox position is that everything in the Holy Bible actually happened. But what about, The Churning of the Ocean of Milk? How could that have possibly happened—the Lord incarnating into a huge tortoise and spinning a mountain of gold on His back? I mean, I understand the story. It's a wonderful story. Please don’t take me wrong. And it has the same message as the Bible. Both Jonah and the demigods turned to God for help. But a snake wrapping itself around a mountain so that he could be pulled back and forth to spin it—how can that possibly be true? Are your Scriptures suppose to be factual, also?"

 

Jonah Cast Forth By The Whale Gustave Dore

 

"Nickolas, later I want to discuss with you the power and nature of prayer, but for now, before I answer your question, it suffices to say that prayer is a common practice that both our religions prescribe. In fact, prayer in some form or another is found in all religions. Don’t you agree?"

Nodding his head in agreement—Suryavarman continued. "Nickolas, all I can tell you is that prayer is the greatest power on earth. Father Mikalson was fond of quoting Saint Therese of Lisieux who said that the power of prayer is tremendous. She said, it makes one like a queen who can approach the king at any time and get whatever she asks for."

 

Saint Therese of Lisieux

 

"I am speaking, of course, about the audible, repetitive prayer that we both subscribe to. I know you have asked about our prayer beads. We have found them helpful when praying. They help to keep the mind from wandering. We also adhere to a certain number of prayers each day and the beads help to keep track of them. Actually, Nickolas, the similarities concerning prayer between our two religions is the most astonishing thing that Father Mikalson and I discovered over the period of our long friendship. Perhaps you would be kind enough to join me and I will tell you what the Father and I talked about."

"I would like that very much."

"Good, your company will be a blessing."

"Sir, I am very interested in what you are telling me this morning. Would you please tell me some more. What does prayer have to do with these stories that seem to defy all logic?"

"Nickolas, as you know from your religious studies, Christian history is full of supernatural events following intense prayer. Father Mikalson told me about Saint Joseph of Cupertino who actually levitated in divine rapture before the Pope."

 

 

"There is also the Russian peasant who spent a major part of his life in constant prayer, experiencing many supernatural events. Father Mikalson sent me a book about him and if you like, someday we can read it together.

"In this book, The Pilgrim writes about a dream he once had. The dream took place after twenty-four hours spent praying—without stopping—for even a little while. In the dream he saw himself in front of his spiritual director, who had passed away, some time before. As he dreamed, his deceased teacher was explaining to him the correct order to read the Philokalia.  Father Mikalson said that this book had first surfaced in Vienna, Austria, in 1782.  Its two editors, Saint Makarios and Saint Nikodimos were followers of the hesychast, or  contemplative tradition, involving the ascetic life, the Jesus Prayer, inner stillness, and mystical union.
 

"While The Pilgrim held a copy of his beloved Philokalia in his hands, his spiritual master pointed to a certain page he wanted him to read—even marking the page with a piece of charcoal from the floor.

"The remarkable thing is that when The Pilgrim woke from his dream, although the Philokalia was lying open on a stone next to him, he remembered distinctly that the book had not been on the rock the night before. Not only was the book lying open, it was turned to the same page he had been discussing with his spiritual master and indeed, the same-exact page was marked with charcoal—and even the charcoal was lying beside the book."

 

"Nickolas, it can take years of study. Besides God, who can possibly know all the supernatural things that have happened to those who have spent their lives in deep, constant prayer? Remember Nickolas, even Jesus Christ gave the commandment, to always pray without ceasing.  (Thessalonians 5:17)

"Are you following me so far?"

"Yes Sir, everything you have said is true. I am familiar with the Philokalia and its teachings. You are correct.  There are numerous events throughout history which illustrates the supernatural power of prayer."

"Good, Nickolas. Please allow me to say this. You just told me about your doubts. For a wonderful purpose, Providence has sent you here. We thank God for His  mercy.

"For a moment, let us look at where the story of, The Churning of the Ocean of Milk originates. I understand your doubts. I have prayed that God will strengthen your faith. I have prayed that God will give me the right words to speak."

Several monks approached without speaking. They bowed to Suryavarman and sat down to listen. Again, it didn’t matter that they could not understand what was being said. Love for one’s spiritual master is like that.

"Nickolas, The Churning of the Ocean of Milk can be found in its entirety in the Shrimad-Bhagavatam. In this sacred book, it says that the Shrimad-Bhagavatam propounds the highest truth, which is understandable by those devotees who are fully pure in heart. It also mentions who wrote, Shrimad-Bhagavatam. In fact, it says that the Shrimad-Bhagavatam is the literary incarnation of God. This Holy Scripture is very old, Nickolas, and was compiled by Vishnu. In order to establish the Shrimad-Bhagavatam's content in writing, Vishnu appeared as the great Indian saint and author, Shrila Vyasadeva."

 

Sukadeva Goswami Recites Shrimad-Bhagavatam  To The Dying King, Parikshit Maharaja

 

"My son, as we both know, our religions recommend that we pray out loud. The Holy Scriptures tell us that whatever we do in performing devotional activities, that prayer must accompany it. Furthermore, who can deny the Lord’s supernatural nature? The point is, Nickolas, praying does just that—it puts us in contact with the supernatural.

"Another Scripture that I have studied is called the Rg (rig) Veda. In one of the hymns, sacred sound is described. This Scripture tells us that as we sit, enveloping ourselves in sacred sound, that there are actually four dimensions. The fourth part is what we hear, normally. But the other three parts are hidden. They are the sacred or spiritual aspects of sound. Although they are hidden, they are revealed by fully absorbing oneself deeply in prayer.

"Of course, this is a great mystery, but nevertheless, prayer has taken many saints on a wonderful journey into these hidden dimensions. Perhaps this hidden dimension can be compared to a dream and how the action of sleep takes us into the hidden world of our dreams. However, Nickolas, I am not using this comparison to suggest that our mundane dreams take place in the same realm that the Rg Veda is describing. It is just a comparison to help you understand."

Shifting his weight to his good leg, Nick smiled. "Yes, I understand what you are saying. Please continue."

"I am pleased that my words are clear. This is the same discussion that Father Mikalson and I talked about. Together, the Lord blessed us with the understanding that as the saints prayed, many of them dove deeply into the supernatural. In this supernatural place, they experienced many magical and amazing things. And remember, the rules that govern our world do not apply to the supernatural realm. In the supernatural, an ocean of milk does exist. In the supernatural realm, Jonah did spend seventy-two hours inside the stomach of a whale.

"Nickolas, believing in the Word of God should now be easier. Each of us turns toward God for salvation. Each of us hopes that one day we will go to heaven. In every church and temple throughout the world, some form of heaven is described. Just imagine what a supernatural place heaven is. Both the Holy Koran and the Holy Bible say that it is inhabited by an infinite host of angels with bodies of light.

"Just imagine, Nickolas. Heaven is a place completely free from the suffering and heartbreak that we experience here on earth."

Looking at Suryavarman, Nickolas started to speak. "Yes, of course, it must be like that. And now I see that such a place would be overflowing with supernatural qualities—compared to life, as we know it on earth."

"Good Nickolas. What we need to understand is simple. The realm of the supernatural does exist. If we can accept this, then it is easy to have faith in the Holy Scriptures."

"I’m sorry, I don’t follow you. Would you please explain this to me."

"Nickolas, by utterance of prayer, men and women from all faiths have entered the divine regions of the supernatural. Just by its very nature, imagine what they may have experienced. And remember—by definition—the supernatural is transcendental to this material world. Let me now ask you—Nickolas—isn’t it feasible that the Scriptures contain descriptions of these other dimensions—hidden, but real—especially since the Scriptures are only concerned with sacred sounds in the first place? Could it be that the saints, after participating in these deeper dimensions—upon "returning" to this world—canonized what they experienced by describing them in drama, poetry, song, and prose?" 

Nick began to smile.  "Thank you for telling me all this. Yes, it is more than possible. Like waking up from a dream and remembering it. But instead of a dream, a kind of spiritual trance. No wonder some of these ‘stories’—when they are told to us, are so difficult to believe. Again, thank you."

"You are more than welcome, Nickolas. But it is God we must thank for bringing you here so that we can reach these conclusions. In summary, there are a few other points we can discuss about the ocean of milk. In a letter that Father Mikalson wrote many years ago, he said that we also need to remember that these ‘stories,’ while on the surface may seem inconceivable—that they are in fact very special and need to be treated with the greatest respect.

"He said that the first thing about these ‘stories’ is that the saints not only accept them, but they read, rejoice, glorify and encourage us to read them. Because the saints accept, The Churning of the Ocean of Milk—this immediately tells us that the entire narration is not ordinary—not at all. Certainly not science fiction, but rather, Holy Chronicles of the supernatural realm. If the Holy Fathers accept something, then likewise, what they accept becomes holy, worthwhile, full of integrity, worshipful, and substantial.

"Another important aspect about this ‘story’ is it’s fascinating content. Such ‘stories’ naturally stimulate our interest in God. Without being interested in Him, how will we ever become eager to discover His message? Each and every ‘story’ found in the Holy Scriptures—easily believed or not—is ultimately written to glorify God. For the reader of these Scriptures, this accomplishes the spiritual proclamation, to always remember Him."

At this point, the little bell could be heard ringing off to their right. Nick understood that lunch would be served, so he stood up with everyone else, expressing his final thoughts before washing. "I am so fortunate to have had this conversation this morning. Yes, tomorrow I would like to talk with you again. I am seeing things in a new light. I feel as if a large weight has been lifted. Thank you so very much."

"Very good, Nickolas. My faith feels stronger today, also."