After learning the value of perseverance from Sunan Muria, Arya, along with Barong and Vassago, continued their journey toward the northern coast of Java, heading to the place of Sunan Drajat. Arya felt that each Wali Songo's teachings were like pieces of a puzzle, gradually revealing the greater picture of balance across the Nusantara.
Sunan Drajat was known for his deep concern for social welfare, emphasizing compassion and helping others, lessons Arya believed would be crucial for his mission.
Arrival in Sunan Drajat's Village
After several days of travel, Arya arrived at a humble yet vibrant village. Children played along the roads, women wove cloth, and men busily repaired boats by the shore.
However, Arya sensed something unusual. Despite the apparent harmony, there was an underlying sadness behind the villagers' smiles.
"Sunan Drajat must be here," said Barong. "The energy of this place feels peaceful, but you can tell the people are struggling."
Vassago observed an elderly woman distributing food to children with a kind, gentle expression. "It seems they've been taught to help each other, even when they have little to spare."
Determined to uncover the truth, Arya set out to find Sunan Drajat and understand the struggles of the village.
Meeting Sunan Drajat
Arya found Sunan Drajat in a small prayer house at the village center. He was a kind-looking man with a wise demeanor, wearing simple clothing. At the time, he was teaching a group of children to read Arabic Pegon, laughing warmly at their occasional jokes.
"Welcome, Arya," Sunan Drajat said in a gentle voice. "You've traveled far to reach this place. I know why you are here."
Arya bowed respectfully. "Sunan, I wish to learn about the balance and wisdom you teach. I believe this knowledge is essential for my mission to protect the Nusantara."
Sunan Drajat nodded. "Very well. The lesson you will learn here is about compassion and devotion to others. The balance of the Nusantara is not upheld by strength alone, but also by acts of kindness that strengthen its foundation."
Life in the Village
Sunan Drajat took Arya on a tour of the village, showing how the people supported one another in their daily lives. Those with more shared with those who had less, while those who received aid worked hard to give back to the community.
"In this village, we live by the principle that giving is better than receiving," Sunan Drajat explained. "When you help others, you strengthen the bonds that uphold the balance of this world."
Arya observed a man building a house for his neighbor, who had lost his home in a storm. Despite the man's evident exhaustion, he continued working with great enthusiasm.
"What drives them to do this?" Arya asked.
"Because they understand that we all need each other," replied Sunan Drajat. "When one person falls, others must help lift them."
Arya's Trial
Sunan Drajat gave Arya a seemingly simple yet meaningful task: help an elderly woman carry water from a distant well to her home. The path to the well was long and rocky, making the task physically challenging.
As Arya helped the woman, he realized how heavy her burden must have been every day. Yet, the woman smiled warmly and thanked him sincerely.
"This lesson isn't just about carrying water," Sunan Drajat said when Arya returned. "It's about understanding the struggles of others and making them your own."
Arya was silent for a moment. He began to realize that protecting the Nusantara was not only about safeguarding its seals but also about ensuring that no one felt alone in their hardships.
The Story of the Protective Bird
That evening, Sunan Drajat shared a story with Arya and the villagers. It was about a small bird living in the forest. When a wildfire broke out, the bird flew to a river, picked up a drop of water in its beak, and dropped it onto the flames. Though others mocked its efforts, the bird persisted. Its determination eventually inspired the other animals to help, and together they extinguished the fire.
"The bird may not have been able to put out the fire alone," said Sunan Drajat. "But its spirit and intention inspired others to act. In the end, the fire was extinguished because all the creatures of the forest united."
Arya felt the story resonated deeply with his own journey. He might not be able to maintain the balance of the Nusantara alone, but with the help of those around him, anything was possible.
A Gift for Arya
As a token of appreciation, Sunan Drajat gave Arya a clay jar filled with water from a spring near the village.
"This jar symbolizes life and kindness," Sunan Drajat said. "Whenever you feel weary, remember that each drop of water you share brings life to others."
Arya accepted the jar with deep respect, vowing to carry the lessons of Sunan Drajat forward in his journey.
Continuing the Journey
With hearts warmed by the lessons of compassion and devotion, Arya, Barong, and Vassago left Sunan Drajat's village. The wisdom they had gained gave Arya renewed strength to continue his mission.
Their next destination was Kudus, where Sunan Kudus was known for his teachings on tolerance and harmony amidst diversity.
Arya knew the journey ahead was still long, but each lesson brought him closer to understanding what it truly meant to maintain balance in the Nusantara.
(To be continued...)