Vikram sat down in a small, four-pillared hall, the stone roof casting a cool, calming shadow over the space. The pillars, also made of stone, were beautifully carved with various Vyalis—mythical creatures and symbols that held deep spiritual meaning. Each pillar told a story of ancient wisdom and lore.
The first pillar was adorned with the Vyali of a serpent, coiled around the stone, its scales carefully carved to show every detail. The serpent symbolized the kundalini energy, the dormant spiritual power said to reside at the base of the spine. The second pillar featured a lion, a symbol of strength and courage, representing the determination needed to overcome obstacles on the spiritual path. The third pillar bore the image of an eagle, soaring high, embodying the freedom and clarity of mind that comes with spiritual enlightenment. The fourth pillar was carved with a lotus, a symbol of purity and enlightenment, blooming amidst the murky waters of life's challenges.
Vikram began his practice, focusing on his breath and trying to connect with his inner energy. But something felt off. He felt as if his three dantians—the energy centres in his body—were blocked. The lower dantian, located in the abdomen, felt heavy and stagnant. The middle dantian, in the chest, felt constricted, as if a weight was pressing down on his heart. The upper dantian, in the head, felt clouded and unfocused.
The kundalini chakra, the serpentine energy coiled at the base of his spine, remained silent. This energy, when awakened, was said to rise through the spine, activating the seven chakras and leading to spiritual enlightenment. But for Vikram, it felt as if the serpent was deeply asleep, unwilling to stir.
He recalled the old man's words from their meeting during the inheritance cycle: "You have a lot of fights to face." Vikram had come here to strengthen himself, to prepare for the battles ahead. But now, he felt as if he was in deep misfortune, unable to connect with his own power.
Sweat poured down his face as he tried again and again, his frustration growing with each failed attempt. His meditation was intense, but his mind was a whirlwind of doubt and despair. He didn't know what to do, feeling lost and helpless in the face of his own limitations.
Suddenly, his concentration was broken by a simple, radiant smile. A young girl, who looked to be about 16 years old, stood at the entrance of the hall. She was dressed in traditional Tamil attire. Her sari was a vibrant shade of red, draped elegantly around her, with a golden border that shimmered in the sunlight. The blouse was a simple, fitted piece, also in red, adorned with intricate embroidery.
Her jewelry was equally striking. She wore a heavy gold necklace with delicate pendants, and her ears were adorned with large, ornate earrings that sparkled with precious stones. Her wrists were decorated with gold bangles that jingled softly with every movement, and her ankles bore delicate anklets that chimed gently as she walked. Her hair was long and dark, adorned with fragrant jasmine flowers, adding a sweet scent to the air around her.
The girl's eyes sparkled with innocence and curiosity, and her smile was like a ray of sunshine cutting through the darkness of his thoughts.