Remember Han Solo and Chewbacca and C-3PO and R2-D2? They fought against the empire and let the force be with them and their friendship was one of several worth celebrating in a galaxy far, far away.
But today, we're staying close to earth - actually on the Himalayas' eastern edge on the grounds of the Institute for Zorig Chusum in Thimpu, Bhutan.
I'd like you to meet someone. Some-four actually.
Four Harmonious Friends.
Look at this life-sized, three-dimensional sculpture on the courtyard. A bird, rabbit, and monkey are standing on each other's shoulders on the back of a patient elephant. To the right of the stacked-up figures is a fruit tree.
Umm...
Is this as confusing to you as it is to me? Even as I stand back and stare and think, I can’t really figure out the symbolism. Perhaps of the different kinds of friends you call for different things?
Those you call because you think of something funny and you love to hear them laugh.
Maybe those you call for a little conversation and they stop by your house?
I wish this were the brilliant part of the story where I tell you I've got it. But no. I'm Not.Even.Close.
Our guide explains slowly, using an exaggerated storyteller's cadence. It's our country's beloved tale about harmony and friendship. After a long breath, he continues in an unhurried, confident voice. The scene refers to the legend of the four animals trying to find out who among them was the oldest.
Duh... huh?! Meeting requested.
He explains. The elephant said that the tree was already fully-grown when he was young, while the monkey asserted that the tree was small when he was young. The hare, on the other hand, said that he saw the tree as a sapling when he was young.
Now I know where this is going.
He continues, But the partridge claimed that he had excreted the seed from which the tree grew, so the bird was recognized by the other animals as the oldest.
Seniority. That's different. It's not the usual pecking-order according to strength, size and power. Sure.
But wait….there’s more.
The image of the animals standing on each other’s shoulders, on the back of an elephant, portrays interdependence and cooperation, our guide enthusiastically adds. The bird finds a seed and plants it, the rabbit waters it, and the monkey fertilizes it.
That's it! I thought as a light bulb goes on over my head. Together we can do it.
Are you all caught up, too? Oh, good.
Pursing his lips, he goes on. Once the seed begins to grow, the elephant protects it. After some time, the plant grows into a big, beautiful tree full of fruit. By working together and using their individual talents, the four friends are able to reach and enjoy the fruit.
Of course! It’s the circle of life.
And time.
And patience.
He pauses somewhat dramatically before concluding, In doing so, the four animals have become close friends.
Time settles into order, the world, reluctantly, into something that makes sense. The story has touched me. The simplicity.
The clouds are sparser than they have been earlier, the sky a more uniform blue. I take a deep breath and say nothing. The air smells of rhododendrons and solace.
And the sunshine has shown up.
Among the tiny flowers hugging the ground, I spot a lizard moving in the grass, running into the shade of a ledge. It has darted auspiciously toward the Four Harmonious Friends.
I nod at it vigorously.
I get it, pal. I understand.
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