"Certainly, I will keep watch here," said Ancestor Nala in a deep yet calm voice, resonant but not shaking. "You may come here anytime to check... But if Baskara emerges from his meditation, I will inform you immediately."
Tirta bowed deeply, his voice trembling but sincere, "Thank you… Ancestor."
Though his heart was still anxious, at least that night he could go home with a sliver of hope hanging in the gray sky.
They walked once more along the ancestral path, accompanied by the sounds of insects and the whispering wind—reminding them of the child they had not seen in a long time. Teguh held Tirta's hand—quietly containing the turmoil in his heart.
---
Days passed.
Since that night, Tirta and Teguh had never truly rested. They became like silent pilgrims, returning to the ancestral land from time to time. Sometimes once a month, sometimes every two months—without pattern, without schedule. Simply following the wave of longing they could not hold back.
They came with hope, sometimes bringing food, sometimes just sitting from a distance staring at the temple where Baskara meditated. But there was never any change. The temple remained silent. The protective sigil still reflected a soft glow, not allowing anyone to come close. And Ancestor Nala remained there—meditating like an ancient stone unmoved by the passing seasons.
Each time they returned home from the ancestral land, Tirta would always gaze at her son's empty bed. She would touch the clothes hanging in the corner of the room or sit by the door, hoping one night he would knock, just like he used to.
"Do you think he can still hear us from in there...?" Tirta whispered one night on the veranda.
Teguh didn't answer. He simply held his wife tightly, then looked up at the starlit sky—as if hoping that one of those stars was their son's eye watching over them.
Months passed in the outside world, yet time seemed to stop for the four souls wandering within. They scattered across all dimensions, traversing space and boundaries, each carrying a part of Baskara, seeking his true essence—his pure nature.
The four souls eventually split and journeyed in four directions, each searching for the deeper meaning of that true nature.
The Soul of Strength and Courage wandered through the battlefield of the spirit, confronting fear and doubt. It learned that true courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to keep moving forward even when fear grips the heart.
The Soul of Wisdom traveled through silent lakes and shadows of the past, diving into decisions and wounds. It discovered that true wisdom is the courage to choose truth, even when it hurts.
The Soul of Empathy and Connection walked through the lives of others, feeling their pain and love. It realized that empathy is the bridge connecting souls with compassion and humanity.
The Soul of Resilience and Control entered the darkest corridors of the self, facing storms of emotion and the temptations of power. It came to understand that the greatest strength is mastering oneself without losing the heart.
Time outside did not disturb the stillness within the temple. Baskara's seated form, like a living statue, began to change.
In the stillness of the night, when the wind ceased and time seemed to hold its breath, a faint glow emanated from his body. First, from his chest—where the soul of empathy and connection resided—came a gentle shimmer like the calming ripple of water.
Then, from his back, a firm radiance like solid rock emerged, marking the return of the soul of resilience and control. Baskara's breath grew deeper and slower, as if in sync with the breath of the earth itself.
From his hands, slightly trembling yet still folded in meditation, came a warm and daring energy—the soul of strength and courage had returned. His body quivered for a moment, not from weakness, but because the fire within him had begun to burn again.
Finally, from the center of his forehead, a calm light appeared like the morning star. It was the soul of wisdom, slowly returning, bringing clarity and deep awareness. In that moment, a silvery-white aura enveloped Baskara's body.
Outside the temple, even Eyang Pradipa and Tirta—who visited a few days later—felt a shift in the energy around them. Ancestor Nala, still meditating outside, opened his eyes slightly and smiled faintly.
"This child truly walks the path of the ancestors in his own way," he murmured inwardly.
Baskara's body remained still, yet the universe within him was moving… preparing for the next stage of his soul's perfection.
After 1.5 Years of Meditation – Enlightenment of Baskara's Fourfold Nature
Baskara had been in the ancestral land for over a year, undergoing deep meditation. In the silence of the temple, he had journeyed far beyond the physical realm, venturing into a spiritual path leading to greater enlightenment. His four inner souls—unified within him—continued to evolve in this stillness, merging into broader consciousness.
At that moment, in the thick of night, with a gentle breeze blowing, Baskara sat as before, his body immersed in energy and light only he could perceive. Within his inner realm, the four souls began to appear in new forms—each bringing lessons and understanding gathered from their own paths.
The First Soul – Balance
The first soul to appear was calm, radiating peace. It looked at Baskara with love and tranquility. In this enlightenment, the soul said,
"True strength is not about defeating others, but about maintaining balance within. Mastery is not conquest, but understanding. We must accept what comes and not be swept away by it."
Baskara listened intently. This soul taught him that the world is not just about physical battles or victories. Sometimes, peace is more powerful than conflict. In every step he takes, Baskara must maintain balance within himself and with the world around him.
The Second Soul – Courage
The second soul appeared with a blazing spirit, full of courage and desire to act. But this time, it did not speak of physical strength or the bravery to fight.
"True courage is facing the fears within," said the soul firmly.
"Not just to defeat enemies, but to overcome doubt and uncertainty in your own heart."
Baskara nodded. This soul's enlightenment nurtured a deeper sense of confidence. Courage wasn't just for facing external threats, but also to confront his inner fears and embrace his flaws.
The Third Soul – Silence
The third soul appeared with a subtler aura, bringing deeper calm and serenity. It conveyed something simple yet profound:
"Silence is the unspoken language. In stillness, we can hear what the world tries to say. Our soul doesn't need to voice everything; sometimes, only in silence can we find answers."
Baskara paused, realizing how important silence was in the journey of self-discovery. Silence wasn't something to fear, but a space where true understanding could emerge. In quiet, he began to feel close to nature, to the ancestors, and to himself.
The Fourth Soul – Love
The final soul appeared with tenderness and sincere compassion. This was the soul that unified all feelings and energy into boundless love.
"Love is not about possession, but about giving. To understand who we are, we must love unconditionally, without expectations. Love is the power that liberates," it said with a gentle yet powerful voice.
Baskara felt a warm light in his heart. Love wasn't about owning or wanting, but about accepting and giving sincerely. Love is the energy that connects everything—good and bad, strong and weak, life and death.
Unified Enlightenment
Now the four souls stood together, offering a deeper enlightenment. In silence and peace, Baskara felt something far greater than himself. His fourfold soul had brought complementary lessons: balance, courage, silence, and love. Together, they formed a perfect unity, awakening Baskara to understand himself in a way he never had before.
The Unveiled Essence
"Our true nature is to be an unshackled light," Baskara said to himself. He realized that true strength was not about defeating enemies or fulfilling personal goals, but about understanding and accepting what already existed within him—a pure strength, unbound by ego or desire. In this true nature, he could become a light for himself and the world.
With this enlightenment, Baskara opened his eyes.
Outside the temple, the once daunting and strange world now seemed clearer. He knew this journey was not over. His quest for growth and self-discovery would continue—but now, he had a foundation that...