The Third Challenge
A new day appears. The temperature is pleasant and the sky is blue in all its immensity. Lazily, I get up rubbing my sleepy eyes. The big day has arrived and I am prepared for it. Before anything, I need to prepare my breakfast. With the ingredients that I managed to find the day before, it will not be so scarce. I prepare the pan and start cracking open the appetizing chicken eggs. The fat splashes and almost hits my eye. How many times in life, others seem to hurt us with their anxieties. I eat my breakfast, rest a little and prepare my strategy. The third challenge seems to be anything but easy. Killing for me is unthinkable. Well, even so, I will have to confront it. With this resolution, I start to walk and soon I am out of the hut. The third challenge starts here and I prepare for it. I take the first trail and I start to walk. The trees by the road of the path are wide with deep roots. What really am I looking for? Success, victory and achievement. However, I will not do anything that goes against my principles. My reputation goes before fame, success and power. The third challenge is bothering me. Killing for me is a crime even if it is only an animal. On the other hand, I want to enter into the cave and make my request. This represents two "opposing forces" or "opposite paths."
I remain on the trail and pray that I do not find anything. Who knows, maybe the third challenge would be dismissed. I don't think that the guardian would be that generous. The rules have to be followed by all. I stop a little and cannot believe the scene that I see: an ocelot and its three cubs, frolicking around me. That's it. I will not slay the mother of three cubs. I do not have the heart. Goodbye success, goodbye cave of despair. Enough dreams. I did not complete the third challenge and I am leaving. I will return to my house and to my loved ones. Hurriedly, I go back to the cabin to pack my bags. I do not complete the third challenge.
The cabin is torn down. What is the meaning of all this? A hand touches my shoulder lightly. I look back and I see the guardian.
—My congratulations, dear! You have fulfilled the challenge and now have the right to enter into the cave of despair. You won!
The strong embrace she imparted on me then left me even more confused. What was this woman saying? My dream and the cave could be found after all? I didn't believe it.
—What do you mean? I did not complete the third challenge. Look at my hands: They are clean. I will not stain my name with blood.
—Don't you know? Do you think that a child of God would be capable of such an atrocity as that which I asked? I have no doubt that you are worthy enough to realize your dreams, although it may take a while for them to become reality. The third challenge thoroughly evaluated you and you demonstrated unconditional love for God's creatures. This is the most important thing for a human being. One more thing: Only a pure heart will survive the cave. Keep your heart and your thoughts clean to overcome it.
—Thank you, God! Thank you, life, for this chance. I promise not to disappoint you.
Emotion took a hold of me as it never had before I climbed the mountain. Was the cave really capable of performing miracles? I was about to find out.
The Cave of Despair
After winning the third challenge I was ready to enter the dreaded cave of despair, the cave that realizes impossible dreams. I was yet another dreamer who was going to try their luck. Ever since I went up the mountain I was no longer the same. Now I was confident in myself and in the wonderful universe that held me. The previous embrace that the strange woman gave me also left me more relaxed. Now she was there by my side supporting me in every way. This was the support that I never got from my loved ones. My inseparable suitcase is under my arm. It was time for me to say farewell to that mountain and its mysteries. The challenges, the guardian, the ghost, the young girl and the mountain itself which seemed to be alive, they all have helped me to grow. I was ready to leave and face the dreaded cave. The guardian is by my side and will accompany me on this journey to the cave's entrance. We leave because the sun is already descending towards the horizon. Our plans are in total harmony. The vegetation around the trail that we have traveled and the noise of animals makes the environment very rural. The guardian's silence during the whole course seems to foretell the dangers that the cave encloses. We stop a little. The voices of the mountain seem to want to say something to me. I take this opportunity to break the silence.
—Can I ask something? What are these voices that torment me so much?
—You hear voices. Interesting. The sacred mountain has the magic ability to reunite all dreaming hearts. You are able to feel these magical vibrations and interpret them. However, do not pay much attention to them because they may lead you to failure. Try to concentrate on your own thoughts and their activity will be less. Be careful. The cave is able to detect your weaknesses and use them against you.
—I promise to take care of myself. I do not know what awaits me in the cave but I have faith that the illuminating spirits will help me. My destiny is at stake and to some extent that of the rest of the world too.
—Alright, we've rested enough. Let's continue to walk because it won't be long until sunset. The cave should be about a quarter of a mile from here.
The rumble of footsteps resumes. A quarter of a mile separated my dream from its realization. We are on the west side of the top of the mountain where the winds are ever stronger. The mountain and its mysteries... I think that I will never know it fully. What motivated me to climb it? The promise of the impossible becoming possible and my adventurer and scouting instincts. In reality, what was possible and an everyday routine were killing me. Now I was feeling alive and ready to overcome challenges. The cave is approaching. I can already see its entrance. It seems imposing, but I am not discouraged. A range of thoughts invade my entire being. I need to control my nerves. They could betray me in time. The guardian signals to stop. I obey.
—This is the closest that I can get to the cave. Listen well to what I am going to say because I will not repeat it: Before entering, pray one Our Father for your guardian angel. It will protect you from the dangers. When you enter, proceed with caution in order not to fall into traps. After traveling the cave's main walkway a certain amount of time you will encounter three options: Happiness, failure and fear. Choose happiness. If you choose failure, you will remain a poor madman who used to dream. If you choose fear you will lose yourself completely. Happiness gives access to two more scenarios that are unknown to me. Remember: Only the pure of heart can survive the cave. Be wise and fulfill your dream.
—I understand. The moment I have been waiting for ever since I went up the mountain has arrived. Thank you, guardian, for all your patience and zeal with me. I'll never forget you or the moments we have spent together.
Anguish took hold of my heart as I said goodbye to her. Now it was just me and the cave, a duel that would change the history of the world and also my own. I look right at it and get my flashlight from my suitcase to illuminate the path. I am ready to enter. My legs seem frozen before this giant. I need to gather the strength to continue on the path. I'm Brazilian and I never, ever give up. I take my first steps and I have the slight feeling that someone is accompanying me. I think I am very special to God. He treats me as if I were his son. My steps begin to accelerate and finally I enter the cave. The initial fascination is overwhelming but I need to be cautious because of the traps. The humidity of the air is high and the cold intense. Stalactites and stalagmites fill practically everywhere around me. I've gone about fifty yards in and the chills begin to give me goosebumps all over my body. Everything I've gone through before climbing the mountain begins to come to my mind: The humiliations, the injustices and the envy of others. It seems that every one of my enemies is within that cave waiting for the best time to attack me. With a spectacular jump, I overcome the first trap. The cave's fire almost devoured me. Nadja was not so lucky. Clinging to a stalactite from the ceiling that miraculously endured my weight, I managed to survive. I need to get down and continue my journey towards the unknown. My steps accelerate
but with caution. Most people are in a hurry, in a hurry to win, or to complete goals. Fantastic agility has just saved me from a second trap. Countless spears were heaved towards me. One of them came as close as to scratch my face. The cave wants to destroy me. I have to be more careful from now on. It's been approximately one hour since I entered the cave and still I have not come to the point of which the guardian spoke. I should be close. My steps continue, accelerated, and my heart gives a warning sign. Sometimes, we don't pay attention to the signs our body gives. This is when failure and disappointment happen. Fortunately, that is not the case for me. I hear a very loud noise coming in my direction. I start to run. In a few moments, I realize that I am being chased by a giant stone tumbling at a great speed. I run for a while and with a sudden movement I am able to get away from the rock, finding shelter at the side of the cave. When the stone passes, the front part of the cave is closed and then right in front three doors appear. They represent happiness, failure and fear. If I choose failure, I will never be anything but a poor madman who one day dreamed of becoming a writer. People will take pity on me. If I choose fear I will never grow nor be known by the world. I could hit rock bottom and lose myself forever. If I choose happiness I will continue with my dream and I will pass into the second scenario.
There are three options: A door to the right, to the left and one in the middle. Each one of them represents one of the options: Happiness, failure or fear. I have to make the right choice. I have learned with time to overcome my fears: Fear of the dark, fear of being alone and fear of the unknown. Also I am not afraid of success or the future. Fear must represent the door on the right. Failure is the result of poor planning. I've failed a few times but it has not made me give up on my goals. Failure should serve as a lesson for a later victory. Failure must represent the door on the left. Finally, the middle door must represent happiness because the righteous turn neither toward the right nor to the left. Righteousness is always happy. I gather my strength and I choose the door in the middle. Upon opening it I have ample access to a lounge and on the roof is written the name Happiness. In the center is a key that gives access to another door. I really was right. I fulfilled the first step. That leaves me two more. I get the key and try it in the door. It fits perfectly. I open the door. It gives me access to a new gallery. I start to go down it. A multitude of thoughts flood my mind: What will the new traps be that I must face? What kind of scenario will this gallery lead me to? There are many unanswered questions. I continue to walk and my breathing becomes strained because the air is increasingly scarce. I've already gone about a tenth of a mile and I must remain attentive. I hear a noise and fall to the ground to protect myself. It's the noise of small bats that shoot around me. Will they suck my blood? Are they carnivores? Luckily for me, they disappear into the vastness of the gallery. I see a face and my body trembles Is it a ghost? No. It is flesh and blood and it is coming at me, ready to fight. It is one of the priest ninjas of the cave. The fight begins. He is very fast and tries to hit me in a crucial place. I try to escape his attacks. I fight back with some moves I learned watching movies. The strategy works. It frightens him and he moves back a little. He strikes back with his martial arts but I'm prepared for it. I hit him on the head with a rock I picked up in the cave. He falls unconscious. I'm totally averse to violence but in this case it was strictly necessary. I would like to go to the second scenario and discover the secrets of the cave. I begin walking again and I remain attentive and protect myself against any new traps. With the humidity low, a wind blows and I become more comfortable. I feel the currents of positive thoughts sent by the Guardian. The cave darkens even more, transforming itself. A virtual labyrinth shows itself straight ahead. Another of the cave's traps. The entrance of the labyrinth is perfectly visible. But where is the exit? How do I enter and not get lost? I only have one option: Cross the labyrinth and take the risk. I build my courage and start to take the first steps towards the entrance of the maze. Pray, reader, that I find the exit. I have no strategy in mind. I think I should use my knowledge to get me out of this mess. With courage and faith, I delve into the maze. It seems more confusing on the inside than out. Its walls are wide and turn in zigzags. I'm beginning to remember the moments in life where I found myself lost as if in a maze. The death of my father, so young, was a real blow in my life. The time I spent unemployed and not studying also made me feel lost as if in a maze. I now was in the same situation. I keep walking and there seems to be no end to the labyrinth. Have you ever felt desperate? That was how I felt, totally desperate. This is why it has the name the cave of despair. I gather my last bit of strength and get up. I need to find the way out at any cost. One last idea hits me; I look up to the ceiling and see many bats. I will follow one of them. I'll call him "wizard." A wizard would be able to conquer a maze. This is what I need. The bat flies with great speed and I have to keep up with it. It's good that I am physically fit, almost an athlete. I see the light at the end of the tunnel, or better yet, at the end of the labyrinth. I am saved.
The end of the labyrinth has led me to a strange scene in the gallery of the cave. A room made of mirrors. I walk around carefully for fear of breaking something. I see my reflection in the mirror. Who am I now? A poor young dreamer about to discover his destiny. I look particularly worried. What does all this mean? The walls, ceiling, the floor everything is composed of glass. I touch the surface of a mirror. The material is so fragile but faithfully reflects the aspect of the one's self. In an instant distinct images appear in three of the mirrors, a child, a young person holding a coffin, and an old man. They are all me. Is it a vision? Really I do have child-like aspects such as purity, innocence and faith in people. I don't think that I want to get rid of these qualities. The young man of fifteen represents a painful phase in my life: The loss of my father. Despite his rigid and aloof ways, he was my father. I still remember him with nostalgia. The elderly man represents my future. How will it be? Will I be successful? Married, single or even widowed? I do not want to be a revolting or hurt old man. Enough with these images. My present is now. I am a young man of twenty-six, with a degree in Mathematics, a writer. I am no longer a child, nor the fifteen year old who lost his father. I am also not an old man. I have my future ahead of me and I want to be happy. I am not any of these three images. I am myself. With an impact, the three mirrors in which the individuals appeared break and a door appears. It is my entry into the third and last scenario.
I open the door that gives access to a new gallery. What awaits me in the third scenario? Together let us continue, reader. I begin to walk and my heart accelerates as if I was still in the first scene. I have overcome many challenges and pitfalls and already consider myself a winner. In my mind, I seek out the memories of the past when I played in small caves. The situation now is completely different. The cave is huge and full of traps. My flashlight is almost dead. I continue to walk and straight ahead emerges a new trap: Two doors. The "opposing forces" shout within me. It is necessary to make a new choice. One of the challenges comes to mind, and I remember how I had the courage to overcome it. I chose the path on the right. The situation is different though because I am inside of a dark, damp cave. I have made my choice but also begin to remember the words of the guardian who spoke about learning. I need to get to know the two forces in order to have total control over them. I choose the door on the left. I open it slowly; fearful of what it may be hiding. As I open it, I contemplate a vision: I am inside of a shrine, filled with images of saints with a chalice on the altar. Could it be the Holy Grail, the lost chalice of Christ which gives eternal youth to those who drink from it? My legs are shaking. Impulsively, I run toward the chalice and begin to drink from it. The wine tastes heavenly, of the Gods. I feel dizzy, the world spins, the angels sing and the grounds of the cave shudder. I have my first vision: I see a Jew named Jesus, together with his apostles, healing, freeing and teaching new perspectives to his people. I see the entire trajectory of his miracles and his love. I also see t
he betrayal of Judas and the Devil acting behind his back. Finally, I see his resurrection and glory. I hear a voice saying to me: Make your request. Resounding with joy I exclaim: I want to become the Seer!
The Miracle
Soon after my request, the shrine trembles, fills with smoke and I can hear altered voices. What they reveal is completely secret. A small fire rises from the chalice and lands in my hand. Its light is penetrating and illuminates the entire cave. The walls of the cave transform and give way to a small door that appears. It opens and a strong wind begins to push me to it. All of my efforts come to mind: My dedication to studying, the way I have perfectly followed God's laws, the ascent of the mountain, the challenges, and even this very passage into the cave. All this has brought me an astonishing spiritual growth. I was now prepared to be happy and to fulfill my dreams. The much dreaded cave of despair had forced me to make my request. I do remember also in this sublime moment all of those who have contributed to my victory directly or indirectly: My primary school teacher, Mrs. Socorro, who taught me reading and writing, my teachers of life, my school and work friends, my family and the guardian that helped me to overcome the challenges and this very cave. The strong wind keeps pushing me towards the door and soon I will be inside the secret chamber.
The force that pushed me finally ceases. The door closes. I am in an extremely large chamber that is high and dark. On the right side is a mask, a candle and a Bible. On the left is a cape, a ticket and a crucifix. In the center, up high, is an interesting looking circular apparatus made of iron. I walk toward the right side: I put on the mask, grab the candle and open the Bible to a random page. I walk toward the left side: I put on the cape, write my name and alias on the ticket and secure the crucifix with the other hand. I walk towards the center and I position myself exactly below the apparatus. I utter the four magical letters: S-e-e-r. Immediately, a circle of light is emitted by the device and envelopes me completely. I smell the incense that is burned every day in memory of the great dreamers: Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, Francis of Assisi and Jesus Christ. My body vibrates and begins to float. My senses begin to be awakened and with them I am able to recognize feelings and intentions more profoundly. My gifts are strengthened and with them I am able to perform miracles in time and space. The circle closes increasingly and every feeling of guilt, intolerance and fear is erased from my mind. I am almost ready: A sequence of visions start to appear and confuse me. Finally the circle goes out. In an instant, a sequence of doors is opened and with my new gifts I can see, feel and hear perfectly. The screams of characters wanting to manifest, distinct times and places begin to appear and significant questions begin to corrode my heart. The challenge of becoming clairvoyant is launched.
Opposing Forces Page 4