Yesterday, my wife and I hiked Mount Baegyang in Busan. We were doing a recce for some college friends who will climb the mountain next week. We reached the temple at the foot of the mountain. The tranquil old temple instilled a feeling of calm in us.
Through a scented pine grove, we arrived at two paths: one broad, the other steep and narrow. Frost’s poem “The Road Not Taken” sprang to mind.
We took the steep and narrow one, mindful of the truth: pain will accompany sweet reward. But alas! Climbing uphill was too harsh for two 60-somethings. My wife complained breathlessly behind me.
We reached two benches. A fellow climber was sitting, tossing pieces of dried beef to a wild crow. The sight of the old man tossing food in the air for a big bird flapping its wings was an image from a fairy tale.
Continuing to walk up, we joined the broad path where we could appreciate the beautiful mountain scenery. Azalea groves welcomed us. The pink flowers juxtaposed with the image of my college friends soon to arrive made me smile. I felt boundless affection for my wife. We had been a little at odds for no good reason. Now the negative emotion was purged. Nature has a magical power to purify our souls!
A young couple in their 20s was strolling hand in hand ahead of us. How I wished I could go back to that age! The past is still as vivid in my mind as yesterday, but suddenly, I felt like an old man in his 60s. Tomorrow seemed to be forever, but the years passed in no time. In the midst of such thoughts, we reached the summit. The panorama from the observation platform was awesome: far below were railways, buildings and ships, all immobile, just like miniatures in a baby’s picture book. My wife beckoned me to the large telescope. She had found our apartment building, and we savored a moment together that no one else could share.
Going back down, enjoying the scent of azaleas and white plum blossoms, I identified with young Kate, carried on her brother’s shoulders to their secret pond in the Canadian novel "Crow Lake." Suddenly, the truth that we come from nature and go back to nature hit me.
In the temple, a young Buddhist was ringing the iron bell with both hands. The soft, vibrating sound resonating throughout the mountain graced me with a feeling of humility. Just like beautiful azaleas in full bloom, which delight us but soon fade, we shall all be forgotten tomorrow.
It is right to yield our places to new generations who themselves will come and disappear! That said, my ego still resists coming to terms with my mortality.
I thought about my younger self, the foolish decisions that I made, shameful behavior for which I still feel guilt and bitter frustration when betrayed by those whom I trusted.
Walking on the pine-bordered path, I glanced at my wife. Once beautiful and fair, her face was somewhat dark and wrinkled. Saddened, I held her hand. We were like the young couple. She is my only companion until I go back who will trust, advise, help, encourage, laugh and cry with me as ever.
Suffused with joy, I squeezed her hand tight. Though we may not be as romantic as the young couple walking hand in hand, we had lived more than half a lifetime together just as lovingly. I felt thankful to God who grants us this precious nature purifying our souls and giving the vitality to continue.
Lee Eung-tae (eungtae@gmail.com) is a former high school teacher who taught English for 35 years.
Nature purifying our souls
17
0
29.04.2024
Yesterday, my wife and I hiked Mount Baegyang in Busan. We were doing a recce for some college friends who will climb the mountain next week. We reached the temple at the foot of the mountain. The tranquil old temple instilled a feeling of calm in us.
Through a scented pine grove, we arrived at two paths: one broad, the other steep and narrow. Frost’s poem “The Road Not Taken” sprang to mind.
We took the steep and narrow one, mindful of the truth: pain will accompany sweet reward. But alas! Climbing uphill was too harsh for two 60-somethings. My wife complained breathlessly behind me.
We reached two benches. A fellow climber was sitting, tossing pieces of dried beef to a wild crow. The sight of the old man tossing food in the air for a big bird flapping its wings was an image from a fairy tale.
Continuing to walk up, we joined the........
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