Getting to Nirvana {editing}

Chapter 16

Song is Fluorescent Adolescent by the Arctic monkeys ----->

"If you cannot find a good companion to walk with, walk alone, like an elephant roaming the jungle. It is better to be alone than to be with those who will hinder your progress."

Chapter 16

Nirvana

The rain beats rhythmically against the balcony glass doors as I snuggle in my bed reading my Buddhist book. It's a relaxing peaceful rainy day which is the perfect weather to curl up with a good book and some hot cocoa. I'm sappy like that.

Daniel left a couple of hours ago and I have no clue where he's went. So I've also had some peace and quiet today which is a bonus. He's been moody and glum lately, so I haven't really talked to him for the last two days.

In my book I'm on the second stage now which is Once returner. After you become a stream-enterer, your practice includes reminding yourself of your new realization of "no-self," as well as paying attention to the ways that you're still attached and your resistance to life as it unfolds.

This insight (essentially the same as the first but even stronger and clearer) brings a significant reduction in attachment and aversion and the suffering that accompanies these states of mind. For example, occasional irritation and preference replace hatred and greed, which no longer have any hold over the once-returner. Someone who reaches this stage has only one more rebirth before becoming completely enlightened - hence the name once-returner.

I'm so engrossed in the pages I don't even hear Daniel come in until he plops down on my bed. The impact makes my book close shut on my finger. I groan in vexation, to which he grins at. Why is he grinning at me like a maniac when he's been acting like a girl on her period for the past few days? He's so confusing.

"Can I help you?" I ask.

In response he holds up two pairs of roller skates.

I look at him in confusion.

"We are going rollerskating..." He trails off as if he's building up for a histrionic finish. "In the rain!"

I laugh hysterically. "You can't be serious! It's pouring outside!"

"And?"

In response I open back up my book and continue where I left off, indicating that I'm done with the conversation. In retaliation he snatches the book from my hands.

"Hey!" I reach for the book but he holds it away from my grasp. So I make another attempt for it, basically jumping in his lap in the process.

"Woah this is getting a bit sexual isn't it?" He asks with a chuckle.

"Just give me my book back!" I reach for it again but he moves it away yet again. Fine. If he wants to play that game. I grab a fistful of his unruly hair in my hand, which is just long enough to grab onto.

"Hey!" He yelps in surprise.

"Give me my book back and I won't rip out your hair." I answer simply. He hesitantly hands me my book so I do as promised and let go of his hair and resume reading.

He sighs in exasperation. "Come on it'll be so much fun. Me and my friends used to do this all the time when it rained."

"Then you and your friends are just a little gay."

"No it's not gay it's fun. I'll hold your hand if your scared." He winks.

"I said no. I'm not too keen on getting hyperthermia. Why can't you go by yourself?"