...And there I was, born in Han territory in Yuri 36. It was spring time, my family and I were with our tribe, hidden in the vast wilderness. It was just I as the only child, my parents were simple quiet people who kept to themselves. Camp was set up not too far from the city walls, but far enough for us to mind our own.
    Among my teen years, I became accustomed to a Monk named Kyosa. He was very wise, and was always into his scrolls; writing, reading, shuffling them around. He taught me much of retaining humility and to find alternatives to fighting. Despite his avoidance of violance, Kyosa was a very skilled fighter. His motions were fluid and smooth like water. With a look of constant concentration upon his face, he kept calm and consistent. In private I would mimic these moves, shadow boxing the warm spring air.
    One evening I was training alone when I felt a hand upon my shoulder. I looked back to find Kyosa with a grin he could not help to hide.

"Your fists may have hardened but now it is time to strengthen your will and your mind. Come." beckoned Kyosa.

    I followed him deeper into the dense wilderness to a large tree, which I later found to be a Bodhi tree. We sat together underneath it for awhile before I looked over to Kyosa and found him breathing deeply with his eyes lightly shut.

"What are we doing?" I asked
"Shhhh.." he said, "Listen.. Feel the air lift your chest. Imagine as if it were a tide of water, spilling past you before retreating to the sea. Close your eyes, young one, and do as I do."

    As I began to mimic Kyosa once again, I felt my entire body begin to relax and tingle slightly. A small breeze whipped through the air and I breathed it in deep through my nose.
    My body had now cooled from my training, and I felt more calm than I could ever remember. I slowly opened my eyes and looked around the trees. Not one detail could avoid my eyes, I looked at everything. For the first time in my life, I had actually stopped to take a look around at all the amazing living things around me. With every look or glance was a deep study in my mind, I wanted to understand all of these things. I wanted to be apart of this beauty as naturally as I could. I was suddenly thankful to have been living in the wilderness as opposed to a nice home within the safety of the city.

"Your eyes aren't shut, young one." spoke Kyosa calmly. His eyes still curiously closed. "You must not give in to distraction, remember this."

    I nodded in agreement just before Kyosa stood and reached out his hand.

"Come." he said "We have a long walk ahead of us. We cannot return home."
"Why?" I asked curiously.
"It is not safe right now. But I promise you, you will be reunited with your family again. I will explain it to you some day."

   As I took Kyosa's hand, I stood, feeling refreshed. Even with this alarming news, I knew there was nothing I could do to change whatever Kyosa had been speaking of. I knew that this was the path I am to take, and that I will be patient to find out what he meant.
   We set out on foot through the wilderness to the land of Koguryo. We would often take breaks and meditate, eat, talk and overall just sort of took our time getting there. It seemed like everything we did was a lesson to be learned. Every word he had to say would be a word I would try to remember so that I could summon it upon facing any forks in my path.
   When we arrived in Koguryo many seasons later, Kyosa explained to me that my tribe had been raided and that most of the descendants of my bloodline would eventually find their way into these lands. But until then, I was told I could find sanctuary among the Monks. Kyosa explained to me that most of his teachings to me, came to him from elder Monks that had raised him and to learn more I should seek out a man called Devion. Devion had not seemed surprised to hear from me when I had first met him, and further training led to ordination among the Monks.

 I am now also reunited with my family. Well.. in a way. I found my way home among the K'urimja, my family's bloodline. I see traces of my parents in these people and feel at peace with my loss.
    Devion has since left the kingdoms around here and has not been seen for a short while. I am sure my old teacher is safe somewhere.. Meditating quietly in peace under the shade of a great tree. For now, I am content with my teachings now being guided by LiShen. I have a feeling she has much to teach me, and I am here with open ears.



-Capacity