Good / Bad

The conversation with The Alchemist

Life is simple. But often we complicate it and end up in a tragic situation. In such conditions we look for answers. So as to avoid them in the future. We talk to our friends, family, read books or in extreme conditions we consult a psychiatrist. Very few have the courage to disturb their minds a little bit and ask themselves. The conversation with the Alchemist is such an attempt. Now don't get it wrong. It's not psychic.

The boy is the curious me who asks a lot of questions. The alchemist is one who answer his questions based on his experience, from the books, based on the conversations he had with people and his own way of analyzing things.

Lets start:

A tiring day after work.

Boy: Dude I'm tired of everything. I think i need a break.

The Alchemist: If i remember correctly you are just back from a vacation.

Boy: Yeah! But i need a break again. My stress levels are high.

The Alchemist: What do you wanna do?

Boy: Too much noise in life right now. How about a trek?

The Alchemist: Where?

Boy: Let's go to a place where network connectivity is nil. Only we and nature. Lets disconnect from the world for a while.

The Alchemist: I know a place like that. It's called Kodachadri,

Kodachadri is a mountain peak with dense forests in the Western Ghats in South India (Shivamogga Dist., Karnataka).It is declared as natural heritage site by Government Karnataka. and it is 13th highest peak of Karnataka.

Boy: It's inviting than intimidating. Lets go here.

The Alchemist: Lets prepare.

The name of Kodachadri is derived from the words Kodacha and Adri, which in the local language means home of the hill jasmine flowers. It is true if you trek and explore all by yourselves. 

Camp fire at the base in a home stay.

All arrangements done. Booze, sides, music and we. But there is a fresh arrival of a family at the room next to us. As we started playing music and sipping on our rum from the glass. They felt little uncomfortable i guess. They went to the owner and asked him to finish us off early. After a long conversation things were settled and there camp fire was moved to a distance from ours.

Boy: What is there problem man? Bloody they see us as some criminals? We are not free to do anything in this country. Are we loud with the music? Are we creating a hostile situation here? Are we teasing anybody? What is the problem i don't understand.

The Alchemist: Remember when you were a kid. You might have gone to places with your parents and family, right? You might have seen people drinking? What was your opinion then? 

Boy: Hmmm. I also thought the same. 

The Alchemist: How did you change so much? What made you change so much?

Boy: I have come across people who drink but are far better persons than the people who don't. I have realized that there are many other qualities one should look into. I wasn't wrong that time neither now. 

The Alchemist: You chose a different road. What's good for you is not so good for others. Good and bad are just perceptions.

Boy: I agree.