Walk & Talk

Almost the entire Bamyan town is at peace at nights during the Ramadan; clouds fade away, birds calm in their nests, trees’ leaves shove, stars twinkle, moon dazzles & the streets deserted. The niches of both eastern & western Buddha statues are the only spectators of the scenario; while we decided to be part of the scene and enjoy the nature of Bamyan night.

Strolling in the street of Sar-e-Asyab town, Rajab, N.K. and I made our way to the main road and were welcomed with fresh air blowing through trees; beautiful lyrics and tone of Iranian song _ played by cell phone of UNAMA guards _ while the national flags _ raised in honor to Baba’s sacrifices _ greeted us and we embraced the nature’s pure, serene and decent night-time greetings. How unfortunate they are, who never feel the beauty of nature at night in Bamyan in particular! We walked up-to the hill, opposite to the Human Rights office, where Baba’s innocent smile blossoms in a colossal billboard welcoming the Bamyan valley while the two large niches of the Buddha statues tirelessly witness all forms of the nature throughout the era.

We were blessed to be by Baba’s side facing the glaring & beaming Bamyan valley and bazaar, reminding me how the valley looked like two years back, when I had the chance to see it for the first time. For a moment the valley’s 1500 years back scenario rotated around my head, when the Buddha statues’ eyes were illuminating the entire valley, the Buddhist monks preaching Buddha’s principals of peace & fraternity; the royal city hosting caravans and pilgrims, the valley enjoying the rich civilization, the true form of peace and harmony of nature and hospitality. I selfishly wished I could have gone back and be amongst them, but then I was reminded by my subconscious mind, “Dear, you better wake up of your hallucination and watch around!” Anyway, the valley still did portray the image of a tranquil land bestowed with mystery & beauty of nature, wrapped with rich culture and honored with great civilizations of 2000 years. Sitting beside Baba we enjoyed the beautiful view of the town for quite some time.

Bamyan Bazaar in the evening

On our way back, our jolly friend N.K. kept laughing for no reason & caring for nothing, Rajab’s sense of humor and encouraging statements led the momentum of the talk and walk smooth. I being the sole listener to their talks enjoyed listening to them and the warm greeting of the nature & the night. For a moment I thought this shall never end, there shall be no day; all shall remain calm, tranquil and salient. No more worries of war, nor more frustration & demonstration, no more useless talks and rumors, no more ethnic, tribal & religious prejudices and all enjoy national solidarity & liberty. Then, I remembered something I read years back, “If there is no peace in our hearts, there can be no peace on the world.” Is it too hard for all to live at peace making life easy and simple for one another regardless of our desire for authority, acclaim, honor and power? We have already spent a great deal of our life in violence, terror and hostility. We have treated to our nature, our homeland and culture very violently for which we have paid enough price, now is time for the good of all, so let the nature embrace us wholeheartedly, surround each other with the feelings of love & kindness and grant our coming generation a better place so that they shall not regret for our mischief & offenses.