Naked In A Snowstorm: Fiction, #1

By Mohan Velayudhan

One story that you would hope doesn't end quite unique reading where you find yourself thinking about it during the day and then can't wait to get back to reading again. I am on my second time reading this book.

The mix of fantasy and true to life story line makes for some excellent reading and also applying to everyday life. it's great.

 

Moh Han is a flawed young man on a quest to higher knowledge. Mencius is his teacher, a great sage. The path to enlightenment is filled with tension and conflict, war and various dangers.  As Moh Han is taught and learns, so does the reader.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Zensology.com
• Release date: Mar 30, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393828600

Book preview

1 -NAKED IN A SNOWSTORM. By Mohan Velayudhan.D.H.Sc.

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Dedicated To, My Universal Family Of Humanity Regardless Of Race, Religion Or Creed.

Dedicated With Unbound Love!

Naked In A Snowstorm

By Mohan Velayudhan.

Some Reviews...

SOME REVIEWS

Rosie Lake, An inspired reader,

A great read...thought provoking.

Tim Bannister ([e-mail]), A reviewer,

One story that you would hope doesn't end quite unique reading where you find yourself thinking about it during the day and then can't wait to get back to reading again. I am on my second time reading this book.

The mix of fantasy and true to life story line makes for some excellent reading and also applying to everyday life. it's great.

Cecelia Hagman ([e-mail]),

A reviewer,

This is a book that will earn a permanent place on your bookshelf.

I loved this book. I learned about a country and culture that was foreign to me. The characters might have had strange sounding names but they were as familiar as you and I. Moh Han is a flawed young man on a quest to higher knowledge. Mencius is his teacher, a great sage. The path to enlightenment is filled with tension and conflict. As Moh Han is taught and learns, so does the reader. I only wish Oprah would read and choose this as a selection for her book club. This book deserves a wider audience.

About The Author

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About Me-The Author

I have coached thousands of people in Team Building, Motivation and Personal Empowerment and natural beauty and Weight-loss. I have also written books on personal empowerment and Ancient personal success Manifestation triggers.

I am a master coach and professional trainer. I have trained corporate companies like, Microsoft, IBM, etc in corporate team building.

My forte is of course, coaching people in inspiration, motivation and personal empowerment triggers! As a professional coach/trainer, I am accredited by the International Accreditation Institute-USA.

I am the author of four other books. I am no stranger to publicity, having appeared in numerous TV shows, programs and media. I now live in Kuala Lumpur with my wife and children.

I am also a researcher and scholar of Metaphysics and ancient empowerment secrets for the past 38 years. I am a doctor of Alternate medicine

Visit my websites for interesting content.

https://www.appz.life https://www.go2my.best

Table of Contents.

Introduction. About The Author. CHAPTERS:

1 The flashback

2 In the beginning

3 The ordeal

4 The aftermath

5 Swifter than the wind

6 Dormant within

7 Drums of war

8 The cadence of war

9 When the light seeks to equal the darkness

10 Music of the soul

11 Ten thousand things cease to rise and fall

12 Ten years later...A bird with folded wings

13 Rhythm of the soul

14 The sage cares not for himself

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15 The wise seek everything within himself

16 The journey begins...

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Chapter one - The flashback.

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On the northern fringes of the valley, dusk approached silently, bringing with it chill winds that blew in from the surrounding mountains, stirring up clouds of heavy mist and snow. It howled through the dusty roads of Chang’an.

Twisting; turning, the fierce winds sprayed snow across the rows of houses fronting the streets. Rattling timber shutters joined the cacophony of wheezing, whistling sounds, and the bleating of terrified sheep.

Night descended pregnant with darkness, belching violent thunder. Lightning flashed sudden brightness for split seconds at a time, revealing wind buffeted drizzle. On the lush tree laden slopes of Crystal Mountain stood a beautiful house, at peace amid the impending storm.

Moh Han stood alone in the covered pergola, gazing down at the shimmering lights of the houses dotting the valley. His thoughts were far away, transcending time even. His thoughts tangled in the web of past memories...memories of the last war. He remembered the last war vividly...like it happened yesterday. Moh Han closed his weary eyes, scenes of the war played before his eyes.

‘Ten thousand war elephants stood in a huge arc; the archers poised to unleash their arrows. Thousands of horsemen stood with their restless horses. The regular army positioned themselves in strategic pockets in the forest. The invaders, on the other side waited for the signal, ready for action.

Moh Han stood with Mencius, looking down at the invaders preparing to attack.

Mencius turned to his commanders. Lion king are your warriors in place? Xiang Yu, your special forces ready? He turned to the commander of the lance archers, "Wu Qi, you have deployed the ‘lance archer’ units in specified locations? I am just asking for my self-satisfaction, I know all my commanders are the best. I hate war and wasting lives, but this situation is forced upon us. Let’s

fight to the finish. Be ready. The enemy will attack anytime."

The sound from a thousand conches blared, reverberated through the forest. The war elephants charged. The ground shook. The huge bulls thundered amid huge clouds of dust and clusters of snow.

Arrows zipped into the forest grounds, thudded into trees, some whapped into human flesh. Mancius had led the enemy into a well prepared, trap. Now was the time. He gave the signal for counter attack. Huge eighteen feet crossbow lances were unleashed from powerful crossbows. The lances flew through the air from high mountain positions, cut into the mass of war elephants...’

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The neighing of horses, shrill screams from a dozen frightened throats shattered his thoughts. The thundering roar of huge trees smashing to the ground added urgency to his actions. He ran to the

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stables, grabbed the best and jumped onto the racing horse. In the fading light he saw Sze Mei standing in the doorway, fear, contorting her beautiful features.

Get back into the house, he shouted, as he galloped down the slippery mud track leading into town.

Giant trees, torn off the ground had smashed down the mountain slopes, bringing with it huge boulders. Mudslides had carried these boulders and earth, smashing it against the houses below. A trader with his caravan laden with goods was another casualty. To escape the fierce wind he had sheltered against the mountainside.

Moh Han dismounted, walked to the area of disaster. A large crowd had gathered. Elbowing his way gently, arrived to wailing women holding children, their bodies twisted in death.

Boulders, thick mud and massive tree trunks covered flattened homes.

The caravan lay smashed. The horses were caught in their harnesses. Nowhere to run, the horses lay dead with their bones shattered, bellies torn. Blood flowed and caked the wet soggy soil.

Thirty-five men, women and children lay dead, bodies mangled and grotesque. The lone wailing of an old woman pierced his heart. Oh God, oh Providence, she cried, her face contorted with anguish and fear. "You take away lives, lives of loved ones with a snap of your celestial fingers.

Sixty years of love spun and lived with my family, gone.

Now, I have no one to care for, none to care for me. What is the meaning of this life you have given us?"

Moh Han helped to care for the wounded, buried the bodies of the dead. It was past midnight as he made his way up Crystal Mountain. He knew so much, knew the answers to the questions of life. He knew the meaning of life, the meaning of death, what is expected in life’s journey. He knew how to bring out the wizard from within to empower himself.

‘What about the poor old women and others like her? How to show them, the real meaning of life, the joys of life? That everyone born has tremendous potential buried within them, just waiting to be discovered.’ These thoughts passed through his mind and they in turn triggered others.

One thought fought for attention and grew in strength.

Thoughts of Mencius...His mind raced back in time, to the day he first met the Master, at the temple of knowledge. Master Mencius, known and held in deep respect by kings and paupers alike. It was a long time ago...thirty-three years to be exact.

The memories were fresh, alive in his mind. The first time he met the master, Mencius had appeared from working in the garden. They had walked, side by side, towards the benches set below an ancient Ficus.

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Yo, who goes there, shattered his thoughts. His guard smiled, recognizing Moh Han.

The pergola drew his weary body. He made his way, sat on the comfortable bench. His mind wandered, again, Moh Han’s gaze unfocused as it lost the shimmering lights of Chang’an. It traveled back in time with his memories...to the Temple of knowledge.

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He had learned to see without seeing, to gather knowledge from every source in the world and beyond, just by attuning his inborn faculty. He felt sad. The method is so simple, but not many knew. There was so much he had learned. The greatest secret he had learned was how to gather the powers of nature\ providence to help one to attain whatever one wanted in life. It was so simple. A child could be taught to achieve it.

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The first day he met the master, Mencius had teased him with some fun but profound questions. As they sat on the bench below the ancient tree, the sage had said nothing, producing a folded rice paper, showed the questions. There were thirteen questions in all.

The questions floated through his mind. What is swifter than the swiftest wind?

What is more numerous than the millions of grass in a meadow? What is the best of all things for which praise is given for?

What is the most valuable possession any person can hope for? What is not valued till it is lost?

What is the greatest happiness a person can experience? What makes a person really wealthy if it is thrown away? What enemy cannot be overcome?

What is it that men call good fortune? Which person is truly happy?

What’s the greatest wonder of all? What is real wealth?

What is the rarest thing?

The greatest sacrifice any man can perform?

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He had sat, not knowing where to begin.

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Where are you my love?

The sound of his wife calling snapped him back from his past. He turned, to see Sze Mei standing in the archway. Moh Han walked over, kissed her tenderly.

All around them fine snow laden winds swirled, touching them with fine spray. He led her to the center of the pergola, away from the wind lashed wetness.

They sat close.

Your thoughts were not with you moments ago my love, she murmured snuggling closer, resting her head on his shoulders. What were you thinking about? About Mencius, my thoughts escaped the boundaries of time to our first meeting. If not for this great man, I would not be what I am today, you know that Sze Mei.

‘Yes,’ she thought, ‘how profound the change, how significant.’ Oh yes, my Sze Mei. He spoke aloud, having read her thoughts.

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"Did I tell you, the first day I met the master he asked me a few questions? I couldn’t answer them of course. Later the same night I met his holiness at the temple hall after prayers, laughing softly, he said, ‘Don’t worry if you cannot answer them. I was just teasing you. You know Moh Han, the answer lies all around us, in our everyday lives. Secrets are everywhere, amongst us, yet we search afar.

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You know, men are blinded by ego, arrogance. Learn to lose yours to acquire more knowledge. One must embrace intellectual humility before one can progress. During your stay here in the temple of knowledge you will gain much. You will gain insight to knowledge beyond the reach of millions. You will gain answers to questions that will plague the ignorant for generations to come.’"

Each sat with their thoughts, basking in the warm glow of nostalgia. A stirring deep within him prompted Moh Han to gently disengage himself. Restlessness bubbled to his emotional surface. Pacing around the oval pergola, he voiced his inner thoughts.

"Sze Mei, I have been lucky. I have had the opportunity to study under Mencius at the Temple of knowledge. At the Temple I not only learned the mundane, but also the esoteric, the meaning of life, psychic phenomenon and metaphysics. I rediscovered myself, my purpose in life.

I acquired true fulfillment. I learned to utilize the full capacity of my mind. People operate at 10% of their brainpower. I want to show men, the path to total use of their mind. In the next ten thousand years, the greatest discovery would not be in the frontiers of science, space or physics, but the secret to discovering the powers of one’s mind and using it to acquire whatever one wants out of creation, to cause and create miracles. The other great discovery would be in medicine. The study of the aura will be coupled with diagnosis, to ‘read’ the health of men.

Before an illness touches men, it impinges upon the aura first. So, if one can be taught to read the aura and ascertain what disease is going to attack a person, then, preventive measures can be taken. The future of medicine is preventive healing. One must understand, not everyone can be taught ‘aura reading’, and it will take years of study. But in the distant future, a machine will be invented, that will ‘read’ the aura and a physician will be able to say what ailment is going to afflict the particular person, thus take measures to prevent the illness. A great personality will discover this aura machine, a personality who has mastered the use of his whole mind.

I remember the master giving a speech during the festival of thanksgiving; he said we must be the instruments of change. Sze Mei, you know what he said?

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Listen. He said,

‘We must provide good and positive influence through our very thoughts, actions and words.’ Sze Mei, that’s what I have done all my life, but now I want to reach out to more people, even those whom I may never meet. In order to be the instrument of change for the maximum number of people, I am going to write a book."

Sze Mei was delighted with her husband’s decision, endorsed it wholeheartedly. With the grace of God, they have had a good life. Now is the time to give. She knew, by writing about his experiences, the knowledge he gained, millions of others can benefit.

They had gone back into the house, to the warmth therein.

I will need your help, he said, looking towards her. "I will narrate to you everything, from the very beginning. I will not only include full secrets of what I was taught, but also the adventures I experienced with the great master and Tzemon and the whole team of the elite Celestial Dragon warriors.

The great war, my ordeal in the valley of the Snowstorm, my fights, the assassination attempt on Mencius, what actually happened in Zhang, the mystery of the five mile deep underground cave vault, and the secret we discovered there, and many more. And you know my love? It is you who must put it in writing. Will you, my love?"

I will my beloved. She nodded, bringing him a glass of warm milk.

She sat at his feet, a show of devotion. He looked at his wife of forty years. There were streaks of gray starting from her temples. Her beauty had mellowed, but she looked as enchanting as ever.

Sze Mei, her head resting on his lap, asked, Can we start on the manuscript tomorrow?

"Yes, we start on it at the soonest. I will lay bare all secrets. Mencius will like that.

Do you know why I want you to write? You will be objective, that’s why," Moh Han said smiling.

I am going to call it ‘Naked in a Snowstorm,’ he announced to Sze Mei, as soon as he got up from bed the next morning. "Naked in a Snowstorm, because, remember, We once spent three whole days in the valley of the Snowstorm, naked, with nothing but our wits to survive.

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You know, we were sent there on purpose to learn survival in the harshest condition. I will give details as we go along in the book. In the valley I found myself in the eye of the storm. I was lucky to come out of it alive with you. I emerged with thousands of pinpricks from the cold, tiny icicles the pain unbearable. You were lucky I shielded you. A few days after the ordeal, while sitting in meditation, thoughts came to my mind...that to the unprepared, life too can be like this.

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Without guidance, without preparation, we are standing naked in the Snowstorms of life. We are not facing life, its variables, as we should. Nobody sets out to fight all odds."

Yes, that’s it then, ‘naked in a Snowstorm’ it shall be. Sze Mei agreed happiness dancing in her eyes.

Chapter two. In the beginning...

The footpath leading to the lake of tranquility was shaded and cool. A canopy of leaves blocked the blazing midday sun. As Moh Han neared the lake, he saw the master sitting in meditation. He walked quietly towards the shores to wait. A light breeze stirred the waters causing ripples to skim shoreward. The sun’s rays bounced off these tiny wavelets, creating a mirage of floating, bouncing, sparkling field of diamonds.

Have you been waiting long, young man? Come, come here and sit by me in the shade.

Moh Han walked back to sit facing the master. Mencius sat with a faraway look in his

eyes. The master could feel it. He turned slightly, unfocused his eyes just so. Now he could discern the aura surrounding Moh Han. The colors arrayed in full splendor, swirling around the physical body.

The Reverend concentrated on the aura. Gray, there was slight blotches of gray, denoting weakness of character. This young man had potential, if his weaknesses could be overcome. He had a great weakness for sex and women. He could see indigo, indicating religious conviction. There was this pale blue swirling around his auric sheath.

The master made a mental note of this. The harmonic interplay of blue, green, yellow, orange and red was quite pleasing. The green combined harmoniously in vibration with the other colors. He noted that too. The green was of a pleasant tone, showing a sympathetic, compassionate and loving personality. Moh Han seemed to be a person who needed to be pushed, in order to make crucial decisions. It was the band of light blue that gave him away.

All these took, but a moment. Mencius was an adept. He could see the aura of any living thing. Anything that lives has an aura. By studying the aura he could tell everything about a person. For the master there was no secret. He could even tell a person what sickness is going to afflict him in the future.

The master brought his eyes back into focus. Mencius looked in sympathy at the skinny boy sitting before him. He did have a lot of weaknesses. Physically, he was not too tall, about five feet, four. Moh Han kept his thick black hair long, reaching below his shoulders, like a woman’s, pleated. He looked handsome in a rugged sort of way, the long hair softening the sharp features.

His complexion, a light tan was made darker by sheen of furry soft hair, covering his whole body. Mencius noticed all these, but his main concern was the psyche of this person, the flaws therein.

Mencius stood up, touched Moh Han, who startled to attention.

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You have come a long way for instructions, son. But will your mind be at peace to receive and absorb the knowledge that awaits you? Ming Ji, your father has handed over the business to your care, so who will mind it now? What about your wife Sze Mei? The master inquired.

Moh Han felt uneasy for a moment but gathered his thoughts.

Sir, my father has agreed to help me out for another two years at least. As for my wife, she is in full support. She will stay with her parents for the duration.

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The master was still not quite satisfied. He wanted a hundred percent commitment. So he turned to Moh Han and said, "Boy, your family has been involved in trade and commerce for a long time.

You are a man of the world, how can my instructions help you in your life, your trade?"

Moh Han answered carefully.

Respected sir, your knowledge and wisdom will make me a better person, thus enabling me to conduct my daily affairs, my business, better. Most important it will teach me to lead a rich, fulfilling and contended life. Mencius smiled hearing this.

Moh Han continued. Reverend Sir, the trading house of Tang Han and Ming Ji has merged. As you know sire, the honorable Tang Han and my father are old friends. It is Tang Han’s express wish that I come to you for instructions. My father concurred. Tang Han sends you his deepest respects sir. Mencius understood. He nodded, smiling with satisfaction.

Moh Han left the lakeside and made his way back to the main Dragon temple complex feeling happy. Mencius had accepted him as his student. Although he found the master simple and down to earth, he had stood in awe.

Mencius looked majestic, with a kind of intrinsic psychic force surrounding him. He had felt exhilarated, energized, and blissful in the great man’s presence. His holiness was enveloped in an aura of power and profound knowledge. Moh Han had visualized the master with an imposing figure. The master was all these.

His sharp features, bushy eyebrows made him look stern. It was the eyes that held Moh Han’s attention most. The master had the kind of eyes that stopped a person in his tracks, at least momentarily. They had a sort of a glow that looked right through you.

The gong sounded, reverberating throughout the temple grounds. The temple complex came alive. In the dormitories, lamps were lit. Acolytes came awake, some stretching, yawning, some groaning. There was a collective buzz, as if a colony of bees had been disturbed. Each went his way, to wash, to cleanse, before attending to meditation at the lotus hall.

Here, the day began early. It has been the tradition for hundreds of years, since this temple of learning was founded by the great philosopher, Sima Qian. Here the day began at four am. The first hour kept for special breathing exercises and meditation. The aspirants sit, clear their minds of all accumulated clatter of the previous day and prepare for the day at hand. The wise ones knew that it is of utmost benefit to start a new day with a fresh mind.

Temple service began at five, lasted an hour. Incenses were lit to create the appropriate vibrations.

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After prayers it was time for a breakfast of sugared brown rice and milk. Today there was extraordinary bustle. The elders were preparing the chosen twelve for the ‘ordeal of the

Snowstorm.’ This was indeed special. The ordeal took place only twice a year. Only twelve are chosen out of many, and the participants do so at the risk of their lives. Some return, heads held high, many with bowed heads. A few never come back.

Chapter three. The Ordeal.

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The Horse drawn chariots was brought to the main Dragon temple gates, driven by six white horses. Moh Han had never seen such magnificent animals or such finely crafted vehicle. Although feeling anxiety

standing with the others ready to go, he couldn’t help but marvel at the craftsmanship of the chariot. He looked around, there was no one he knew or recognized.

He suddenly felt alone and there was a tug of fear in his heart. He felt afraid. He did not know what to expect. No one had briefed him.

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A monk instructor motioned for them to follow to the main gates. Mencius stood waiting to one side of the magnificent horses. Today there was no sign of a smile on his face. The master looked stern. His piercing eyes settled on each of them. Then he spoke.

"Men, today you start on a journey beyond these temple grounds, beyond the mountain ranges fronting it, to the valley of the Snowstorm. Not only that...as you start this journey, you also start on a personal journey of self-discovery. Six senior warrior monks who are well versed in all procedures will accompany you. They have guided others before you.

When you reach the valley, the monks will brief you. I wish each and everyone of you, success."

With a wave of his hand, Mencius disappeared from sight.

The chariot raced through the dusty mud track till it came to the mountain pass. They stopped to stretch their legs. The monks suggested lunch. After their meal, they made their slow way through the pass, followed along roads cut into the mountainsides. The horses majestically picked their way through the stone strewn stretches.

The men hardly spoke, rode silently, each with their own thoughts. Moh Han dozed awhile, his body swaying in rhythm to the chariot’s movements, as it made its way across the ranges. They arrived at the valley entrance just before nightfall the following day.

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After the horses had been taken care of, a simple meal was prepared. Later sitting around a roaring fire, they talked until only the embers remained.

Moh Han and the other young men found the warrior monks friendly enough, at least today. He was curious as to why they were called warrior monks. The monks looked fit, agile, smooth and controlled in all their movements. Moh Han, together with Tzemon plucked courage to ask about their training.

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Gogen, the grandmaster, kindly explained about the training methods. Moh Han with the others moved closer to the old warrior. And Gogen told them about ‘Daruma Gu Han’.

Gogen