Saosh Yant was walking with Kudai Kam through the summer mountain taiga. The July day was hot, filled with tranquil peace and stately leisureliness. There were tall mountain silver-firs standing around, clad in dark green finery of thick branches with fleshy needles. They grew up to about thirty meters tall and were so thick that only two men could fathom them. Heated by the sun, they exhaled the most delicate perfume which suffused the forest with the atmosphere vigor and power. Here and there the yellow amber tears of resin were streaming down the tree trunks. Glittering in the sun with the golden droplets, they also emitted a bit harsh but pleasant odor.
Cedars could also be found in some places. Dressed in bushy caps of the long silver-green needles, they showed off among the firs like haughty dandies. A weasel showed up in the branches. Hiding behind a tree trunk, it peeped out its light-beige snout and pricked up the big round ears. And then, seeing that the uninvited guests were also looking at it, it hid behind the trunk and went away from them. Kudai Kam and Saosh Yant gave a merry laugh in reply and walked on.
Soon the path rose, the forest began to thin, and our travelers came to alpine meadows. The area full of grasses, flowers and insects. On these montane grasslands there was motley grass smelling sweet and blooming. Scattered with delicate, bright, fragrant flowers, the meadows were ablaze with all the colors that could be found in nature. There were bluebells, flagrant pink rhododendrons and even big white chamomiles and other little sweet-scented flowerets unknown to Saosh Yant. Mosses and lichens ensconced themselves cozily between the rocks. You name it! Everything bloomed, blossomed and exhaled fragrance. The beautiful, marvelous flowers with the furry black-and-yellow bumblebees and fine colorful butterflies flitting around with plangent hum were an unending source of fascination and loveliness. It seemed that this time would never be over. The time filled with heat and wonderful natural harmony. The caressing sun had climbed to the zenith and was shining brightly, majestically giving warmth and strength to all living things. And the dazzling blue endless sky was covered with huge white heap clouds towering high above, whose fanciful forms reminded of the temple of Tengri, the God of Eternity.
Looking at them, Saosh Yant thought, “This is the place where the Gods live! And Tengri Khan may show his face from there at any moment. And I will behold the Eternal. That space where time has no power over men!”
Before he could think of anything else, the path, which had been rising till now, went over the hill pass and started descending into the blossoming mountain valley. In such places, untouched by man, one could feel the wonderful energy of nature filling with serenity and happiness. The happiness that ran through all the being of the person who was fortunate to visit these lands.
So Kudai Kam led his apprentice into an absolutely new world where he was to be cleansed and learn a lot.
“Why go that far?” you might ask. “All the more because Saosh Yant already lived close to nature. What’s the point?”
And you’d be perfectly right. But!.. When a shaman-to-be lives among people, there are too many of those around him who are constantly reminding him what he is, where from and what for. And he may forget his higher calling. It is too difficult for him to overcome all that and go his own way. For this there is a Great Kam to help him. That is why our hero had set forth on this long and difficult journey.
Having come to the ascent, right before the steep slope where the path began to climb up quickly, Kudai Kam bowed to the mountain and said:
“Let us in your realm, blessed Ayami, patroness of this land! Receive us favorably. We admire you, your Power and Might and seek your protection!”
With this he put his right palm on his chest and made a low bow.
Saosh Yant repeated this ritual following Kudai Kam. Then the travelers continued their ascent.
When Kudai Kam began to climb up the steep path, he said:
“These places of Power are temples of the ancients, the followers of Shamanism. We are heathens and we don’t see the need in building special temples, churches, datsans or synagogues. For us temples are the places of Power. The mountain peaks, abrupt picturesque coasts, clean untouched lakes. They all are the places where one can be closer to the Gods. Shamans know them and go there only when the need arises, in order not to disturb the spirits. And none of the artificial, man-made temples can be compared with any of the God’s creations. Since here they commune with the powerful spirits of place, with the Yarsu (water and earth spirits) and with the Gods, there is a very special atmosphere. That is why one should enter these places in silence, with great reverence and awe.”
At last the trees ended, and the travelers came to alpine meadows once again. They were walking up surrounded by vigorously blooming grasses, flowers and the fragrant rhododendrons. The air was sultry, filled with the power of the July sun. The hum of thousands of various insects blended into a multitudinous chorus. Bright butterflies fluttered all around. Every now and then the playfully chirping birds flew from one branch to another, minding their own business. Their fledglings had already grown up. Still tailless, but already able to fly. And together with the parents, they were learning all the intricacies of the avian survival. From flower to flower the colorful butterflies fluttered every now and again. The sun was scorching, and half an hour later the travelers were pouring with sweat. The ascent was long and not easy, but Kudai Kam was in no hurry, trying to feel and absorb all the impressions and energy of this place. Copying his behavior, Saosh Yant was also walking silently imbibing the energy of nature with every fiber of his body.
“In the wild with almost no people,” said Kudai Kam, “the Ayami always talk to and help those who come to them asking for help. But in crowded places they’ve become taciturn.”
“But why?” asked his apprentice.
“They are unwilling to talk to those who are unable to listen. You won’t feel like talking to a person who’s sitting with his back turned on you, will you?”
The young man nodded quietly.
“So only in such places, where people rarely show up, the Ayami are ready to talk. They won’t let just anybody in. Ordinary people seek easier and calmer ways.”
“You’re right, Kudai Kam. I remember when I was young, my parents used to take me to this place – “The Sunbaths” is the name. It is near the place where the Katun River and the Chuysky Trakt cross. What an atmosphere there was! Quiet, peace and harmony. Not a piece of trash, not a trace of human presence. The trees were standing untouched. Branchy. I can still remember it. The water in the pools was so clean. I remember swimming in them. It was warmer where there was less water. And in the big pools it was cooler. I still remember what I felt when I was a child. I really felt Ayami talk to me. The river itself, which was flowing nearby, whispered its lullaby to me. I remember falling asleep in a hut to those sounds. And then, fifteen years later, I again visited that place on my own, without the parents. My God! What’s happened to that place! I could hardly recognize it!.. They’ve organized campgrounds all over, the entire coast is now furrowed with trails. The trees’ve been picked bare, like bones. What’s become of their patulous branches? Bottles and trash are left here and there. Even in the pools! Can you imagine, Kudai Kam?!
The Great Shaman gave a reproachful nod.
“And the saddest thing,” Saosh went on, “is that the place has become sort of desolate. You don’t want to go into such water anymore. It seemed to have become dirty, both literally and figuratively. I have an impression that the coast is dying. And Ayami is really very angry with the people who treat her in an exploitative manner.”
“You’re right, my friend, you’re right.”
“And I feel no more excitement in that place. But here!.. I just feel my soul and body cleanse,” said Saosh Yant with amazement and joy. “With every step I feel lighter and easier inside. As if I’m relieving myself from some old unnecessary burden.”
