13.7

As the music swept through an intricate range of emotions, the theme running through Max’s mind remained constant.

We are born pure then we adjust.

We work out how best to fit in to the scheme of money and power.

We find a partner.

We have children.

And the process repeats itself all over again.

That’s the way it is.

That’s life.

But what was wrong with these concepts? They were obviously the best ideas humanity had come up with and had managed to produce relative stability for thousands of years? Why look beyond them?

Anyway, why was he even thinking like this?

Was he really considering doing it himself?

Was there really something out there?

Out there… in the unconditioned.

“You will witness God.”

Could that possibly be true?

Was it possible that renunciation was somehow self-fulfilling… a perfectly natural process.

Perhaps it’s just that simple.

Perhaps once you step away from your conditioning… you immediately break into the natural way you are supposed to think and… feel.

But… could it really be that simple?

Was God really available – just one step away?

Or was there nothing out there at all – just a complete and utter mind fuck? A vortex for beginners – like you.

K-chunk, K-chunk, K-chunk.

Max was mesmerized by the two sadhus who seemed to merge into the music, rise with rapture, and float into some omnipotent state.

What is it that they share?

Is it just a good night out?

Or is it actual knowledge of God?

“You will witness God.”

The old man’s words, already a disturbing memory, resounded with a daunting, unassailable authority.

Where had this authority come from?

Either the old man knows the future.

Or witnessing God is so easy any fool can do it…

K-chunk, K-chunk, K-chunk.

Even you.