Java and Sicily: two islands, one soul

 

Andrea and Irwan are two friends who met in Indonesia, specifically in the western part of Java, and both of their names reflect their nobility of spirit and their courage. However, Andrea is a young Italian recent graduate originally from Sicily, an island in the Mediterranean, who decides to venture into other countries far from his homeland, now weary of the excessive worldliness and the moral decadence typical of many “Western countries,” which for decades have begun to distort even Sicilian youth.

Yet Sicily in the past has always been a crossroads of cultures that produced a grand fusion of architectural, linguistic, genetic, and culinary elements.

On the splendid island of Java, he began his work and volunteer activities, rediscovering himself in serving others and in creating deep connections with the local people, especially with the Sundanese ethnic group, to which Irwan belongs. Andrea meets him during an excursion to Cukang Taneuh, a marvellous canyon, characterised by emerald-coloured waters and dense tropical vegetation.

Over time the two come to know each other better, and Irwan, who is in love with Italy, learns through Andrea several things about the beautiful island, which he then decides to visit together with his Sicilian friend.

One late-summer afternoon the two friends find themselves on one of the beaches of southern Sicily and, while waiting for the sunset and the contemplation of the stars, they begin to retrace their adventures on these two splendid islands.

“Andrea, I never imagined that the Mediterranean held such a wonderful jewel! You know, I have always loved traveling, but it is not easy for us… Obtaining a visa is something difficult and very restrictive.”

“Irwan, you are right, and I would add that there should not be differences between nations. There are no first-class or second-class countries, none better than others, because our diversity is what makes us special. Yet it is within this diversity that we must find Unity, the feeling of being like a Great Universal Family, with equal opportunities, dignity, and an inner, spiritual aspect, if we wish to understand it that way. I am sure that a day will come when we will be able to travel without restrictions, not only here on Earth but even toward other worlds… I almost have the impression that we are confined to this planet as some of the worst beings in the Universe… Who would wage war against his own brother or sister for a piece of land, for natural resources, for money or, worse, out of hatred? But that Golden Age will come, and then we will be happy again, living in Love, Peace, and Justice.”

“I would not want to delude myself too much, because this Earth actually has so many wonders that we often fail to realise it. In fact, we are destroying all the beauties of creation and the works of past civilisations. I would never have imagined visiting Sicily, and with you I have been able to discover wonderful places.”

“You are right, we must give value to the precious things we have before it is too late, before we lose them forever because of our destructive madness. Anyway, tell me what you liked the most! I am truly curious!”

“The Greco-Roman culture that has left an indelible mark on this island. The Ancient-Greek temples of Agrigento, the Ancient-Greek theatres of Taormina, Catania, and Syracuse, the Roman Villa del Casale in Piazza Armerina, the Roman baths of Catania…”

“Truly wonderful, and you know how much I love classical Greco-Roman culture! You just reminded me of the splendid temples of Borobudur and Prambanan in magnificent Java! You see, both of our islands are characterised by a blending of elements from various cultures, religions, and civilisations…”

“And not to mention Mount Etna, immense and majestic, rising almost like the king of this island. I cannot imagine how beautiful it must be to see it in winter covered in snow. Then Stromboli, Vulcano and the other Aeolian islets, then the Egadi Islands, Pantelleria… what a marvel!”

“In fact, Java also boasts several volcanoes that I have had the chance to see and from which I could observe breathtaking landscapes: Bromo and Semeru, for example! Even this volcanic aspect, let’s call it that, brings us together hahaha.”

“Hahaha, that’s true! I had not thought of that! In our diversity and in our spatial and temporal distance we can still find elements in common! And then there are our beautiful beaches, like the one we are on now. Rediscovering nature is something many people have lost, immersed in the worries and anxieties of everyday life, emptied of their deepest feelings, often devoted to exhausting work and very little to personal affections and to their own souls…”

“You are right, Irwan, and that is why I wanted to escape from that chaotic environment, even though I missed my beloved homeland. Now I am here, but soon we will leave again and I already know that I will miss it. Every place that I associate with my youth takes me back and makes me relive intense emotions. Not that I do not feel them in wonderful Java, but it is somewhat the destiny of the human being: a wandering traveler who seeks to rediscover himself first of all, almost driven by a sense of dissatisfaction. Even more so in these recent times, so tumultuous and decadent, in which most people here tend to be superficial and lacking in empathy.”

“Andrea, it is true, and even true and virtuous friendships are difficult to find nowadays… I feel so fortunate to have met you, to have a few best friends but loyal ones.”

“Virtuous—you said it well! You reminded me of Cicero and his work dedicated to the theme of friendship. His words echo in my heart, especially when I find sincere and deep friendships. For this great philosopher, true friendship is born from Virtue; it is a natural good, it never asks for unjust actions, and it is based on loyalty and mutual esteem. May ours last forever, even beyond this earthly dimension. As the saying goes, he who finds a friend finds a treasure.”

“True, what a beautiful expression! I hope so too. Thank you for not having prejudices about me.”

“Irwan, I love to look into hearts, into the soul, through actions, the way one behaves, words, and much more! You and your wonderful Indonesian people have an extraordinary depth of spirit: you are respectful, loving, wise, and welcoming. I truly feel at home with you, at ease. I already know that I will miss this experience when I will probably have to go elsewhere in the world.”

“You Sicilians are also very empathetic and friendly! And imagine if we could move around more easily and quickly… it would be wonderful, Andrea!”

“It will happen, I feel it…”

“I hope… Anyway, what a wonderful sunset! I will carry beautiful memories of this journey, besides the kilos I gained here thanks to your delicious Sicilian and Italian cuisine hahaha.”

“Hahaha, you are right. Other friends who visited Sicily told me the same thing. But do not worry, we will try to recreate something once we are back in Java. Besides, your cuisine is also truly delicious. Rice is present in both: between nasi goreng and arancini, hahaha.”

“Hahaha, true, you are right. They are delicious! Actually, speaking of that, we should start thinking about what to prepare for dinner tonight—but in the meantime let us begin to admire the first stars that are appearing.”

The two friends continued spending time on that beach, contemplating the sky and the stars and enjoying their outer and inner peace.

Both journeys and the discoveries of their respective islands were a source of cultural and spiritual enrichment, because what truly characterises all those souls that vibrate on the same wavelength is the creation of connections, of deep unions that transcend space and time, that bring forth Peace, Equality, Love, Justice, and Righteousness. It does not matter how few such cases may seem, because the Universal Order will sooner or later manifest itself on this Earth as well, and then there will be no more inequalities, chaos, hatred, wars, destruction, or vice.

The Light of the Fergana Valley

The Fergana Valley is a paradisiacal and flourishing region where flora, fauna, and human beings have always established a deep connection. It was a Golden Age that, unfortunately, slowly began to fade over time, until the difficult days when the tyrant Qorong'i attempted to besiege this splendid land, trying to transform it into a realm of terror, destruction, exploitation, and servitude.

The people of Fergana, a people ancestrally free, are now held under siege and constant threat. Unfortunately, the evil nature of this character was not evident at first. He presented himself as a savior, cloaking his true diabolical purpose under deceptive promises. In his expansionist ambitions, he always justified his conquests as necessary acts meant to bring progress, development, order, peace, and justice.

However, a group of young friends occasionally tries to escape the oppression of the wicked Qorong'i, retreating to a cabin in the forest to spend time together, devoting themselves above all to what the despot had forbidden: reading books, meditating, praying, and practicing other arts such as painting, writing, and music.

“Sardor, my friend, here you are! We were waiting for you!” says Jasur.

“Nurlan, Jasur, Zarina, and Meerim, please forgive me. Unfortunately, I had a setback… Qorong'i’s guards stopped me and asked several questions about where I was going and what I was doing.”

“This situation is truly unbearable. How long will we go on like this? We were born as a free, virtuous, respectful, and creative people, but at this rate we are emptying ourselves of what is truly precious: our soul, our spirit, our values, our virtues.”

“Zarina, you are absolutely right. Yet many seem intimidated, while others remain lukewarm because this destructive progress suits them: a world where everything is contaminated and polluted, where a false peace is guided by warnings of war, genocides, and devastating weapons. Behind the real interests of Qorong'i and others like him there is no desire for Peace, Freedom, Justice, Love, and Virtue, but only cravings for power, territorial expansion, and the conquest of resources that, moreover, poison the very earth itself. And the most serious thing is that, in order to strengthen surveillance over each of us, he would like to deprive us of the deepest freedom he still does not possess: that of our soul and our mind, the freedom to make choices. He wants to control every individual through microchips. And that would mean that even these meetings would no longer be possible… and that it would truly be like living in hell on this Earth.”

“No, please, Nurlan, that would be terrible! At the mere thought of it I could not even bear to continue living here!” adds Meerim.

“We must then awaken consciences, because our compatriots do not truly know the real consequences of this tyranny! He has attacked other peoples by presenting himself as a savior sent from heaven, but he has done nothing but follow a program based on a false order, a false well-being, and a false peace. If a territory is rich in gems and gold, he might claim that certain ethnic groups must be freed from the chains of ignorance; if another is rich in oil and natural gas, then their leaders suddenly become agents of evil and must be eradicated. It is always the same red thread that connects his misdeeds. But the most serious thing is that the rest of the peoples allow it! They seem asleep, blinded, deaf and blind, or lukewarm, or even worse, satisfied with this diabolical progress that aims at destruction rather than respect for life and virtues.”

“It is true, Zarina, I agree with you. But, my dear friends, we must ensure that we fight with our victorious weapons—weapons that shed no blood but spread Truth, Justice, Peace, Love, and other Virtues: the use of wisdom, writing, and the arts. We must denounce, at first subtly and in a silent and disguised way. The more souls become conscious, the more we will be able to create unions of hearts, deep connections, as if we were one single being, to drive tyranny and darkness away from our wonderful Valley,” says Jasur.

“How much pain I feel, my friends, when I see our Valley increasingly contaminated by waste, dangerous substances, and radioactive materials used above all for his diabolical weapons. All the fruits that the land and water once offered are now polluted, or even diminished, if not completely absent. Because of the destructive form of modernism promoted by Qorong'i and his companions continuing to advance, we will have fewer and fewer resources to live on, and we will soon be destined for self-annihilation.”

“Meerim, and you my other dear friends, we cannot allow this, because this Earth is a gentle concession from our Creator. We cannot remain indifferent. Actions are important, especially when they put our ideals into practice. For this reason, I would begin to seek peaceful solutions that can shake consciences and souls. In a world filled with dense darkness, we can be those small flames that, by joining and spreading, can create an immensely powerful Light!” adds Nurlan.

“Antigone, heroine of Sophocles’ famous tragedy, said that ‘we are born to share love, not hatred.’ And that is why our actions will be guided by noble values, to restore our Valley of Fergana to the splendor it once had, when the meadows were in bloom, the earth spontaneously produced everything we needed, and the waters of the streams were crystal clear and wholesome.”

“Dear Meerim,” Zarina intervenes, “I would also add what Sappho wrote in one of her poems: ‘Some say that the most beautiful thing on the dark earth is an army of horsemen, others of infantry, others of ships; I say: it is whatever one loves.’ And what we love is the desire for Peace, Truth, Freedom, Love, and Justice.”

“Well said, Zarina. Then let us try to denounce, spread the hidden truths, and awaken our other compatriots, our brothers and sisters. ‘It is not that we have little time, but that we waste much of it,’ as Seneca would say. Time is precious, and every single moment can be crucial, not only through our prayers or inner virtues, but also through good actions. Imagine how much remorse we would feel one day when we leave this earthly dimension if we had wasted much of our time on futile or even destructive things. Virtue calls us, because without it nature, flora, fauna, and all human beings would suffer… ‘Do not act as if you were going to live ten thousand years. Necessity hangs over you. While you live, while it is in your power, be virtuous,’ Marcus Aurelius would say,” says Sardor.

Small actions, driven by noble intentions, gradually began to awaken consciences and create new connections, new unions of hearts. And it is known: where Love, Peace, and Justice reign, there is no place for hatred, chaos, or agents of evil like Qorong'i.

The Fergana Valley and its inhabitants will soon find themselves reliving the wonderful Golden Age, for the defeat of evil is imminent.