"Study? That is not the Way, as once he taught it.
Yet he does study. He does not meditate, seeking with-
in the object that which leads to release of the subject.
No."
"What then does he do?"
"The reverse."
"The reverse?"
"He does study the object, considering its ways, in an
effort to bind himself. He seeks within it an excuse to
live. He tries once more to wrap himself within the
fabric of Maya, the illusion of the world."
"I believe you are right, Taki" It was Ratri who had
spoken. "How can we assist him in his efforts?"
"I am not certain, mistress."
LORD OF LIGHT 21
Yama nodded, his dark hair glistening in a bar of
sunlight that fell across the narrow porch.
"You have set your finger upon the thing I could not
see," he acknowledged. "He has not yet fully returned,
though he wears a body, walks upon human feet, talks
as we do. His thought is still beyond our ken."
"What then shall we do?" repeated Ratri.
"Take him on long walks through the countryside,"
said Yama. "Feed him delicacies. Stir his soul with
poetry and song. Find him strong drink to drinkўthere
is none here in the monastery. Garb him in bright-hued
silks. Fetch him a courtesan or three. Submerge him in
living again. It is only thus that he may be freed from
the chains of God. Stupid of me not to have seen it
sooner ..."
"Not really, deathgod," said Tak.
" The flame that is black leapt within Yama's eyes,
and then he smiled. "I am repaid, little one," he ac-
knowledged, "for the comments I, perhaps thoughtless-
ly, let fall upon thy hairy ears. I apologize, ape-one.
