Adam the Spirit Master

Chapter 13

Every transition is an intensive ritual that demands deep focus and complete control over our senses. Only well-trained Onmyojis can successfully conduct a transition in their investigation of supernatural crimes. 

It has taken many years of training for some and for me, it was, strangely, an easy craft to master. My teacher, Master Sato, observed this may be a result of my mother's background. She was also trained as an Onmyoji.  

 Gradually, I planted my feet in the basin. The warmth travelled through the pores on my skin and breathed life into every cell of my body. I began meditating, chanting the Ksitigarbha Mantra, Om Hahaha Vismaye Svaha, which I regarded as the golden standard of mantras. It was something that soothed my heart, and drives away the cloud of dust in our minds and dispelled anxiety, anger and all dark vibes. 

As I meditated and focused my energy, trying to find the point of light in my consciousness, 

The process is pretty much like gliding in the air. The disturbance around us in the human realm is like turbulence that disrupts your course, and the meditative powers is the application of skill to stay the course and reach the destination. 

The entire exercise requires command of every fibre in the body and mind. When there is a smooth alignment, one transit from one realm to another.  

Back in Kyoto, during our apprenticeship at the Sect HQ in Uji, we were individually placed out to the remote spots in the mountains to train our meditation skills with a mentor to guide us. This is a non-negotiable hurdle in our training.  If one aspires to be an Onmyoji, he must pass this test. 

After minutes, I saw the light and focused my energy in navigating towards that point. 

Om Hahaha Vismaye Svaha. a Om Hahaha Vismaye Svaha

Gradually as I touched that point of light, all sounds in the background faded away. I found myself drifting into subconsciousness like fish to water. Flowing and immersing in the vortex of light and subtle change in energy levels. I soon experienced a state of emptiness or void. It is point zero where the barriers to the next realm are cleared. 

Soon, the only thing I hear is my voice. 

For a moment that felt like an eternity, I found myself floating. However, just as it arrives the void also fades quickly away. I felt my senses again with a chill in my fingers. 

The temperature changed and then I felt the light and sounds.

I opened my eyes gradually. I found myself in the living room of Chua Mansion. I was alone. The lawn outside looked tranquil and I heard a spate of bird noises. 

The house was in a yellow shade of colour. Usually, the alternate worlds that I transited will take on different colours and light yellow indicates a benign aura of the family that occupies the house. 

I have transited. 

I stood up and checked my belongings. I had the Buki Brush and my sandalwood beads.  

I stood and carefully paced down the corridor.  There was nobody in sight.

I passed by the photo wall and realized there were numerous pictures of Mavis Chua in various countries. Quite a global traveller. I noticed the pictures of her over the years with her winning competitions and awards at secondary and Junior College levels.

“Impressive.” I thought

I continued pacing around the living room. 

“I am Adam Wong Takahashi, Spirit Master, the onmyōji.” I made a self-introduction and waited for a response. It was so quiet I could hear a pin drop. The prolonged silence brought on a sense of foreboding.

 “Is there anyone here?”

Again, there was no response.  A sense of disappointment began to grow. I was wrong. There is nothing wrong with the other dimension. There are no traces of supernatural presence.

Claudia is probably the victim of a family murder. I check the clock on the wall. 11.45 pm. I will probably stayed for 15 minutes before taking leave. 

Visnu will be glad to hear that. 

At this moment, I heard a light sound. My heart missed a beat. I strained to listen again.  It is coming from the second floor!