The Book
The Bridge Between Human Spirits
by Khakendra Pun
Now in its seventh edition, The Bridge Between Human Spirits is the personal story of Khakendra Pun's journey from Nepal to America.
Visit the Sample Stories page to read samples from the book.
Read on for samples from the Prologue and Introduction of the book.
For more information please contact Khakendra.
Prologue from The Bridge Between Human Spirits
Every moment we step forward in life, we walk on the bridge. Whether it's a bridge designed by the engineers or it's just a plain simple bridge built by the hands of a group of villagers, or a dirt-trail formed itself by the footprints of many people's walk. A bridge is an essential element to our lives. Without it, we wouldn't be able to see the different between the East and the West. A bridge is what connects all of us here. Without a bridge we would not be able to see different part of the world. Without a bridge, we cannot take another step in life. The bridge is what makes our spirits connect to one another.
From the Introduction - My Dear Country Nepal
Mountains colored by the nature, these three national birds of Nepal, Dafe, Munal and Mauyur, fly high above the shore of the Himalayas singing their songs. Inspired by the elements of life, people plough their fields and grow their own foods. As the festivals arrive, people sing, dance and laughter begins everywhere. Old men and women live in little straw huts and teach their children how to carry on their lives. Widows raise seven children working in their fields with peace always smiling towards others. Driven by the joy of life under mother sky, sun, moon and stars people live simply with what they have. Being unable to afford warm clothes in winter, villagers wear lopur and radhi, hand made rags from sheep wool to keep them warm. When someone is in need they give what they have and share their kindnesses. When they fall onto difficulties, comforted by their spirits, they sit by the stones and hopes for better. When they see a person who they have never seen before or have seen only once in their lifetime, they run and greet to connect with the spirit of that person. When loved ones go far away in other countries to work and earn money they hold their love within their heart and wait for many years until they return home. Avoiding instant gratifications in life they do things without harming other fellow human beings and creatures. When someone is walking towards them, with dignity and respect they step aside smiling, until that person walks by. Throughout the summer as the thunder strikes, the monsoon's heavy rain pours down on the corn leaves on the terraces. Porters carrying heavy loads smile and continue walking up or down. As the winter begins, the cold stream sizzle down the hills and the koeli, mauina and neuli churi sing their songs traveling throughout the forest. Under that bright and warm sunlight, while the flowers bloomed in the terraces, you were able to smile upon life. This was once my country and will always be.
Visit the Sample Stories page for more samples from the book.