Joking with Mani about barefoot tricks on hot coals / embers at the temple later in the week, man could only take the matter seriously; there was no joking possible there. As he began, Mani started with an apology. I tell you; sorry. After which he went on to explain what was needed in order to participate in these festivities. (Deepavali was a public holiday in Singapore too, the 22nd this year.) At home Mani would keep full vegetarian 40 days, in preparation he may have meant; his mind, heart would be free and clear. Here that could not be done. Working, stress, bad thinking; calm and quiet lacking. None of the boys at Mubin could manage it here, it was simply not possible. It seemed clear that state of mind described was not in fact only fortification for the physical ordeal; it was far more than that. And the apology at the outset was another matter in itself. Laying it on, telling another something as if he were in some superior position, some higher knowing, was felt as presumptuous and unmannerly by Mani. Not simply either because here was a coloured guy telling a white.
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