"Doa sejati tak pernah ingin mengejar, menangkap, dan memahami Tuhan dengan kesombongan akal. Doa sejati adalah usaha untuk menyiapkan batin dan hati, agar dari dalam hati itu Roh sendirilah yang berdoa untuk kita kepada Allah." (p. 25).
This is a real story of the author's pilgrimage on Mount Merapi. He and his team went to seven places which are notably known as the 'source of life' to the villagers around. Their pursuit was called 'lelaku kembang pitu' (pilgrimage searching for seven flowers) and 'lelaku tuk pitu (pilgrimage searching for seven springs). Such a journey was believed to be a holy attempt to search for divine awareness in God's grace and spiritual experience to enrich one's inner soul.
During their journey, they met humble yet graceful women in every village where the spring was, who embodied the beauty of Maria, the Holy Mother. Each of these women taught them (and me as a reader) the real actions of humility, perseverance, true love, and acceptance.
From these women, I was astonished by the simplicity of their real action in loving God. It's very simple, not complicated. It's meaningful, not fancy. It's subtle, not loud. To the worldly eyes, they are not wealthy or filthy rich, even considered as outcasts according to ignorant eyes. Yet, from the author's perspective, I could imagine and feel the presence of God's angels through their pure kindness and warmth. Anytime the author elaborates on their encounters, I truly wish I could be surrounded by these kinds of people, to help me get closer to our Highest, at least, to bring me closer to the divinity.
I hope it's not going to be my eternal longing. And I'm very grateful for this book, the story of finding God through nature and selfless souls.