The Dragon’s Secret

Saturday, 6 October 2012 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The legend says that a dragon lives in a crystal cave.

In the crystal cave, the dragon tirelessly watches over a secret.

A secret the dragon will only reveal before dying.

Kusana Manjusri from Colombo, Sri Lanka and Borja Miguélez from León, Spain made friends while chatting about stones, ink and words. From this friendship and fascination with symbols and love for Sri Lankan classical art, sprouted a dragon, a dragon fond of napping among the branches of trees that shed soft shade.

A dragon who keeps a secret, a secret that can be uncovered only by gazing inward, what would you ask of the dragon should he reveal himself to you, beneath the branches of a splendid flamboyan? Are you ready to find out?

Kushan Manjusri is the son of L.T.P Manjusri, a founder member of the '43 Group and is renowned for his contribution to the artistic traditions of the country, especially Buddhist art. The bilingual edition of The Dragon’s Secret or El Secreto del Dragón, as it is known in Spanish, by Borja Miguélez and Kusana Manjusri will be launched at Barefoot and will be available at the Barefoot bookshop from 12 October onwards. Contact the Barefoot bookshop on 112589305, extension 210.

Illustrations: Kusana Manjusri

Kusana is undefinable. Any label would fade upon contact. He paints with a fine brush, holding his breath on every stroke, like a pearl diver. He spends time living in a cave, recalling his days as a hermit. He researches the etymology of words no longer in use. He chooses food according to their color, to the concern of his friends. He loves Sri Lanka and has dedicated much of his life to the preservation of its culture and heritage, as did his father. Kusana has no phone, no email address. We all want to see him, but this is beyond us. Sometimes, and like some miracle, Kusana appears, smiling, his heart in his hands.

Text: Borja Miguélez (León, España)

The nomadic life has its charm. Borja is a dedicated humanitarian professional; delighting in relationships with people, relishing worlds. If nothing else, Borja has learned that it is not necessary to go globe-trotting across five continents to discover the farthest reaches of the universe: just close your eyes and look inside. When his children were born, he started writing the stories he wanted to read with them. Stories for all ages and no ages, stories for people who do not seek to know it all. For people forever searching within in others.