The Half-closed Eyes of the Buddha and the Slowly Sinking Sun

About the author: 

"Shankar Lamichhane was a Nepali author and manager of a handicraft store, known for his admiration of modern American fiction and his heavy use of symbolism in his writing. Born in Kathmandu and educated at Tri-Chandra College, Lamichhane worked for various government and cultural institutions before transitioning to managing the handicraft store.

One of Lamichhane's notable works is the story "The Half-closed Eyes of the Buddha and the Slowly Sinking Sun," which was included in the anthology Himalayan Voices: An Introduction to Nepali Literature. This unique story is told through the perspectives and monologues of a tourist guide in Kathmandu and a foreign tourist, using a stream of consciousness technique to record their thoughts and experiences as they explore the city. Rather than following a conventional plot, the story delves into the inner workings of the characters and their interpretations of the sights and culture of Nepal. Lamichhane's prose is rich and poetic, making the story a captivating read for those interested in modern Nepali literature."

Characters: The Half-closed Eyes of the Buddha and the Slowly Sinking Sun

• The tourist: A Westerner or a Guest who holds aesthetic vision regarding Nepal based on his study in history, culture and religion.
• The Guide: A Nepalese person and a tourist guide having good knowledge about the Nepalese art, culture, geography and religion but has a feeling of inferiority in comparison to the westerners.
• The farmer’s family: The simple farmer’s family living in a remote village having high faith, intimacy, kindliness, and gratitude in themselves.
• A paralyzed child: A boy who suffers from Polio disorder and he can’t speak properly, nor he can move his body parts except his eyes indicating purity.

Main Summary:

 "Shankar Lamichhane's "The Half-closed Eyes of the Buddha and the Slowly Sinking Sun" is a unique literary work that delves into the thoughts and perspectives of a Nepali tour guide and a foreign tourist as they explore the city of Kathmandu in Nepal. The story, which was included in the anthology Himalayan Voice: An Introduction to Modern Nepali Literature, is set in and around Kathmandu and is told through a stream of consciousness technique.

The story begins with a pleasant atmospheric description of the Kathmandu valley, complete with visual beauty and various colors of homes and blue hills. The foreign tourist, who pretends to be an expert on the subject, engages in a discussion with the Nepali guide, who has a strong understanding of the country's art, culture, geography, and religion. The conversation touches on various topics, such as the history and culture of Nepal, the country's contribution to the world, and the beauty of its folk music and wooden figures. The tourist also expresses gratitude towards the guide for introducing him to Nepali and Newari cuisine.

As the conversation continues, the characters discuss different types of eyes, such as the half-closed eyes of the Buddha, the eyes of the paralyzed child, and the slowly sinking sun. These symbols represent purity, innocence, and the passing of time, respectively. The guide tells the tourist about the temple of Adinath, which is a living example of Nepal's tolerance and coexistence, as it houses a Shiva shrine surrounded by pictures of Buddha.

The story concludes with the tourist visiting a farmer's family with a paralyzed child, who can only move his eyes. The parents are overjoyed when the guide introduces the tourist as a doctor, and the visitor is touched by their depth of faith, connection, kindness, and thankfulness. The guide adds that the beautiful rows of fields where rice and wheat grow are as lovely as the setting sun's reflection in the Buddha's eyes, symbolizing the country's natural beauty.

Overall, "The Half-closed Eyes of the Buddha and the Slowly Sinking Sun" is a thought-provoking and insightful story that explores the perspectives and experiences of its two narrators as they discover the beauty and culture of Nepal. It is a must-read for anyone interested in modern Nepali literature and the country's rich history and traditions."