eyes were catlike and so penetrating that Julian was forced to look away . His olive-complexioned skin was supple and smooth . His body looked strong and powerful . And though the man ' s hands gave away the fact that he was not young , he radiated such an abundance of youthfulness and vitality that Julian felt hypnotized by what appeared before him , much like a child watching the magician at his first magic show .
' This must be one of the Great Sages of Sivana ,' Julian thought to himself , scarcely able to contain his delight at his discovery .
" I am Julian Mantle . I ' ve come to learn from the Sages of Sivana . Do you know where I might find them ?" he asked .
The man looked thoughtfully at this weary visitor from the West . His serenity and peace made him appear angelic in nature , enlightened in substance .
The man spoke softly , almost in a whisper , " Why is it that you seek these sages , friend ?"
Sensing that he had indeed found one of the mystical monks who had eluded so many before him , Julian opened his heart and poured out his odyssey to the traveller . He spoke of his former life and of the crisis of spirit he had struggled with , how he had traded his health and his energy for the fleeting rewards that his law practice brought him . He spoke of how he had traded the riches of his soul for a fat bank account and the illusory gratification of his ' live fast , die young ' lifestyle . And he told him of his travels in mystical India and of his meeting with Yogi Krishnan , the former trial lawyer from New Delhi who had also given up his former life in the hope of finding inner harmony and lasting peace .
The traveller remained silent and still . It was not until Julian spoke of his burning , almost obsessive desire to acquire the ancient principles of enlightened living that the man spoke again .