This trip has been one of quiet exploration of myself and the Vietnamese culture. Every time I go into Hue, I see Western tourists zipping around to see everything in their allotted 2, 3 or 4 week timeframe.
Sitting off to the side, I am amazed at how much the modern, scientific mindset robs almost everyone of any time for introspection. Keep moving and always be entertained by something outside of oneself or ingest an addiction of some sort.
Any trance is Ok as long as it is not one of introspection or search for a deeper truth — like who really controls the world, money and the historical perspective. Without constant upbringing in government-controlled schools and constant bombardment by TV and other mass media which always tells us how to think, who would we be? How would we perceive ourselves, our culture, the world and the universe?
I’ve been off the USA mass-media grid for over a year. Haven’t watched, listened nor surfed USA websites for news. It’s been great.
Sometimes friends in the USA email me with comments on USA news (almost always a tragedy) and I’m thankful that my mind is not filled with such negative influences from the mass-media. I have enough here from the Vietnamese cultural influences.
Just found your Blog - seems you are finishing your time in Vietnam as I’m about to start mine!
I agree totally with you about the Western mindset - it’s designed to stop people thinking too much, because if they do they may realise that the shopping/celebrity lifestyle is a shallow and meaningless exisitence.
I’m also hoping to stay in places for a while and settle in: staying for a few days allows you to see the sights but not to look a bit deeper.
Looking forward to reading your older posts for some more thoughtful insights.
And maybe I can pick up some hints about linking Wordpress to Gallery2!
Best wishes
Brian