8/9/08

Blacklisted from China

It is reassuring to know that the Chinese leadership is noticing, translating and reading academic publications about sensitive subjects. I can vouch for the amount of effort that goes into an academic translation and I applaud their dedication.

It is unsettling to continually be reminded WHY they care so much. My heart goes out to the sinologists out there who are banned from getting back in, exiled to Taiwan. I have often thought about how to keep my nose out of this kind of trouble, but I still find myself drawn to the unflattering, underside of Yunnan. Maybe someday I will be dangerous enough to research and write in a way that exposes the dirty linen.
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Why Lotus? Why Pine?

The lotus signifies the progress of the soul from the primeval mud of materialism, through the waters of experience, and into the bright sunshine of enlightenment.

The pine signifies longevity and endurance because of its green foliage year round. In both good and bad weather, the pine thrives year after year thus it also represents pure life and constancy in the face of adversity.

Yunnan Province is a mountain landscape created when the Indian Sub-continent crashed into the tropical lowlands of Burma. It is a place with hundreds of unique species and dozens of amazing topographies. When I walk the mountains of Yunnan, I breathe fresh pine air and marvel at the indigenous wildflowers. Yunnan is also the conduit through which Buddhism came to China, along the caravan trails from India. The lotus is a Buddhist symbol of purity and perfection. When I photograph these flowers, I am always captivated by their geometry and peace-inspiring colors.

my motto

Look well to this day For it is life The very best of life.
In its brief course lie all The realities and truths of existence,
The joy of growth, the splendor of action, The glory of power.
For yesterday is but a memory. And tomorrow is only a vision.
But today well lived Makes every yesterday a memory of happiness And every tomorrow a vision of hope.
Look well, therefore to this day.

--from the Sanskrit