Greetings travellers,
I write to you to bid farewell! My travels along the Silk Road have come to an end, and it is time for me to return home. I thank you for travelling with me throughout the past eight months and hope you have enjoyed your time as much as I have. Before I depart, I would like to leave you with a series of five letters I found on my last day of travels. The letters date back to the year 755 and follow what appears to be a member of the rebel military troops during the An-lushan Rebellion, compiled and addressed to his wife. With each letter, I attached a poem written during the Tang Dynasty (the period covering the An-lushan Rebellion) that I felt accompanied the letters well.
Farewell and Enjoy!
Yours truly,
~A.V.
http://anlushanrebellion.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Week 9: War and Preservation
Greetings travellers,
As I continued my studies and research, I came across a couple articles that focussed on some very interesting issues at hand: The destruction of religious symbols and cultural objects and how their destruction relates to war. The destruction of the Bamiyan Buddha's was an event that caused extreme uproar, making the people of Afghanistan seem horrible and that they committed such an act without a cause. The real point at hand though was that the destruction of the Buddha's was not a religious motive, but meant instead to send a political message.
UNESCO funded a rehabilitation of Afghanistan's cultural heritage, raising up to seven million dollars used for the preservation of a culture. I think that an organization set up to preserve culture is an inspiring cause, especially living in a country where I am constantly immersed in so many different cultures. Culture is everything to a country because it defines who they are and where they have come from. Without that comes a loss of identity, which could eventually lead to the abolition of an entire race and culture altogether. However, in a country heavily populated and surrounded by poverty, should all of that money be going towards preserving the past, or should it go towards preserving the future?
Tune in next week as I continue my adventure along the Silk Road.
Yours truly,
~A.V.
As I continued my studies and research, I came across a couple articles that focussed on some very interesting issues at hand: The destruction of religious symbols and cultural objects and how their destruction relates to war. The destruction of the Bamiyan Buddha's was an event that caused extreme uproar, making the people of Afghanistan seem horrible and that they committed such an act without a cause. The real point at hand though was that the destruction of the Buddha's was not a religious motive, but meant instead to send a political message.
UNESCO funded a rehabilitation of Afghanistan's cultural heritage, raising up to seven million dollars used for the preservation of a culture. I think that an organization set up to preserve culture is an inspiring cause, especially living in a country where I am constantly immersed in so many different cultures. Culture is everything to a country because it defines who they are and where they have come from. Without that comes a loss of identity, which could eventually lead to the abolition of an entire race and culture altogether. However, in a country heavily populated and surrounded by poverty, should all of that money be going towards preserving the past, or should it go towards preserving the future?
Tune in next week as I continue my adventure along the Silk Road.
Yours truly,
~A.V.
Week 8: Formation of Islamic Identities
Greetings travellers,
I write to you about a slightly different topic at hand. My studies have shifted from Buddhism to the study of Islam, and I have encountered many different articles surrounding this religion's influence along the Silk Road and also in The West. A particular article stood out for me and it was written by Hirschkind and Mahmood, and the message I got from it was that we in The West tend to make assumptions and place labels and ideals on religious groups and religious movements that are half way around the world from us. Assuming certain things of Islam is ignorant on our part and only aids to the turmoil and aggression within the Islamic culture.
Due to biases and pre-determined opinions around Islamic groups such as the Taliban, the news has been able to manipulate situations against the Taliban and in favour of Western ideals. Also, we claim to be living in a country that accepts and welcomes all cultures, peoples, and religions, and yet we have instated laws that ban the use of female headscarves in an attempt at creating "equality". I am torn, because although I understand the frustration surrounding assumptions and biases, these assumptions are, in part, based off of real events that have spurred such a reaction. I guess the question is what do we do now?
Tune in next week as I continue my adventure along the Silk Road.
Yours truly,
~A.V.
I write to you about a slightly different topic at hand. My studies have shifted from Buddhism to the study of Islam, and I have encountered many different articles surrounding this religion's influence along the Silk Road and also in The West. A particular article stood out for me and it was written by Hirschkind and Mahmood, and the message I got from it was that we in The West tend to make assumptions and place labels and ideals on religious groups and religious movements that are half way around the world from us. Assuming certain things of Islam is ignorant on our part and only aids to the turmoil and aggression within the Islamic culture.
Due to biases and pre-determined opinions around Islamic groups such as the Taliban, the news has been able to manipulate situations against the Taliban and in favour of Western ideals. Also, we claim to be living in a country that accepts and welcomes all cultures, peoples, and religions, and yet we have instated laws that ban the use of female headscarves in an attempt at creating "equality". I am torn, because although I understand the frustration surrounding assumptions and biases, these assumptions are, in part, based off of real events that have spurred such a reaction. I guess the question is what do we do now?
Tune in next week as I continue my adventure along the Silk Road.
Yours truly,
~A.V.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Week 7: The Struggle With Social Class
Greetings travellers,
My adventure continues, as I embark on a slightly different path in my studies. Thus far, I have been focussing on art and religious influences, however, the influence of the Government during the Tang Dynasty played an equally powerful role in the makeup of these ancient peoples.
Changan was highly controlled and run by the government, placing strict barriers regarding social class and ideal jobs for its inhabitants. From their homes to the market place, the government had control over what they wanted to see, ensuring it happened. The idea of social class is an issue that troubles families all over the world, regardless of age or race. Even in North America the boundaries an family's status forms prevents them from living an equal life, with equal opportunities. Although this idea of everlasting peace and equality is a positive goal to aim for, achieving such a goal continues to move farther and farther from being accomplished. Why are we continuously trying to break free from the bonds tied by our historical roots? How is it that history continues to repeat itself in more ways than one? Reading articles and memoirs of people in Changan during the Tang Dynasty illustrated to me their everlasting struggle to escape their doomed role in society, and the governments unwavering stance in their expected roles of the people. As I look around my hometown and other places to date, I still see this problem . Let's hope that with this new year we bring productive growth and change to the world.
Tune in next week as I continue my adventure along the Silk Road.
Yours truly,
~A.V.
My adventure continues, as I embark on a slightly different path in my studies. Thus far, I have been focussing on art and religious influences, however, the influence of the Government during the Tang Dynasty played an equally powerful role in the makeup of these ancient peoples.
Changan was highly controlled and run by the government, placing strict barriers regarding social class and ideal jobs for its inhabitants. From their homes to the market place, the government had control over what they wanted to see, ensuring it happened. The idea of social class is an issue that troubles families all over the world, regardless of age or race. Even in North America the boundaries an family's status forms prevents them from living an equal life, with equal opportunities. Although this idea of everlasting peace and equality is a positive goal to aim for, achieving such a goal continues to move farther and farther from being accomplished. Why are we continuously trying to break free from the bonds tied by our historical roots? How is it that history continues to repeat itself in more ways than one? Reading articles and memoirs of people in Changan during the Tang Dynasty illustrated to me their everlasting struggle to escape their doomed role in society, and the governments unwavering stance in their expected roles of the people. As I look around my hometown and other places to date, I still see this problem . Let's hope that with this new year we bring productive growth and change to the world.
Tune in next week as I continue my adventure along the Silk Road.
Yours truly,
~A.V.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Week 6: Mogao Ku Cave Site
Greetings travellers,
It has been quite some time since we've last connected. I have been hard at work with my studies continuing along the Silk Road, all the while enjoying some sight-seeing and the holidays! Upon my travels, I came across some fascinating articles which spoke about the Mogao Ku cave site in Dunhuang. As I reviewed the articles, I learned the significance of this ancient site and its contribution to the exploration and spread of Buddhist art along the Silk Road, and its influence continues to be seen to date. How can something so long ago continue to have a consistent ripple effect thousands of years later? And, what is it about this site that allowed art to flourish in the first place?
The Mogao Ku cave site is known to be the largest treasure of Buddhist art, placing any artifacts of the caves at high demand. Pieces of the site have been and continue to be shipped all around the world, worshipped and examined by its viewers. The amount of religious paintings, sculptures, and art work in general found at the site was astounding and truly set this Mogao Ku site apart as a critical influence in Buddhist artwork.
Tune in next week as I continue my adventure along the Silk Road.
Yours truly,
~A.V.
It has been quite some time since we've last connected. I have been hard at work with my studies continuing along the Silk Road, all the while enjoying some sight-seeing and the holidays! Upon my travels, I came across some fascinating articles which spoke about the Mogao Ku cave site in Dunhuang. As I reviewed the articles, I learned the significance of this ancient site and its contribution to the exploration and spread of Buddhist art along the Silk Road, and its influence continues to be seen to date. How can something so long ago continue to have a consistent ripple effect thousands of years later? And, what is it about this site that allowed art to flourish in the first place?
The Mogao Ku cave site is known to be the largest treasure of Buddhist art, placing any artifacts of the caves at high demand. Pieces of the site have been and continue to be shipped all around the world, worshipped and examined by its viewers. The amount of religious paintings, sculptures, and art work in general found at the site was astounding and truly set this Mogao Ku site apart as a critical influence in Buddhist artwork.
Tune in next week as I continue my adventure along the Silk Road.
Yours truly,
~A.V.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Week 5: The Sogdians
Greetings travellers,
I write to you today to talk about a group of people called The Sogdians, whom upon discovery along my travels greatly interested me. This group of people played a vital role in the trans-Asian trade, as they exchanged a great deal of goods, ideas, and languages. Apart from trade, The Sogdians also exemplified the effects of migration, through the blending of Chinese culture and traditions with their own. The influence this group of people played in relation to their role on the Silk Road is undoubtably huge. However, what separates The Sogdians from any other clan of people who travelled the ever so popular Silk Road path?
By embracing new languages and practicing them, The Sogdians were able to gain the trust and respect of the fellow tribes they passed during their travels. This allowed them to make allies with other groups and thus, trade within one another. The result of this, then is that trade improved communication, as it is amply seen in The Sogdians' eagerness to learn new languages and their bravery to use such a skill to their advantage. Apart from exemplifying their excellent ability to trade, The Sogdians used their trade routes to migrate across the Silk Road, eventually inhabiting North-West China. Their meshing of cultures can be seen in traditions such as burial services adopted from the Chinese and embraced by The Sogdians. They were not afraid to take risks; they were not afraid to travel; and thus, not afraid to grow. This set The Sogdians apart as notable historic figures.
Tune in next week as I continue my adventure along the Silk Road.
Yours truly,
~A.V.
I write to you today to talk about a group of people called The Sogdians, whom upon discovery along my travels greatly interested me. This group of people played a vital role in the trans-Asian trade, as they exchanged a great deal of goods, ideas, and languages. Apart from trade, The Sogdians also exemplified the effects of migration, through the blending of Chinese culture and traditions with their own. The influence this group of people played in relation to their role on the Silk Road is undoubtably huge. However, what separates The Sogdians from any other clan of people who travelled the ever so popular Silk Road path?
By embracing new languages and practicing them, The Sogdians were able to gain the trust and respect of the fellow tribes they passed during their travels. This allowed them to make allies with other groups and thus, trade within one another. The result of this, then is that trade improved communication, as it is amply seen in The Sogdians' eagerness to learn new languages and their bravery to use such a skill to their advantage. Apart from exemplifying their excellent ability to trade, The Sogdians used their trade routes to migrate across the Silk Road, eventually inhabiting North-West China. Their meshing of cultures can be seen in traditions such as burial services adopted from the Chinese and embraced by The Sogdians. They were not afraid to take risks; they were not afraid to travel; and thus, not afraid to grow. This set The Sogdians apart as notable historic figures.
Tune in next week as I continue my adventure along the Silk Road.
Yours truly,
~A.V.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Week 4: The Spread and Migration of Religion
Greetings travelers,
It has been some time since I have kept you up to date with my adventure! I write to you now after further discovering the significance of religious pilgrimages, as I came across an article entitled, Xuanzang: A Buddhist Pilgrim on the Silk Road. The tale of Xuanzang and his sixteen-year migration across the Silk Road illustrated a key influence in the spread and acceptance of Buddhism, and the fight needed to pursue such a mission. Events such as this one made me realize how a single idea could manifest into a nation-wise mission,taking the ideals of Buddhism by force and spreading them across both the northern and southern silk routes. However, keeping this in mind, have our methods of spreading religious thought and ideals changed like many other traditions, or, have they continued through to the twenty-first century?
The development of technology continues to baffle and amaze us, as it has evolved so much so fast. It can take a minute to send an email, and it can be said that since everything has been made so easy for us, we are forgetting about history and the significance of such. Xuanzang dedicated his life to the spread of something he truly believed, and yet we can send our thoughts to anyone around the world in a minute. Does this, however, mean that technology is a bad thing? Can an idea be more important if it it took an individual a minute to come up with rather than a lifetime?
Tune in next week as I continue my adventure along the Silk Road.
~A.V.
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