Namyun Kids

An image from 2005 of two kids in Namyun (see Investigate Mountains Thoroughly) near the Indian border. They were up early for the morning market. As was I. [NOTE: Love the dog in the background. Also up early. Probably hoping for some breakfast].

Couple of Things

Couple of things. First, you may have noticed that I changed the header image. Have only done this three times. Seems to happen every two or three years. Image was taken by my Cambodian student, Neak Phearoom (see Earrings, Silk Scarf, and Maybe a Buddha), in the ruins of Banteay Srei (see Banteay Srei) at Angkor Wat. Second, I re-visited my pictures from the 2005 rattan survey in northern Myanmar (see Hukaung Valley Rattan Survey) yesterday and found that there are still a lot of nice images that I have never posted. So, image above is from Namyun, near the border with India, the morning we started walking south down the Ledo Road. Large black duffel bag on the left behind the mahout contains my tent, my sleeping bag, my clothes, a few books (e.g. The Best Buddhist Writing 2005), and a Spiegel relaskop. A lot of anticipation that day. [NOTE: And then, a quick drink of water and off we go].

Investigate Mountains Thoroughly

Walking out from Namyun (see Checkpoint on the Road to Namyun and Porter II) on the Ledo Road.  In the drizzling rain. Looking for rattans to collect. 

"Therefore, investigate mountains thoroughly. When you investigate mountains thoroughly, this is the work of the mountains. Such mountains and rivers themselves become sages and teachers".

-Eihei Dōgen
Mountains and Rivers Sutra (Sansui kyo)
Koshoji, 1240

[NOTE: Off to Indiana tomorrow to see my oldest son graduate from college. Time flies].
 

Porter II

Another porter from Myanmar.  This one from the village of Namyun (see Driver Needs A Drink Of Water) in Sagaing Division near the border with India. Younger, smaller in stature, and cargo more precious than in the previous post; same task, same attitude, same flip-flops.

Driver Needs a Drink of Water

One of the elephant handlers stops on the outskirts of Namyun to get a drink of water before heading down the Ledo Road with our bags (see Hukuang Valley Rattan Survey, Shopping for Supplies, A Bridge to Far, and Myanmar 2005). [NOTE: Watch for the geese walking across the road in front of the elephants].