I was thinking about what aspect of Vietnam I love most. After having traveled there 8 times, I wouldn’t exactly call myself an “expert,” but I’ve become familiar with many aspects of the country – to the degree that I have such close friends there that I consider them my Vietnamese family.
One of the strongest things that speaks to me is the Buddhist nature of the people. A Buddhist practitioner myself, I don’t follow their particular lineage, but I am drawn to their kindness and gentleness – which I think grows out of their religious beliefs.
Buddhism permeates much of the culture – with pagodas, temples and burning incense sticks most everywhere.
Meander down back alleys in Saigon or Hanoi, and you might find women rolling sticks of incense. You’ll find a variety of colors and scents – such as those above – laid out decoratively.
Incense coils hang from the ceilings of many temples. Light the end, and the incense slowly burns itself around and around until it’s completed its own circle of life.
Central to Buddhist beliefs is that from the mud can grow a beautiful flower – the lotus. Just as there is goodness in all of us.
*****
Consider joining us for one of our WanderTours to this part of the world!
Travel Well,
Beth
Related links:
Women-only tour to Vietnam & Cambodia
Burma Photos (Part I – Temples)
Photo credit:
Incense sticks – NH53
Incense coil – felixtriller.
The Time-Crunched Traveler (Ellen) says
Beautiful photos! Would love to make it to Vietnam one day. Thanks for sharing.