Teachings of Buddha in Vietnam...

"If the traveler cannot find a Master or a friend to go with him,

Let him travel alone,

Rather than with a fool for company...!'

(Buddha)

The local lady told us to sit in the middle of the boat and not to hold the side part, we will hit the other boats on the way - that was how our journey started, on a boat trip! She looked tiny but strong though, she did not stop oaring for almost thirty minutes. Such a peaceful place, the only thing I could hear around me were the wooden boats hitting each other along the small canals under the green trees, like she told us. Old and young, men and women, they were all around me in their tiny wooden boats that cannot carry more than six people, it should have a good balance. I thought I was standing in the middle of a Vietnamese movie, where I could see no polluting vehicles, so pure and calm area in between the islands.

(Photographed by Muzammil)

Talking about peace of mind, on our way to the canals we stopped by a Buddhist temple. It is one of the oldest temple in that area. I took some pictures worth sharing. Some moments when I was walking in this quiet place, I could feel my mind blew away in the silence, is that what they called 'lost in a trance?'

(Photographed by Muzammil)

"Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it,

Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many,

Do not believe in anything simply because it is written in your religious books,

Do not believe in anything merely on the authorities of your teachers and elders,

Do not believe in tradition because they have been handed down for many generations,

But after observation and analysis, after you find anything that agrees with reason and is conductive to the good and benefit of one and all,

Then accept it and live up to it..."

Siddhartha Gautama (The Buddha)

(Photographed by Muzammil)

"Pain is inevitable, Suffering is optional..."

(The Buddha)

(Photographed by Muzammil)

"Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle,

and life of that candle will not be shortened,

the same way Happiness never decreases when being shared..."

(Buddha)

These teachings brought me in a spiritual trance that is related to my daily life! This place was different, it was silent, peaceful, where I could detach myself from this materialistic world for a few minutes. A place where I could remember the teachings of Buddha. And I took you with me in the sayings of Buddha for a few minutes, let's get back to Vietnam.

(Photographed by Muzammil)

If poems form part of spirituality, the beautiful words from a song can take you far away in memories as well. And as long as a memory makes you smile, you are not far from God because a smile is part of Faith! These local ladies brought a joyful atmosphere with some traditional songs and music. They prepared some nice jasmine tea and brought us some fresh local fruits, with their beautiful long dresses and fine voices, we breathed the positive energy from this pure place. 

(Photographed by Muzammil)

We continued the way to the third Island. Actually the locals gave different names to the Islands, Turtle (represents Long Life), Dragon (Power) and Phoenix (Symbol of a new beginning). The third island is well recognized for the tasty coconut and we got a chance to see them preparing coconut candy. Let me show you one of the best pictures I took at this place.

(Photographed by Muzammil)

I sat down for a few minutes, observed this little girl. She was so focused in her job and her little fingers were arranging candies in the box. What could possibly be on her mind? A bright future? Could she be thinking of the outside world? A world of great opportunities? But definitely she was born in a land where people will always gather to get some moments of peace in their life.

(Photographed by Muzammil)

As we crossed the river, the largest river three kilometers wide but so long that it flows all the way to Thailand, we came across these floating houses that lie along the bank of the river. This was a completely different experience, these houses with bedrooms and kitchen floating on the river, something that I never saw before. Every part of the world is holding some unique experience, as long as the inhabitants are happy its a pleasure to share it to the rest of the world.

(Photographed by Muzammil)

And that was my journey in Vietnam, under the green trees in the wild brown colored river and the tiny canals. They say the river is not dirty, the fact that it comes from a long distance all the way from the mountains, they believe its carrying silk and make the place in Vietnam so rich in soil and water. That is why in this area all the trees and coconut are so green and healthy. Such a beautiful day in that place, really worth sharing. I hope you felt the energy I absorbed from this country through my pictures and the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama (The Buddha). 

"And through the canals under the huge green trees, we made our way back to reality..."

Muzammil