Life Journey

Life is a journey. A journey by definition has a beginning and an end, yet such definition does not apply to the life journey. The beginning of our physical existence is birth and the end is death. The beginning of the spiritual life journey is really unknown yet the end of the spiritual life is unknown either. Some people go through life without seeing the choices or their life routes, therefore life is adventurous yet dangerous. Without consciously choosing their routes, they are not aware of where and what are passing them. Some people choose their routes carefully, yet they don't enjoy their experiences. Fear takes over them, since no matter which routes they choose, they will not know where they will be anyway. Some people go through life with a plan, a map, hoping to control the final destination. The truth is, since no one knows what/where the end of the spiritual life is, a plan really does not guarantee the result.

I go through my life journey with no plan, yet with principles. Principles give me solid ground to stand firm and make decisions accordingly, yet still live and experience every adventures along the route I choose. Since the journey is definitely long, a partner to go through my journey with is the greatest asset. All one can experience is enriched by extra perceptions. Luckily, I have found my life partner, and we are living shoulder to shoulder every moment of life without having to alter our principles. We are curious of where and how the end of our journey will be. Who knows, the end might be a new beginning to another wonderful journey or experience.

I believe that our choices define where we arrive at the end of our life journey. There should be no fear!

Collections of the day

"An exaggerated veneration for an exceptional individual"
will allow worshippers "to abnegate responsibility, looking
to the great man for salvation or for fulfilment" that we
should work out for ourselves.
--Christina Hardyment, "The intoxicating allure of great
men," review of [1]Heroes: Saviors, Traitors, and Supermen,
by Lucy Hughes-Hallett, [2]Independent, October 19, 2004

A City Opera Conductor with Connections -- The New York Times

U. S. - China - Taiwan Triangle

Taiwan Protests China on Observer - The New York Times Article

Why does the U. S. Government allow this to happen? When can politicians put aside politics and work for the human kind?

Chinese government is willing to put their political agenda over the health of Taiwanese people. The world has to put a stop to this nonsense. Taiwan is a democratic country, and is unwilling to be part of the remaining communist world. If U. S. Government is not willing to be on the side of democracy in this case, it should at least not aid China in oppressing Taiwan by putting pressure on the Taiwanese government to not express the will of Taiwanese people. Is it a crime that Taiwanese people want to keep freedom? Why do U. S. foreign policies have double or triple standards toward different regions of the world? What moral principle are United States guided by?

U. S. Government should not encourage some power-hungry Taiwanese politicians to "connect" or to "work" with Chinese government. Look at what happened to human rights in Hong Kong? Hong Kong population is struggling to keep their rights with little success. Does U. S. really think turning Taiwan into another HK will be a good idea for the world? How will this affect the balance of the world leading powers? With North Korea on the verge of becoming a nuclear power, is it really wise to help China becoming an equal competitor to the West? Chinese government will be more than happy to see the West crumble!

Why can't Taiwan use its own official name in International Events? Why do most "Free Democratic" countries in the world allow and aid China in its senseless and oppressive policies? How would United States citizens feel if they are in the same shoes? It is total nonsense. Isn't it funny there is a Chinese Embassy but no Taiwanese Embassy in Washington DC. What does that say about United States' democracy?

China 'Sincere' About Ties With Vatican - The New York Times Article

I understand that The Vatican wants to open the doors to the many Catholics who live in China, however, I don't think The Vatican can disregard Taiwan's position. Again, choosing Communism before Democracy is unthinkable.

A Clampdown in China - By Nicholas D. Kristof
President Chen Issues a Solemn Six-point Statement Regarding China's 'Anti-separation Law'
Government Information Office of Taiwan, Republic of China

Finding the identity of pianist(s)

Who is this piano man? I do not think anyone would try to pretend this type of illness to get publicity.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2005/05/16/npiano16.xml
It is sad that the piano man can only find his peace at the piano. I don’t know what kind of trauma or experiences he had to cause his anxiety. Talking about finding his identity, maybe finding his social identity is not so important if he can only keep his real artistic identity in this stage of mind. It is hard enough to find one’s own identity in this world. True artistic identities are almost non existent in the classical music world. They are either killed by the competitions or by the society.

Language

My first language is Chinese Mandarin. Although I have been in U. S. for more than 15 years, expressing my thoughts or ideas in English is still a hard task for me. There is obviously no problem having normal conversations in everyday life situation, otherwise, I should just give up living here altogether. However, it gets really frustrating in the social setting where the conversations become more in depth. Not being able to articulate and having people misunderstand me are constant struggles. Thus, I often choose to withdraw from participating in social functions or any size of gatherings.

It is terribly hard especially when people are extremely impatient (majority of people are). Often times, before having a second chance to change my wording or to clarify, most people tend to decide that I am stupid and ignorant. To understand fully what people like me are going through, one would have to use one's second or third language, and try to have an intense intellectual conversations with people who have no patience and are judgmental. Some friends have suggested that I just keep learning more words and read more books which I do. However, not being able to put words to use and to clarify ideas from books in a judgment-free environment is even more frustrating. Many of English adjectives have different connotations than other languages. How does one get better without being able to practice and refine what one says?

This is a society of fast pace. Patience and gradual refinement are often perceived as excuses for incapableness. I am just lucky that I have another form of communication in my life which does not provide people with many opportunities to misunderstand me. Music! The unspoken language, I am forever indebted to it.