Silk
Road
By
Nick Middleton
Q:
Why the article has been titled ‘Silk Road’?
The
title ‘Silk Road’ refers to the ancient network of trade routes that connected
the East and West, facilitating not only commerce but also cultural exchanges.
Nick Middleton’s journey along this historic route to Mount Kailash symbolizes
a modern-day exploration of a path that was once integral to human connection
and trade. The title captures the essence of travel, discovery, and the
enduring legacy of this ancient road.
Q: Why
were Tibetan mastiffs popular in China’s imperial courts.
Tibetan
mastiffs were highly valued in China’s imperial courts due to their large size,
fierce loyalty, and protective nature. These dogs were considered symbols of power
and prestige. Their reputation as excellent guard dogs made them ideal for
protecting palaces and other important establishments.
Q: How
was the author’s experience at Hor in stark contrast to earlier accounts of the
place?
The
author’s experience at Hor was disappointing compared to the earlier
romanticized accounts. While Hor had been described as an idyllic and beautiful
place, the author found it to be a dull, dreary town with no charm. The reality
of Hor as an unremarkable and depressing place starkly contrasted with its
historical and literary portrayal.
Q:
Why was the author disappointed with Darchen?
The
author was disappointed with Darchen because it did not live up to his expectations.
Darchen was supposed to be a significant and vibrant place due to its proximity
to Mount Kailash, but the author found it rather uninteresting and lacking in
energy. The town was underwhelming and did not provide the spiritual or adventurous
experience the author had hoped for.
Q:
Why did the author think that his positive thinking strategy worked well after
all?
The
author believed his positive thinking strategy worked well because despite the
challenges he faced, including altitude sickness and the underwhelming aspects
of his journey, he was able to maintain a positive outlook. This mindset
allowed him to appreciate the experience and ultimately achieve his goal of
reaching Mount Kailash. His optimism helped him overcome the physical and
mental obstacles encountered during the journey.
Q:
Briefly comment on the following:
i.
The
purpose of the author’s journey to Mount Kailash.
The
purpose of the author’s journey to Mount Kailash was to undertake a pilgrimage
to this sacred mountain, which holds religious significance for Hindus,
Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers. The journey was both a physical and
spiritual adventure, allowing the author to explore the cultural and spiritual
aspects of the region, as well as test his own endurance and resolve.
ii.
The
author’s physical condition in Darchen.
In Darchen, the
author struggled with the physical effects of altitude sickness, including
headaches and fatigue. The thin air and high elevation took a toll on his body,
making it difficult for him to fully engage with the environment or enjoy the
experience. Despite these challenges, he persisted in his journey.
iii.
The
author’s meeting with Norbu.
The
author’s meeting with Norbu was significant because it provided him with companionship
and insight during his journey. Norbu, a Tibetan academic, shared the author’s
interest in Mount Kailash and provided valuable information about the region. Their
meeting highlighted the shared human experience of pilgrimage and the common
bond between travellers.
iv.
Tsetan’s
support to the author during the journey.
Tsetan,
the author’s driver and guide, played a crucial role in ensuring the success of
the journey. His knowledge of the terrain, experience with the harsh
conditions, and calm demeanor provided the author with a sense of security. Tsetan’s
practical support, including helping the author manage altitude sickness, was
vital in navigating the difficult and often dangerous path.
v.
“As
a Buddhist, he told me, he knew that it did not really matter if I passed away,
but he thought it would be bad for business.”
This
statement reflects Tsetan’s pragmatic approach to life and death. As a
Buddhist, he understands the impermanence of life and that death is a natural
part of existence. However, from a practical perspective, he acknowledges that
a traveller’s death would be detrimental to his business, highlighting the
tension between spiritual beliefs and the realities of daily life.
Discuss
the following:
i.
The
sensitive behaviour of hill-folk.
Hill-folk
often display sensitivity and hospitality towards travellers due to their
understanding of the harsh environment. Living in difficult and isolated terrain,
they develop a strong sense of community and empathy. Their actions are guided
by a need to help and protect others who might be unfamiliar with the
challenges posed by the mountainous regions.
ii.
The
reasons why people willingly undergo the travails of difficult journeys.
People
willingly undertake difficult journeys for various reasons, including spiritual
fulfillment, a desire for adventure, the pursuit of personal growth, and the
quest for knowledge. Such journeys often provide a sense of accomplishment and
can be life-changing experiences, offering insights that can only be gained
through facing and overcoming challenges.
iii.
The
accounts of exotic places in legends and the reality.
There
is often a stark contrast between legendary accounts of exotic places and the
reality experienced by travellers. While legends tend to romanticize and exaggerate
the beauty, mystique, or spiritual significance of these places, the reality
may be far more mundane, challenging, or disappointing. The dissonance between
expectation and reality is a common theme in travel literature, reflecting the
complexities of human perception and experience.
Q: Notice
the kind of English Tsetan uses while talking to the author. How do you think
he picked it up?
Tsetan’s
English is functional and likely learned through practical experience,
interacting with tourists and travellers. His language skills are sufficient
for basic communication, indicating that he probably picked it up through
immersion rather than formal education. His English may have been influenced by
his need to communicate effectively with a diverse range of people in line of
work.
Q:
What do the following utterances indicate?
i.
“I
told her, through Daniel...”
This
indicates that the speaker is communicating through a third party, likely
because of a language barrier. Daniel is acting as a translator or intermediary
in the conversation.
ii.
“It’s
a cold,” he said finally through Tsetan.
This
suggests that the speaker is not fluent in English and is relying on Tsetan to
convey the message. It highlights the dependence on Tsetan’s languages skills
to communicate with others.
Q:
Guess the meaning of the following words:
Kora Drokba Kyang
In which
language are these words found?
Kora: In Tibetan Buddhism, “Kora”
refers to a pilgrimage or a circumambulation around a sacred site, such as a
temple, mountain, or stupa. It is a form of spiritual practice, where devotees
walk around the sacred object in a clockwise direction, often while praying or
chanting.
Drokba: “Drokba” refers to nomadic
herders or pastoralists in the Tibetan plateau. These people move with their
livestock, such as yaks and sheep, across the high-altitude grasslands,
following seasonal patterns.
Kyang: “Kyang” refers to the Tibetan
wild ass, a species of wild equid native to the Tibetan plateau. It is known
for its speed and strength, and it lives in the high-altitude regions of Tibet.
The
above words are found in the Tibetan language, which is spoken primarily in Tibet
and parts of Nepal, India, and Bhutan.
Comments
Post a Comment