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I.
OPINION
II. EDUCATION
by Douangdeuane Douangdara by Douangdeuane Douangdara by Douangdeuane Douangdara
by Montha Phavongxay by Check Kirivong by Douangchit Mounghane
by Anonymous by Von PhrakonKham by Check Kirivong by Douangdeuane Douangdara by Von PhrakonKham
by Douangdeuane Douangdara by Von PhrakonKham by Von PhrakonKham by Douangdeuane Douangdara by Sounantha Phoumarath
by Von PhrakonKham
by Douangchit Mounghane
by Montha Phavongxay by Douangchit Mounghane |
By Douangdeuane Douangdara
Captions from "Legends of the Lao"
By Xay Kaignavongsa and Hugh Fincher
Published by Geodata Systems; May 1993
"The Land of a Million Elephants and the White Parasol" is the traditional description of the Southeast Asian kingdom of Laos. In some of the neighboring countries, Laos is called Ai Lao, or "The Land of the Lao Brothers." Many people have lived in the country for years without ever having seen even one elephant or one white parasol. Everyday, however, one can see brotherly love. "The Land of the Lao Brothers" thus seems the more accurate term.
Although there has been a long war, it never would have been started nor continued, most knowledgeable persons agree, without foreign influences. Their history shows that, when left to themselves, the Lao are the most peaceful of men. Now the war seems to be over, and Laos has a new Government, and, momentarily at least, there is new hope. But even the war, as terrible as it was, did not destroy an air of great peacefulness that clung, like clouds around the limestone mountains, and was only occasionally and briefly dispersed by the bombs and shells of battle.
Most people who have lived in Laos for many years have never seen a fist fight, even among children. Dogs do not bark at strangers, but should some dog forget, every person in sight scolds him until he slinks away, tail between his legs. When there is a traffic accident, the people rarely speak loudly. They discuss the matter politely. Laos is a land of great courtesy and little deceit, where sincerely, frankness, and simple but deep human values are prized above all else. There still exists a harmony of life that was observed by the Western travelers who visited the country several hundred years ago and recorded how hospitable and tranquil the people were.
Recent travelers have described the Laos as "the last unspoiled people on the face of the earth" and "the world's gentlest people." Vientiane, the kingdom's largest city, was for many years "hippie heaven" to many young foreigners who bought their marijuana at the Morning Market, along with their vegetables, or could easily obtain opium at rock-bottom prices. Such addicts walked around in a blissful trance. But most foreigners walk around in a trance just as blissful without the use of drugs at all. For there is something in the culture that is successful in encouraging unselfishness and respect for others. And to live among so many good people is like living in a dream.
The "developed" world sends scientists, technicians, and political or religious missionaries to instruct the people of Laos. Many of these visitors never attempt to learn anything in return. Surely the people who have been able to construct such a society as that in Laos have achieved something far more wonderful than those people from "developed" nations who have constructed hydrogen bombs.
There are perhaps two major reasons why the people are so peaceful and charming-the strong influence of Buddhist faith, and an earthy sense of humor which, when it doesn't erupt in moments of sheer delight, is usually just below the surface of every conversation, every glance, every communication. There are other reasons also. Laos is chiefly an agricultural society of small villages where cooperation, not competition, is the driving social force. The Bible says, "The love of money is the root of all evil," but does not state that money itself cannot be a blessing. Most Lao people have no money at all, thus being neither cursed by evil nor rewarded by material blessings. The Lao people, most of them, have nothing except the animals they raise, the rice they plant, and things they make with their hands. Of every three people in Laos, two live in the country, in what is called a subsistence economy where barter trading takes the place of money exchange. And most of those who have money have very little.
Now, of course, the modern world is forcing itself irresistibly upon the country. Machines are coming in, spreading money around, and with it the love of money. Creature comforts are increasing, for some faster than for others, but whether this so-called "progress" will result in an overall better condition of life remains to be seen. Certainly one who leaves the fields and the trees, the rain and the sunshine, and goes to work inside a factory all day, every action and thought tied to trying to satisfy the machine he works for, cannot help but change the way he looks at the world. And the new political religion of materialism may come to Laos, at the expense of its ancient heritage of spiritualism and brotherly love. Who knows?
The Lao people who have little or no money may not be unfortunate. It is not a big thing in their lives. The country has many wats, or temples, very few big stores. Wats and churches remind one to think about the meaning of life and the meaning of death. Big stores remind one to think about money and things.
Not by money, but by a meaningful and charming way of life in which each person respects those around him, Laos is not the poorest, and may well be the richest country in the world. And as fortunate as it now is, the land may be even better if it can obtain the blessing of money without the love of it.
Commentary
By Douangdeuane Douangdara
I always wished that our "Land of the Million Elephants" stayed the way it was when my Grandmother was a child. Increasingly, we have lost our brotherly love, peace, harmony, sincerity, and hospitality. Those characteristics seem to be replaced with self-interest and a love for money. We have forgotten who we were and no longer believe in Bab and Kumma. Our people now worship the dollar and Thai bath (currency) instead of Buddha. I saw and heard enough when I visited Laos in 1994 and 1998. Our country's big problem is corruption-from the top officials, trickling down to the poor neighbor next door.
My Father sleeps beside his chickens and ducks, and I ask him why? He replied, "To prevent the thieves from stealing them." Besides, the local officials avoid prosecution, so they won't loose their face and present an image that their town lacks discipline and authority. My sister and her family of seven have been living in a small hut with a dirt floor since 1994. I have been sending money to support them for the past 20 years. Although, she receives the same share as the rest of my family, she continues to sleep on the dirt floor in order to afford a color TV and a refrigerator! She used my last contribution to purchase a cellular phone! Understanding these priorities is not easy for me. Though I do remember my Dad telling me on his visit to me that in Laos, families without a TV are looked down upon. Somehow owning a TV earns respect. So, with the little money I gave him, the first item he purchased was a new color TV!
After parting for over 20 years, I thought when I stepped on my home soil, I would be welcomed with love and excitement. On the contrary, it seemed everywhere I turned people were asking me for money and money only. One day I cooked a meal to take to the temple, my heart was filled with happiness to be close to Buddha and for having the opportunity to make an offering to my deceased Mother's and Grandmother's soul. Then suddenly one of my sisters came in to the kitchen and asked for her share. I asked "What share? She said "I already asked the guys to deliver building supplies for my new house and I told them you would pay them." Dear Buddha please forgive me, shall I break out in madness! I tried to get the Boun and they tried to take me to the Nalok! After that, my other sister asked for money to buy supplies for resale and profit. "Buddha, please throw lots of money from the sky, and I'll give these people all they want, just to get them off my back!"
Moreover, former neighbors and relatives whom I am unaware of our connections came to visit and ask for money! The local authorities want donation for their wats. I would not have minded so much, had they not been so pushy and demanding. My in-laws were just as irritating. Although, they are better off financially than my family, they requested that I fund the construction of their villa, yet they sit at home all day not working! When I asked why they did not work, their reply was dry, "can't leave the house, the thieves will come and steal everything!" Then the brother wanted $2000 a month to fund his business! There is no end to this begging! I called upon Buddha again reciting, "My house was burned down not long ago, starting my car in the morning is difficult, and I'm not sure if I would still have a job tomorrow, but when I wake up in the morning and can still see the sunshine, get to work on time, and make it home safe to see my family waiting with a warm smile, my day seems fulfilled." Happiness does not come with money; it can only be achieved by love and peace of mind. Oh, where is our humble Ai Lao now?
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