Random quotes, images, and thoughts from Ed Ireson.
(Let me start by saying this is complete bs. Right, you knew that.)
I’ve discovered the very simple reason for why meditation is popular here in the East, and less so in the West. It’s LOUD here. I’ve yet to find a place where I found peace and quiet in India. And that’s coming from someone who lives in downtown Austin, and can hear the constant buzz of the HVAC systems on nearby roofs, the anti-bird squawking machine, and parades on Congress. That all seems very zen right now.
I’m sure it’s a matter of getting used to it, because while my office in Austin is very quiet, I supplant that with almost always-on music. But here in Hyderabad, the office I’m using has an open door to the street (which means loud trucks and cycles passing, honking, construction crews across the street, etc). And my fan is on high constantly. It didn’t really click how loud it is until I tried to play music on my MacBook Pro’s speakers, and even at the loudest setting I could barely hear it.
But further than that, walking down the street is a very jarring experience. A full horn blast when I car is 6 inches to your left is a bit absurd. Most of the autos are diesel-fueled scooters with metal shells, so they make plenty of noise. And then of course the bastard motorcycles who lost their mufflers decades ago. Oh, and don’t forget the bull-driven cart that is blasting music from an airhorn. Or the kids at midnight banging on drums (as part of the Ganesh celebrations).
Back to my original point, given that the ambient noise level here is many dB’s higher than Austin (by my very scientific research), people have a need to “get away” and clear their minds, hence putting special effort into meditation. I have no problem in my condo in Austin, sitting in the relative peace and quiet, let my mind wander, contemplating whatever. Here, I’m either hyper-focused (thanks to caffeine), or hyper-ADD. I think this is turning cliché now, but I’ve turned into that stupid dog in UP, where every time there’s a noise, I drop what I’m doing and look. And most of the time it’s just a driver honking to announce his existence. Or a bull going up and down the road in front of my hotel trying to drive me nuts.
I may have to invest in some ear plugs and give this whole meditation thing a try.
Edit (9/15): Wow, I’m dumb. Meditation, not mediation.
