Zen Pencils by Gavin Aung Than for November 29, 2013

Well, at least the man in the storyline changed his ways and enjoyed himself during that trip.

If everyone that needed to travel like this actually did, there’d be no one left at home for everyone else to visit.

Gavin Aung Than should receive an award for this one.

awesome and true

This can also be achieved if people could only read good books or get on the right sites on line. So many places to visit thru books and on line without leaving home, even if we don’t have the means to travel.

Your parents have more influence on whether you are a bigot or not if you ask me.

Apparently it came from Mark Twain, who predated airlines by a good bit.Frankly I’d argue that travel is more valuable than reading at opening the mind. When people read, they can choose what they read and usually choose things that confirm their own beliefs. When you go out into the world you are forced to see and deal with things that confront your beliefs, forcing you to see the humanity in others and reconsider your own viewpoints. This happens even when you plan your journey.

Both travel AND reading are important to broaden the mind. I have learned much from writings of the masters in many faiths and in many forms of care for health and lifestyle. For me, keeping things natural as possible is working the best.

When I got my orders to go to Turkey, I was told by everyone to avoid the market areas and stay away from public areas. Like the other guys when I got there, I did. This was in 1971 and at the time American servicemen were being kidnapped and held by the local communist supporters. The last time happening just a few weeks before I got there. A few times I was in public areas, I had no problem as long as I was respectful. I came to the conclusion that there wouldn’t be problems if I gave everyone what they deserved, respect. Very soon the guys I was with were going anywhere and everywhere enjoying ourselves being among the great people of that country. I spent many years of my childhood along the border with Mexico (the Tijuana Bullring was visible from my elementary school). I didn’t go to Mexico that often, but one time as an adult I had picked up enough of the language to understand a bit of conversation. I previously had the idea they were talking down the “touristas” (Spelling is my bad). When I understood they were talking about home, family, work, etc. I realized the assumption was totally wrong and the attitude I had indicated something wrong with my outlook, which changed rather suddenly.

I would like to know the difference between owning the rifles in the first panel and owning the Katanas in the last panel.

Twain, as I recall, didn’t look too kindly upon any organized religion.

Whoa. Is that guy a Nazi?