In the quote from Amy Tan's "The Hundred Secret Senses," the speaker shares their attempts to invite a friend named Ba from the World of Yin but learns from other friends that he is trapped in a different realm. This other place is described as foggy, suggesting it is unclear and filled with confusion. The mention of people believing their lies reflects a deeper commentary on self-deception and the struggles individuals face when distinguishing between truth and illusion.
This insight reveals the complexities of relationships and the challenges of communication across different worlds or states of consciousness. The fog symbolizes the lack of clarity in Ba's situation, highlighting the obstacles that arise when trying to connect with someone who is not fully present or aware. Through this passage, Tan effectively explores themes of perception, reality, and the often murky waters of human relationships.