tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6101798002762076092024-03-12T22:59:47.467-05:00hApPyGaLaX's pAgEscribbling from a democratic citizenhaPpyGalaX's pAgEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12538818683032343739noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125truetag:blogger.com,1999:blog-610179800276207609.post-19823646573564937062024-02-29T02:47:00.002-06:002024-02-29T02:47:28.007-06:00Guru Lhakhang<p> As a Buddhist nation, Bhutan is dotted with many blessed
places. To add on, the country is blessed with monasteries and temples
established by great masters and communities for the benefit of the sentient
beings.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ6V3nliTKgOHfWOlB467_vI8bkJhk4gjUBnzhJ3CYWYyFQmLD2YiuHeS0qa2mwnYv4aCMGQk3-QU-2PY6oHDvj91QRO70LkDlGIPuoMKfkNp4oPpwY_BWiA-gTa4DtxYVWHbC0hTz98POMtASOOpe6wiPszaX2t26sOju0WvOmkxv6krEiYf4RhExMoo/s1280/h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="719" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ6V3nliTKgOHfWOlB467_vI8bkJhk4gjUBnzhJ3CYWYyFQmLD2YiuHeS0qa2mwnYv4aCMGQk3-QU-2PY6oHDvj91QRO70LkDlGIPuoMKfkNp4oPpwY_BWiA-gTa4DtxYVWHbC0hTz98POMtASOOpe6wiPszaX2t26sOju0WvOmkxv6krEiYf4RhExMoo/s320/h.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;">One such place is the Guru lhakhang in Begana, Thimphu.
According to</div><div style="text-align: justify;">the caretaker, the great master Jamyang Chokyi Lodre requested the
Dalai lama to construct a huge Guru Nangsel Zyelnon in Potala in Tibet. This,
as prophesized by the master, was to protect Tibet from external threats. As the time was running out, HH the Dalai Lama
constructed a smaller version of the statue in the hope that a larger one would
be built later. Later in 1959, Tibet was conquered by China and HH the Dalai
Lama and Tibetans fled the country for their safety.</div></span></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A group of people settled down in the present place as
refugee. It was during this time that His Majesty the late Druk Gyalpo Jigme
Dorji Wangchuck commanded the Tibetans who have temporally settled in different
places in Bhutan to come to Begana and granted them land kidu. However,
according to the caretaker of the lhakhang, the community got scattered due to
the land allocation. 48 families were blessed with land in the present place.
The new community consisted of Buddhist masters of different sects and people
of different background.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">At the time, HH the Dalai Lama was in India and was still
not happy as the bigger statue could not be built. To this end, HH advised HH
the Dilgo Khyentse Rimpoche, who then was living in Bhutan, to fulfill the
prophecy in Bhutan. HH the Dalai Lama, advised the project to be carried out
for the benefit of the Himalayan region from the external threats. HH the
Khyentse Rimpoche presented the option of constructing the statue in any of the
seven places the Tibetan refugees have settled; Paro, Bumthang,</p>Bjimina,
Hontso, Khatsakha, Begana and Kabesa. HH the Dalai Lama, through his meditative
radiance found out Begana the most suitable place.<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7QLzyKHMJ6aNk3SGueQ98nQCQZ2rtpqKhLq_GVT54NOoWg00g8wK8w0FtT8l87KAnd0bDxRduJ1xaGeyg_YyIorQC0iHIViSkq3D_ZcfwINT5CAtLSLORjkSShl25TT5iIjXT8j0BysPUyXCvGxtqiIA4Ljo1g0eZkF5BgevVM68g45im0OhRut-Ecs/s1280/photo_2024-02-29_14-38-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7QLzyKHMJ6aNk3SGueQ98nQCQZ2rtpqKhLq_GVT54NOoWg00g8wK8w0FtT8l87KAnd0bDxRduJ1xaGeyg_YyIorQC0iHIViSkq3D_ZcfwINT5CAtLSLORjkSShl25TT5iIjXT8j0BysPUyXCvGxtqiIA4Ljo1g0eZkF5BgevVM68g45im0OhRut-Ecs/s320/photo_2024-02-29_14-38-13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The land for the lhakhang was offered by the new settlers in
the community as of respect to His Majesty the king and to symbol of unity
among the different sects of Buddhism in the community. The construction began
in 1970 and was completed in two years. During the consecration in 1972 by HH
Dilgo Khyentse Rimpoche, the Guru statue is said to have grown by about a foot.
This according to the caretaker, was a symbol of power of faith people had in
Guru Rimpoche. The caretaker of the lhakhang clarified that the story of the
statue still growing is not true. (The story has been circulating among the
people for some years). It is also said that the HH Dalai Lama instructed the
statue to face north to protect Bhutan from the northern enemies. <o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Today the community serves as a center of faith among the
followers of different sects of Buddhism. It also plays a vital role in uniting
the people in universal in Buddhism and a place to come together. The lhakhang
is looked after by the community and the caretaker is also from the same
village. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Although the lhakhang doesn’t have a monastic school, it
observes all the auspicious days of the month which is managed by the community
especially the 48 households. After the consecration, HH the Dalai Lama advised
the refugees there to pay respect to HM the Third King and Bhutan. HH commanded
people to observe and conduct rituals on a regular basis.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRTgHDz__x1Kti1ChJAoivMRxuhG01Mfvm5-hWl0vPSo5P0CcrXG2Vz0vaohLSlIbTNUVb48v1in30wKGsz5ym7Q0jpD5nk1W5v5EEAbGSeVecLugRys1hZ1WcyEM4zP-w-kbrGSq6nAf8UQcjU_IPc8u0jnksS7U1J7DTz5YEW319cBNSYHdTASM3Aj0/s1280/photo_2024-02-29_14-38-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRTgHDz__x1Kti1ChJAoivMRxuhG01Mfvm5-hWl0vPSo5P0CcrXG2Vz0vaohLSlIbTNUVb48v1in30wKGsz5ym7Q0jpD5nk1W5v5EEAbGSeVecLugRys1hZ1WcyEM4zP-w-kbrGSq6nAf8UQcjU_IPc8u0jnksS7U1J7DTz5YEW319cBNSYHdTASM3Aj0/s320/photo_2024-02-29_14-38-15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Apart from the huge Guru statue (which is about 10 feet),
the lhakhang also houses a Buddha statue on the right and Chenrizig statue in
the left. The lhakhang has a statue of a Buddhist master (lam Choney Rimpoche)
and Tara. According to the caretaker, the lhakhang was offered to Lam Choney
Rimpoche but he denied to take it. The lama, by then had family and didn’t
wanted to indulge his decedents in the possession of the property. The walls of
the lhakhang is adorned with murals of all the Buddhist sects, another gesture
of unity. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The lhakhang is a one-storied structure with few rooms for
the caretaker and store surrounding it. The lhakhang is just about 100 meter
from the Begana bridge which is about 15 kilometers from Thimphu town. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>haPpyGalaX's pAgEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12538818683032343739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-610179800276207609.post-25309557279193065822023-12-26T10:40:00.003-06:002024-02-29T21:28:21.505-06:00Nyantse Lhakhang<p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-small;">The Lhakhang was established by <span style="background-color: white; color: #202122;">or </span><b style="color: #202122;">Nyangrel Nyima Wozer</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #202122;"> (1124/1136 - 1192/1204) in the 12th century.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #202122; font-family: georgia; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #202122; font-family: georgia; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU2xTjo8nhWfAxjWwoRRU7wH5enw2eIeldeJciptTgV_bTfvYVj0ghOpAxItQYaB88uyJFhxOtQGJCsDCPXELjQBq2wgBVUKgH5_Q_HY0ID5X_Sg_gb-Uk0FPkuYP6k8KRfMe6cjBbg9bEYqt7TZM01g7NiU8rbAR-94oTftwtSx5YaWoubMhxHxY2L7Q/s1280/photo_2023-12-26_22-30-59.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU2xTjo8nhWfAxjWwoRRU7wH5enw2eIeldeJciptTgV_bTfvYVj0ghOpAxItQYaB88uyJFhxOtQGJCsDCPXELjQBq2wgBVUKgH5_Q_HY0ID5X_Sg_gb-Uk0FPkuYP6k8KRfMe6cjBbg9bEYqt7TZM01g7NiU8rbAR-94oTftwtSx5YaWoubMhxHxY2L7Q/s320/photo_2023-12-26_22-30-59.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #202122; font-family: georgia; font-size: x-small;">It is said that the lama shot an arrow from Tibet (During those days, most of the Buddhist masters were from Tibet as Buddhism was yet to set its root in Bhutan) to seek his destiny to establish a Lhakhang. Following the direction of his arrow, the lama reached the place. The lama pulled out his arrow only to see holy water gushing out. Thus the place came to be known as CHUMED. "Chu" meaning water and "MED" meaning lower land. The Lhakhang is located at the end of Chumey gewog and the settlements. Today the gewog is better spelled as Chumey. This holy water is located about 40 meters from the lhakhang. According to the locals, the water can cure various illness. There are stories how the holy water has cured warts of many people. The holy water is preserved with a wooden box and the water looks fresh and clean.<br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-small;">According to Karma Tenzin, a local from Nangar who now lives in Thimphu, the initial structure was a two-storied temple which was dark and old. The present structure was constructed by the villagers about two decades ago. The lhakhang looks more like a two-storied Bhutanese house. The ground floor is used as store. On top floor, one can pay homage to statues of Buddha in the center with Guru Rimpoche on the right and Chhagtong Chhentong (Thousand eyed-armed form of Chhenrizig) on the left. A statue (about 1.5 feet) of the</span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZct92YSBD5Bty06AoUqKoSBXXoZHlWAUfCgxLgeOW_RhfAt_Zcue5ySx1eGc9VmUEwAuyaUJXBm0lp5mCf4jOfNhLDB2_IfK_5y-8TSFW_eDdzu5i8NBJeBwL6Rwx3maZaFHwQ4O8f6EllJbfpsQHptGDJuZDY2e655vVpxMfLlDvr1bZ6pLxjqCmKc0/s1280/photo_2023-12-26_22-30-45.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZct92YSBD5Bty06AoUqKoSBXXoZHlWAUfCgxLgeOW_RhfAt_Zcue5ySx1eGc9VmUEwAuyaUJXBm0lp5mCf4jOfNhLDB2_IfK_5y-8TSFW_eDdzu5i8NBJeBwL6Rwx3maZaFHwQ4O8f6EllJbfpsQHptGDJuZDY2e655vVpxMfLlDvr1bZ6pLxjqCmKc0/s320/photo_2023-12-26_22-30-45.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The holy water</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-small;"> founder is kept on the alter for veneration. A small room next to the choesham serves as the Goenkhang (Inner sacred sanctum). The room holds the huge Phurpa (Religious dagger) curved out of wood by the founder and his religious hat but they are locked up in a safe. The rooms is the residence of Aap Sodha (the local deity). Any children born in the village worship Aap Sodha as their deity. In the second month of Bhutanese month, the villagers offers a three days feast to their local deity. People believe that Aap Sodha is even superior than Aap Gyenyen, the deity of Dechenphug in Thimphu. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-small;">Walking about seven minutes from the Lhakhang toward Nimalung Dratshang, pilgrims can see a huge rock. The rock is believed to be the 'Terdom' or the 'Treasure box'. Continuing the journey for about seven minutes more, one<br /> is greeted by a temple-like structure which hold inside a huge rock. According to the oral history, once when HH Dilgo Khyentse Rimpoche was travelling in car on the highway, HH pointed to the place and told his attendants that he need to visit the place. Once at the place, HH identified the rock as a treasure box signifying the sacredness of the rock and the place. It is said that </span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tSYna901tsiNZcfaplwYw7BPZfJv4myuAyHnLQRvh5_kS3M2PNRAW-fB2KKP52EiypVTL2KfjleK55WPvA18m8U5LJhsB-TpFccW9NJXKhb-soOFKdrHZgYUlHyunHsZ4BGdSwD2o7JzVm209AuNSzS3ZT-DSjSL8701SDbTn9W7LlwaVGT6N1oQtdQ/s1280/photo_2023-12-26_22-30-56.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tSYna901tsiNZcfaplwYw7BPZfJv4myuAyHnLQRvh5_kS3M2PNRAW-fB2KKP52EiypVTL2KfjleK55WPvA18m8U5LJhsB-TpFccW9NJXKhb-soOFKdrHZgYUlHyunHsZ4BGdSwD2o7JzVm209AuNSzS3ZT-DSjSL8701SDbTn9W7LlwaVGT6N1oQtdQ/s320/photo_2023-12-26_22-30-56.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Khandro Dhayig</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-small;"></span><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-small;">The locals claim that only a small portion of the rock was visible above the ground before it was excavated to reveal the whole. The rock has mantra-like letters curved on it. The locals claims that, these are Khandro Dhayig (Secret messages written by the dakinis). Furthermore, one of the local said that some great lams who visited the rock </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-small;">suggested that the rock might have flipped due to a land slide as the writings seems to be upside down. They also claim that a lama visited the rock few years back and reveled a treasure although no one has seen the treasure. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-small;"><br />The great Buddhist master Kenchen Jigme Phuntsho is also said have visited and blessed the lhakhang and the place. The caretaker informed that many great lamas and pilgrims from Tibet come to visit the lhakhang thus magnifying the sacredness of the place. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-small;">To get to the lhakhang, one can stop your car above Nangar village and walk toward the community lhakhang that you will see from the highway. From the lhakhang, one must walk toward the chumey river and cross a suspension bridge. The other option is, drive toward Ura from the Nangar junction and turn right after 200 meter. The road ends at community crematorium. Park you car there, and it just takes 7-8 minutes to reach the Lhakhang. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-small;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyA-Bvicu5-R7EMu76id23SWMiKfgpmUhGuZ3Rz4Q6quRHUSF0OH7wdFDfrpBZdAq8HXlF5A8Jtn8kE2FysQg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><p></p>haPpyGalaX's pAgEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12538818683032343739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-610179800276207609.post-48447915828375905342023-06-05T23:08:00.011-05:002023-06-06T03:56:47.950-05:00The Taag Lhakhang <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gkONMLcI99_ysXXGsd1NnoS7oOEsnuRCvl38_W2hblVvALfsst0GcQ7ZwPguwOqH3M3ZhSU_WxUpPOEgkojTkDwp3TuX3WXOpWMQaDkhM9XYAoDKtgt_mw6RYMPwcpt92t53xZyjKem24NaCb9F1qRc9r34LYsJY5MWRSLeuldFawOoo2VFgnyyg/s1280/photo_2023-06-06_10-06-56.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gkONMLcI99_ysXXGsd1NnoS7oOEsnuRCvl38_W2hblVvALfsst0GcQ7ZwPguwOqH3M3ZhSU_WxUpPOEgkojTkDwp3TuX3WXOpWMQaDkhM9XYAoDKtgt_mw6RYMPwcpt92t53xZyjKem24NaCb9F1qRc9r34LYsJY5MWRSLeuldFawOoo2VFgnyyg/w164-h123/photo_2023-06-06_10-06-56.jpg" width="164" /></a></div> There is a small one-storied lhakhang about 200 meters from the Thangbi Lhakhang. The author could not authenticate the name of the lhakhang but the locals call it as Taag Lhakhang. It is not known whether Taag refers to the horse or the tiger (In Dzognkha).<br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2h2Fvh3xnj-qQO1LUVBW_dlkmkvyAj0KuFVnDjQ28W-fcRMvt3zAbV4M9lV__ZtcWmJ_N0uO9YzaeaZPZCzlcyrKuG5lBto_CSksrhCRoQGhZSAVfKwSsIqM77zSq9va8wtgEHDnuZ-angJC2q1UeVvh3tQjxI9BK7rpu2p_dY0GdwNhJxddpo8Fe/s1280/photo_2023-06-06_10-06-57.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2h2Fvh3xnj-qQO1LUVBW_dlkmkvyAj0KuFVnDjQ28W-fcRMvt3zAbV4M9lV__ZtcWmJ_N0uO9YzaeaZPZCzlcyrKuG5lBto_CSksrhCRoQGhZSAVfKwSsIqM77zSq9va8wtgEHDnuZ-angJC2q1UeVvh3tQjxI9BK7rpu2p_dY0GdwNhJxddpo8Fe/w121-h161/photo_2023-06-06_10-06-57.jpg" width="121" /></a></div>The lhakhang was built by Lam Ngopa, a great Tibetan master in 14th century. When Lam Ngogpa reached the top of the hill above the village, he threw a dumpling-shaped rock to check his prophecy. Descending down to the valley, Lam Ngogpa found the rock at the present location. Taking it as a good omen, Lam Ngogpa built the small temple. <div><br /></div><div>Lam Ngogpa is said to have established a lhakhang in Dhur, about 9kms from Kujey and Lamlung, another Lhakhang in Tang. Both the temples are in Bumthang. Lam Ngogpa was one of the closest disciple of Lam Marpa. Lam Ngogpa is also reflected in Milarepa's namthar as the latter's friend who studied under the same master. <br /><p></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg10JkH5vjKKpMG1ZKSIqv_THwSRyGkOqiYD2mHvwk75qt5u50JVI6x1ijVz_xO6f0PELP4ett6aT4NXKILFT5grtxZTKY25OcFu-Lp2SIeEwCWFy7E-55wN5yNDWlF9KBc8_yfYblzX8l15ted-dz4rXTfVSLInT5AiqMgw1-lLjJ7ndttkyuE0rRN/s1280/photo_2023-06-06_10-06-59.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg10JkH5vjKKpMG1ZKSIqv_THwSRyGkOqiYD2mHvwk75qt5u50JVI6x1ijVz_xO6f0PELP4ett6aT4NXKILFT5grtxZTKY25OcFu-Lp2SIeEwCWFy7E-55wN5yNDWlF9KBc8_yfYblzX8l15ted-dz4rXTfVSLInT5AiqMgw1-lLjJ7ndttkyuE0rRN/w95-h126/photo_2023-06-06_10-06-59.jpg" width="95" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lam Ngogpa's Kudung chorten</td></tr></tbody></table>The lhakhang houses the Buddhas of Three times; past, present and future. The lhakhang houses a statue of the founder of the Lhakhang, Lam Ngopa and the prophecy rock. <p></p><p>Outside the lhakhang, one can see the chorten which is believed to be the Kudung Chorten of Lam Ngopa. One can also make round of the lhakhnag as the surround is roofed. </p><p>The Lhakhang is about 2.5ksm from Kujey lhakhang and is just few meters walk from the road. One must walk about 80 meters of concrete footpath leading to the lhakhang from the road. <br /></p><p>There is a long chorten (Chorten Dangrem) near the lhakhang. The length of the chorten is believed to be the distance of Degor (Bhutanese version of short put) HH Karmapa threw. </p></div>haPpyGalaX's pAgEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12538818683032343739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-610179800276207609.post-86787204537406500082023-06-05T22:54:00.007-05:002023-06-05T22:54:57.528-05:00Thangbi Lhakhang (Lhendrup Choeling)<p><br />The Thangbi Lhakhang was built in 15<sup>th</sup> century by
the Fourth Zhamar Rimpoche Choekyi Drakpa (an important Lama of Karma Kagyud sect), which corresponds
to iron rat year of the lunar calendar (1480). Elders in the locality say that Terton
Pema Lingpa also had his hand in the construction of the lhakhang. The presence
of the iron chain at the entrance and the time (1480) supports the claim. Some
sources denies the claim. The source, however believes that the lhakhang was
later taken over by Pema Lingpa, thus becoming a Nyingma lhakhang. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">No written or oral history clarifies why the lhakhang was
built at the location. However, records has another name for the lhakhang,
Lhendrup Choeling. The lhakhang got the name in 1730 when the first floor was
added to the ground floor. The project was initiated by the 8<sup>th</sup>
Zhamar Choekyi Dendrup and blessed by 12<sup>th</sup> Karmapa Jangchub Dorji.
However, the locality name has overtaken it and thus known as Thangbi Lhakhang.
<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGFQ1yW2t-J66Kcx2ad2vj-ifQjAk-jPXp4KpgRDq50-8OnQ8BUx-e0TjK02r9ANio8f458HagVy5-0rHdsVK2A7wr4vKSSo38PPdUbM-ZoJJaQ3i9Mq_0GJX7hRfiB6JJ1t577rbWnRq6Y8uLDwsE_K9du1b9W6W44e_EHyme6xBJbG4txibpMqmM/s1280/photo_2023-06-06_09-49-27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGFQ1yW2t-J66Kcx2ad2vj-ifQjAk-jPXp4KpgRDq50-8OnQ8BUx-e0TjK02r9ANio8f458HagVy5-0rHdsVK2A7wr4vKSSo38PPdUbM-ZoJJaQ3i9Mq_0GJX7hRfiB6JJ1t577rbWnRq6Y8uLDwsE_K9du1b9W6W44e_EHyme6xBJbG4txibpMqmM/s320/photo_2023-06-06_09-49-27.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">During the time of the first Druk Gyalpo, the lhakhang got a
major facelift with addition of Kanjur lhakhang. The new lhakhang houses
Karmapa and Zhamarpa along with the kanjur. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The lhakhang was blessed by visit of successive Karmapas and
Zhamarpas of which the 14<sup>th</sup> Zhamarpa Chokyi Lodroe and 16<sup>th</sup>
Karmapa Rigpa Dorji are said to have visited the lhakhang three times. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The ground floor of the lhakhnag houses the Buddhas of three
times of about 8 feet each. It also has the statues of Chana Dorji and Tandrim.
The first floor houses the future Buddha, Jowo Jampa while the other side is
home to the set of sacred Kanjur. The first floor has Goekhang adjacent to the
Kanjur lhakhang.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A unique stripped rock of about 10 kilograms can be seen in
the Jowo Lhakhang. According to the legend, the local deity promised and
supplied the rocks for the construction of the lhakhang. The above rock was
offered as the first offering by the deity. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj73g-McTPfHbL1v5bpEZB5Y2iP0402Cx50rwkXuTvJgR49n7dSpPKkD6h6JrRA8yGJ9tvhRFq8SFr2ZtbByPAv0BMvl_39ktX4po9dh09aMXL6J6PEfwQb-prClAM31ByFJLuK96XttxDs3Lsnr1FNd0hq63FZpVIc5wTsBuxqpInGob_-E9BdVROV/s1280/photo_2023-06-06_09-49-30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj73g-McTPfHbL1v5bpEZB5Y2iP0402Cx50rwkXuTvJgR49n7dSpPKkD6h6JrRA8yGJ9tvhRFq8SFr2ZtbByPAv0BMvl_39ktX4po9dh09aMXL6J6PEfwQb-prClAM31ByFJLuK96XttxDs3Lsnr1FNd0hq63FZpVIc5wTsBuxqpInGob_-E9BdVROV/s320/photo_2023-06-06_09-49-30.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />One can also receive wealth blessing from the Yangdho (The
wealth stone). Another black rock has the imprint of Pema Lingpa’s thumb. Few
minutes from the lhakhang, there is a holy water (drupchu). The holy water is
believed to be the ara (local wine) offered by the local deities during the
construction of the lhakhang. <o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The lhakhang has a special room used by Sai Dopola, who was
fondly known as Dasho Tashigangpa among the locals. The room is still preserved.
Dasho Tanshigangpa is said to have died in Thangbi and was cremated just
outside the lhakhang. Today, the creation place can be identified with a huge
pile of rocks near the gate. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Among the festivals at the lhakhnag, the famous Thangbi
Mewang is held in front of the lhakhang. The three day thsechu is held every
year from 14<sup>th</sup> to 17<sup>th</sup> day of the eight month of the
Bhutanese calendar which concludes with Thangbi Mewang (fire blessing) on the
last day. Two huge fires will be ignited with dry hay and the devotees run
through the fire to cleanse their bad luck. Although no death has been
observed, few minor injuries has been seen every year. (The author has attended
the festivals for four years) The people from three villages of Thangbi, Kharsa
and Goling has been organizing the festival but the elders say that the
grandeur and the charm of the festival is fading away. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The trademark of the tshechu is the mask dance of Goembernak
where the dances have one of the trousers on the foot is folded while the other
is let loose. Legend has it that the 2<sup>nd</sup> Karmapa Karma<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0bf5k82wh4EhTu4suBwkaer8nrVNJnHdKU95cTCakQtYCrBXd01DK-Q5me8TGZXEYk9F-_EFHJeehGToulceYo3a2n8xQVIcQj0e3qen_prRWiBRLpWSF8po_JB5t_LlUWVg_nEWf_PqE_wYmcGbayJEQUQEXn8889wgJFbAuKjR3ADddU1978gM/s1170/IMG_7156-1-e1583479168261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="514" data-original-width="1170" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0bf5k82wh4EhTu4suBwkaer8nrVNJnHdKU95cTCakQtYCrBXd01DK-Q5me8TGZXEYk9F-_EFHJeehGToulceYo3a2n8xQVIcQj0e3qen_prRWiBRLpWSF8po_JB5t_LlUWVg_nEWf_PqE_wYmcGbayJEQUQEXn8889wgJFbAuKjR3ADddU1978gM/s320/IMG_7156-1-e1583479168261.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thangbi Mewang ( The fire blessing)**</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> Pakdhey, in
Tibet, was tortured by the one of the local kings in China. He was hung from
his beard. Lham (Mahakali) who is one of the chief protector of Karmapa
reported it to the Goembernak (Black Mahakali). Goembernak on hearing this
rushed to the king’s palace for punish the king. In hurry, he did not get time
to fold one of the trousers. Goembernak threatened the king to crush the palace
as he turned himself into a gaint. The king, sacred released Karmapa and begged
for forgiveness.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although it was a
community lhakhang, it has been about a year that it is offered to Trongsa
dratshang. The present lam of the Lhakhang as renovated the lhakhang both
inside and outside. The lhakhang is nestled on a flat plain in the heart of
Thangbi village. It is about 2.5kms from Kujey lhakhang. The lhakhang is
connected with paved road. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> Photo courtesy: ** http://www.yelhabhutantour.com/tour-packages/festival-tours/thangbi-mani-festival-10-days/</o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></p>haPpyGalaX's pAgEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12538818683032343739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-610179800276207609.post-41844880235579996542022-05-03T12:21:00.004-05:002022-05-03T12:21:33.916-05:00Druk Choding lhakhang<p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> One prominent structure, as you enter the Paro town, is a Lhakhang.
The Lhakhang serves as an entry point to ever fast-growing Paro town. Despite
the close proximity to the town, not many visit it. I could visit the Lhakhang only
after five years in Paro.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-muZ3p2D90X2aM20OV1NSiBydwQYt6P2n3CRuEvCxpKNbfu0EFYQ0JGsn9r7rvbVOJf_vBOMDeGjgiXG82tB-UskeoTdTytTyxjFA1viNQLUxi8Nic9m-RyQNUdwEwRYgDEaIbANtO6VKpoZOmbNjC_yRZ6cnWoJw2qiUvdB03ZAuYnLBkndpN29V/s4032/IMG_E3842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-muZ3p2D90X2aM20OV1NSiBydwQYt6P2n3CRuEvCxpKNbfu0EFYQ0JGsn9r7rvbVOJf_vBOMDeGjgiXG82tB-UskeoTdTytTyxjFA1viNQLUxi8Nic9m-RyQNUdwEwRYgDEaIbANtO6VKpoZOmbNjC_yRZ6cnWoJw2qiUvdB03ZAuYnLBkndpN29V/w200-h150/IMG_E3842.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The renovated Lhakhang.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;">According to the caretaker, the Lhakhang 496 years old which
correspondence 1525 (16<sup>th</sup> century). This, he says, is according to
the research done by some experts. However, he also believes that the Lhakhang
is much older than what is was found out, maybe double the years that they have
pointed.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;">According to records, Gyalchog, a decedent of Pha Dampa
(Dampa was the son of lam Phajo Drugom Zhingpo) used the place as a meditation
center. However, the Lhakhang, according to the caretaker, was founded by Lam
Ngawang Chogyal (brother of Lam Drukpa Kuenley). Wangchuk (2020) also believes the place to be used as meditation center by Gyalchog, the brother of Gyalzom, who later invited Lam Nagawang Chogyal.<span style="color: #050505;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Lam Nawang Chogyal, made several visits to Bhutan, each time with different intention. It took him more than five visits to complete the construction of the present lhakhang. </span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Although some believe that the place was offered to Lam
Ngawang Chogyal by Gyalchog, as a gesture of their good relation, they do not
mention the place being a slaughter ground for animals (This is what the
caretaker explains). So the Lhakhang could have been built to purify the place
and discourage the slaughtering of animals.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgipvm8PARwd6iWDugiIqCd13-U6SYA_k4CRbBDtVy74qVGswupUW6p9wulkWVQybUmQ-9ji2rOR2XV7ANTeBq4CiWfguHD1u3uILtNE0yBqklx5UH5WlqTy29jG7MVOG3RnaJoBiHEvuLQXCHur8TQaKmIANxYvzrkoBoOLujXSOuQ8wnwkNU6bkI6/s720/99280035_878670385970958_7385682206661804032_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgipvm8PARwd6iWDugiIqCd13-U6SYA_k4CRbBDtVy74qVGswupUW6p9wulkWVQybUmQ-9ji2rOR2XV7ANTeBq4CiWfguHD1u3uILtNE0yBqklx5UH5WlqTy29jG7MVOG3RnaJoBiHEvuLQXCHur8TQaKmIANxYvzrkoBoOLujXSOuQ8wnwkNU6bkI6/s320/99280035_878670385970958_7385682206661804032_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The shrine in the Lhakhang.<br />PC: Wangchuk, S (Facebook)</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />The Lhakhang was visited by Zhabdrung during his reign.
Zhabdrung is believed to have stayed here for some time practicing prayers and
delegating his administration of the country. The courtyard Lhakhang was used
by Paro Penlops as a store for grains collected as tax during those days, the
Lhakhang came to be known as Tshongdue Nagtshang (Wangchuk, 2020)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The two-storied temple was recently renovated by the
government and consecrated by His Eminence the Dorji Lopen. The main relic of
the temple is the Jowo Jampa (The future Buddha). The first floor also houses
the Buddhas of three times (Due Sum Sangay), Avalokisteshvara in the form of
Chhagtong Chhentong (Thousand hand and eyes), Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, and
the founder, Lam Ngawang Chogyal. The first floor has the caretaker’s residence
on the left and a VIP lounge on the right. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDMajwgIJRtRPoS40A47cWFkIprYCGks9PEyWFsE8j9TjRbqvyqxZ1-FpXq95WehTaGBnp5lXWXKBCsgtgO9Vo8b31LjcwHt7bWmn-69XvwwGtYIQrAxnGhnADqVLd9jnLnZSvcQRuGFYaXhP4YexOQVN0G1mPeaBE5AG-7uts4O3Ny8KZiYt1Q5oH/s960/255447643_4633531686704770_5355237159044934613_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="721" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDMajwgIJRtRPoS40A47cWFkIprYCGks9PEyWFsE8j9TjRbqvyqxZ1-FpXq95WehTaGBnp5lXWXKBCsgtgO9Vo8b31LjcwHt7bWmn-69XvwwGtYIQrAxnGhnADqVLd9jnLnZSvcQRuGFYaXhP4YexOQVN0G1mPeaBE5AG-7uts4O3Ny8KZiYt1Q5oH/s320/255447643_4633531686704770_5355237159044934613_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The consecration of the renovated lhakhang<br />PC: Gyeltshen, D. (Facebook)</i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: georgia;">The beautiful Avalokiteshvara was sculptured by Late Lopen
Damcho who was well known for his skills. The statue was constructed under the patronage
and command of Her Royal Highness Gyalyum Kelzang. On the left of the altar
lies the statue of Geyen Jagpa Melan, the guardian deity. Jagpa Melan is also
the guarding deity of Thimphu Dechenphug. The Goenkhang is soon going to be
shifted down floor since the flooring is yet to be completed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Lhakhang also has a Kanjur written on the
traditional paper (Desho pam). The ground floor has one room on either side of
the Goenkhag which is used as a store.<br /> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Lhakhang, today is looked after by Paro dratshang and
lam is appointed from there. The compound is adjunction to the Paro Moelam than
and vegetable market. The Lhakhang also has a beautiful courtyard and a huge
prayer wheel at the entrance. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Wangchuk, S. (2020, May 21). <span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Druk Choeding Lhakhang in Paro. Facebook. Retrieved January 12, <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>2022 from </span><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">https://www.facebook.com/groups/178436076194799/search/?<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span></span>q=Druk%20choeding%20lhakhang</span></span></span></p>haPpyGalaX's pAgEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12538818683032343739noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-610179800276207609.post-12321136330296619512022-04-19T13:17:00.003-05:002023-01-29T09:58:03.290-06:00Tshering Tshenga (The Five sisters of longevity)<p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> Buddhism is never short of gods and goddesses of different
forms. There are Dakinis and deities who are known to have unparalleled unseen
force. These abstract forms are jewels of religion and an integral part of
everyday life.</span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGx_pDNDx2fXQ4yJ5qPAr70f-jUcd_J53npCPGMM7_Wo2o1mCm3HyaYcI1kT7MoJDSBXS1iWQHSDAtoZzNobRy6FEy4FNy7vrOhKXWbCLrnfrbFBOarzKfqBRsiQVPe26xwctKkJBQc4EMP25C8vepNcjA6kzJhKkaZAD6bUxBVYwwOtPZXThIG4x/s968/photo_2022-04-19_23-45-07.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img border="0" data-original-height="968" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGx_pDNDx2fXQ4yJ5qPAr70f-jUcd_J53npCPGMM7_Wo2o1mCm3HyaYcI1kT7MoJDSBXS1iWQHSDAtoZzNobRy6FEy4FNy7vrOhKXWbCLrnfrbFBOarzKfqBRsiQVPe26xwctKkJBQc4EMP25C8vepNcjA6kzJhKkaZAD6bUxBVYwwOtPZXThIG4x/s320/photo_2022-04-19_23-45-07.jpg" width="243" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">The five sisters <br />(Tashi Tsheringma in the center)<br />PC: Dr. Dorji Wangchuk</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">One such example is the five
sisters of longevity (<span lang="BO" style="background: white; color: #050505; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">ཚེ་རིང་མཆེད་ལྔ</span><span style="background: white; color: #050505; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">). As
the name suggests, they are five sisters who possess the power to gift us with
different blessings. A</span>ccording to the caretaker of Dzongdrakha (Paro), the
sisters were demons who were subdued by Milarepa and made them the protectors
of the dharma. It is also said that the sisters became the main disciples of
Jetsuen Milarepa and also his secret religious consorts. However, <i>Five
sisters of long life</i> (2008), claims the sisters to have taken the first
oath from Dakini Seng gdong ma (the lion-faced). To add on, Wangchuk (personal
communication, April 6, 2022), believes that the five sisters had been ferocious,
as Guru Rimpoche had to transform himself into Seng ndong ma to tame them (Dr.
Dorji Wanchuk has done research on the five sisters but the paper is yet to be
published). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He further adds that the sisters
later broke their oath and challenged Milarepa during his meditation who tamed
them with his songs and teachings. The sisters then accepted Milarepa as their
root teacher and assured his lineage; Kagyud. These prove that the five sisters
had a great connection with Milarepa but their consort-relationship with
Milarepa could not be verified further. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN3YA-4SDWMCEur-k1m1CynDKxDU__XKupWFyqeWaO9fDakDFzmRISYPZeiD2QwLGI5G_OaHrG2DnP0J7euHDcbtGRy7tLFBmH8EfymdEPK2MJkGq4d90o-wdS7heYip2y4_iGoo5aDmtLf8Ek3aNlyAJOF6pbQ2rmTX-VGEpMkSACWAi6X_YQjw7d/s1280/photo_2022-04-19_23-41-56.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN3YA-4SDWMCEur-k1m1CynDKxDU__XKupWFyqeWaO9fDakDFzmRISYPZeiD2QwLGI5G_OaHrG2DnP0J7euHDcbtGRy7tLFBmH8EfymdEPK2MJkGq4d90o-wdS7heYip2y4_iGoo5aDmtLf8Ek3aNlyAJOF6pbQ2rmTX-VGEpMkSACWAi6X_YQjw7d/w200-h150/photo_2022-04-19_23-41-56.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">Dranje Goenpa: The residing <br />place of Tashi Tsheringma</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />According to one of the caretakers
of the Lhakhang, the five sisters came to Bhutan with the 5<sup>th</sup> Je
Khenpo (chief abbot). Although he did not mention the name, the 5<sup>th</sup>
Je Khenpo of Bhutan was Zodpa Thinley (tenure 1707-1724). On the other hand,
the caretaker at <span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Tengchen goenpa pointed
out that the sisters escorted Lam Barawa who established Drangje goenpa. This
is further verified by </span>Wangchuk (personal communication, April 6, 2022),
who found out that the sisters have followed Barawa Lam Gyeltsen Pelzang to Bhutan.
Although the author could not get hold of written documents to verify the
information, the sisters seem to have come with Barawa Lam Gyeltshen Pelzang as
some elders also mentioned “lam Barawa” as the one who brought the sisters to
Bhutan. The sisters are believed to have worked as a maid in one of the houses
in Lango in Paro (Wangchuk personal communication, April 6, 2022). <o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">As the sisters reached Doteng,
they sat down on a flat hug rock and discussed their future. They then decided
to move to their destined places, the present Lhakhangs. (I could not locate
the flat rock in Doteng) </span></p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Tashi Tsheringma </b><b><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">(</span></b><b><span lang="BO" style="color: #050505; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">བཀྲ་ཤིས་ཚེ་རིང་མ)</span><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The eldest of the sisters is
TashTsheringma. Since she is the eldest of the sisters and the primary of all,
she takes the center position. She is known to be the goddess of powerful
protection. <span style="color: #050505; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">She protects you from premature death caused by the elements. </span><span style="background: white; color: #050505; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">She is also known to bless us with long life
and protect against harm (Tshering, 2020)</span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Tashi Tsheringma rides
a lioness. On her right hand, she carries the 9-spoked vajra and on her left, a
long life flask embellished with the Buddhist swastika knot. (Pem, 2018). She
resides in </span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Drangje goenpa, on top
of a hill above Nemjo village in Paro. The Lhakhang houses a different form of
the sister which the caretaker said was the wrathful form. One will just see
the huge head effigy of Tashi Tsheringma. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieM5BUAY5nt3ssYWKfndyAwU6RI5gQdDEeFT9kWOa-pJH_g6BpAsb9w4QE-vMDEkNbj1KZ-naEMnN0MxnqrQXSMWWBs3D3pxMJTCj9KVe30eWbG4-MCTmAJxgqPUAmMW_8nTnEnnoJ0slk0iGP9Xq-nZ2ifXzk_BL--sOxHfqZf1NJl4XQnYbU4tEz/s552/100634156_576510179912616_3363561087621398528_n.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="414" data-original-width="552" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieM5BUAY5nt3ssYWKfndyAwU6RI5gQdDEeFT9kWOa-pJH_g6BpAsb9w4QE-vMDEkNbj1KZ-naEMnN0MxnqrQXSMWWBs3D3pxMJTCj9KVe30eWbG4-MCTmAJxgqPUAmMW_8nTnEnnoJ0slk0iGP9Xq-nZ2ifXzk_BL--sOxHfqZf1NJl4XQnYbU4tEz/w200-h150/100634156_576510179912616_3363561087621398528_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Gangtey Lhakhang: <br />Residing place of <span style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 14.98px;">Taykar Drozangma.<br />PC: Wangmo, K. (FB)</span></span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />One can walk from Tengchen Goenpa for about 45 minutes through the
pine forest to reach the Lhakhang or drive for about 15 minutes from Paro
hospital. The Lhakhang can be seen from Olathang primary school which is just
above Olathang hotel in Gaptey. Today, the Lhakhang has a monastic school that
provides monastic education to about 30 monks. The Lhakhang is looked after by
the Zhung Dratshang (Central monastic body of Bhutan). The Lhakhang was
established by Barawa Lam who is believed to have brought the five sisters to
Bhutan<o:p></o:p></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Thinggi Zhalzangma </span></b><b><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(</span></b><b><span lang="BO" style="color: #050505; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">མཐིང་གི་ཞལ་བཟང་མ)</span></b><b><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">The second eldest of
the five sisters is Thinggi Zhalzangma. She rides a mare and holds a silver
mirror and the banner of the gods (Pem, 2018). In the same vein, </span>Wangchuk
(personal communication, April 6, 2022) confirmed Zhalzangma to be the second
eldest. <span style="color: #050505; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">However, the son-in-law of the house (where Zhalzangma resides)
believes Zhalzangma to be the youngest of the sisters and rides a doe. He
further reiterated that it was confirmed by HE Patsheling Trulku to be the
youngest. The son-in-law was full of praises for all the peace and tranquility
the family enjoys to the statue they have on their choesham. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu35ATsgGEGUcLBQ1AcuUMB0as8j6RFnTqp0_Qh2s8U5QgDOaU4VM2IxQgF1PMde1JuESvUXz60nZG7H01pWIAy5j0q8pw6j3lXH4Z-uItJ_BEOcbPC_B5-RvU9xVIlZv2uQhSlRN7mCrJ_Ra_hec4ebj8ELiyL79f0zPsXOJz8oygz93bgQLkRgkQ/s540/67176991_2233293420111120_3613065813839314944_n.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="540" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu35ATsgGEGUcLBQ1AcuUMB0as8j6RFnTqp0_Qh2s8U5QgDOaU4VM2IxQgF1PMde1JuESvUXz60nZG7H01pWIAy5j0q8pw6j3lXH4Z-uItJ_BEOcbPC_B5-RvU9xVIlZv2uQhSlRN7mCrJ_Ra_hec4ebj8ELiyL79f0zPsXOJz8oygz93bgQLkRgkQ/w200-h151/67176991_2233293420111120_3613065813839314944_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The house at Ramna:The <br />residing place of Thinggi Zhalzangma.<br />PC: Gyeltshen, D. (FB)</i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />Her name “Zhalzangma”
suggests that she is youthful and beautiful, thus having the power to make you
attractive in others’ eyes. Tshering (2020) also believes Thinggi Zhalzangma to
bring</span><span style="background: white; color: #050505; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"> harmony to relationships.</span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Unlike other sisters,
Thinggi Zhalzangma is housed in the family alter at Ramna, about 200 meters
from the highway (towards Ta-dzong from Paro town). The house is just a few
meters above the farm road. The huge house has distinctive huge rocks in front
of the doorway. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Miyo Langzangma </span></b><b><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">(</span></b><b><span lang="BO" style="color: #050505; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">མི་གཡོ་གླང་བཟང་མ)</span></b><b><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The third of the sisters, Miyo
Langzangma is the goddess of wealth and abundance. She</span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRiLgmh8T1RyQJSMgPc2n425GS42v-EWoQjzmY3OcCKaH-8EdO6y3w29bAwSiSGEbGF4IRpfrPsqJkUxD452BAI5wjB8XkTeyq55OMnSp2lIyFVcc9IAPrZtUuFsYoG8YUam6n00GixOy6lTIroYP_JEw6pF7kLq0tcjsgUsi-r_uPmKVGtacvql2r/s1280/photo_2022-04-19_23-41-55.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRiLgmh8T1RyQJSMgPc2n425GS42v-EWoQjzmY3OcCKaH-8EdO6y3w29bAwSiSGEbGF4IRpfrPsqJkUxD452BAI5wjB8XkTeyq55OMnSp2lIyFVcc9IAPrZtUuFsYoG8YUam6n00GixOy6lTIroYP_JEw6pF7kLq0tcjsgUsi-r_uPmKVGtacvql2r/w200-h150/photo_2022-04-19_23-41-55.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">Tengchen Goenpa seen from<br />Dranje Goenpa</span></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> governs all aspects of
prosperity, luck, assets, and wealth (Pem, 2018). She has a yellow body and
rides a tigress. She holds a bowl of jewels in her left hand, signifying her
power to gift wealth. If one wishes for an increase in income, she is the right
answer. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Langzangma resides at <span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Tengchen goenpa. One can either drive or
walk to reach Lhakhang. One can drive</span></span></p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /> through the farm road that leads from Paro
town (through Gaptey) and take a left turn from Shomo village. One can also
take the highway towards Drugyel (from Paro town) and take the left turn just
before reaching the Kitchu Lhakhang and take the farm road that will reach you
to the farm road mentioned above or one can also walk for about 45 minutes
along the biking trail from Drangje goenpa. <o:p></o:p></span></span><p></p>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejB6TuBYH3-c5JLin-2fSZ2ZvFTwcF008fEg3ffqRe0IlWdy1mFwW4sewFOoIsS5Op6DXMZtwE-QW1XydqEIo9XC8YmTq8BoyLuVWGNt4WKZvKc6RngXdPMll_XcWNurG0Vz9Hg2Fs6UR3RqbHHegFQhruXq8sG5m8ot2bvIFnypjw5fIX2xhzQgT/s1280/photo_2022-04-19_23-41-54.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejB6TuBYH3-c5JLin-2fSZ2ZvFTwcF008fEg3ffqRe0IlWdy1mFwW4sewFOoIsS5Op6DXMZtwE-QW1XydqEIo9XC8YmTq8BoyLuVWGNt4WKZvKc6RngXdPMll_XcWNurG0Vz9Hg2Fs6UR3RqbHHegFQhruXq8sG5m8ot2bvIFnypjw5fIX2xhzQgT/w200-h150/photo_2022-04-19_23-41-54.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">Tengchen Goenpa: The residing<br />place of <span style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 14.98px;">Miyo Langzangma.</span></span></span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Unlike the Ramna statue, you will just see the effigy (a huge head
sculpture) of Miyo Langzangma in the temporary temple since the main temple is
under major renovation. Today, the Lhakhang is house to some 40 nuns of Kila
Goenpa who have invested their lives in the spiritual journey. They are
administered by Paro dratshang. The Lhakhang has a huge compound feasible for a
university for the nuns. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Chodpan Drinzangma </span></b><b><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">(</span></b><b><span lang="BO" style="color: #050505; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">ཅོད་པན་མགྲིན་བཟང་མ)</span></b><b><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">The second youngest of
the five sisters is the Chopan Dzrinzangma. She rides a doe and holds a
wish-fulfilling jewel. It is said that she repels </span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">the ill-effects of bad omens and bad dreams, and gathers
auspicious conditions for good things to ripen (Pem, 2018). So if one wishes to
have an</span></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJT2FmU3M7RNQKpVxSbAot8uKuaosPjzH059WiKXAAsgjAFM4U1BnPv6LcOq7tVXyul02Xh14k59DcG96CvFhMel7iL_hz2wXxEDvlcNriFvv6uswbUrjNaGTJsZ42iHNKX0pQbLNwezNQTPfPVezgf_S-MZXCG5cFsekeKV7zNz5VPQzrzXSoe5Rs/s1280/photo_2022-04-19_23-41-53.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJT2FmU3M7RNQKpVxSbAot8uKuaosPjzH059WiKXAAsgjAFM4U1BnPv6LcOq7tVXyul02Xh14k59DcG96CvFhMel7iL_hz2wXxEDvlcNriFvv6uswbUrjNaGTJsZ42iHNKX0pQbLNwezNQTPfPVezgf_S-MZXCG5cFsekeKV7zNz5VPQzrzXSoe5Rs/w200-h150/photo_2022-04-19_23-41-53.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dzongdrakha: The residing place <br />of Chodpan Drinzangma<br />(Spirit)</i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"> abundance of luck, and remove obstacles, Drinzangma could be the
answer. She has red body and has no limits in bringing good luck to anyone who prays
to her.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9751Mgr7pv2coB21MToNcEHDfyWNRwiO-J71N7JGWB2I9Le_69jL71WG2Wj7urCz1yziUL-zk9caJe7D1Eqt1h2gAwkI8N6U9UTolEU6XTFfgX3RNOz0Khn6F6fMJSlvABb3D0WmerLnqgzhkvhR9dJjAdnZpBfHeG9zidb2Gakyoz4vgxJNjH3zA/s720/101408369_576510416579259_3150352120704663552_n.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9751Mgr7pv2coB21MToNcEHDfyWNRwiO-J71N7JGWB2I9Le_69jL71WG2Wj7urCz1yziUL-zk9caJe7D1Eqt1h2gAwkI8N6U9UTolEU6XTFfgX3RNOz0Khn6F6fMJSlvABb3D0WmerLnqgzhkvhR9dJjAdnZpBfHeG9zidb2Gakyoz4vgxJNjH3zA/w200-h200/101408369_576510416579259_3150352120704663552_n.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Gangtey Lhakhang.<br />PC: Wangmo, K. (FB)</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />Wangchuk (personal communication, April 6, 2022)
concluded that the actual place of residence of Chodpan Drinzangma is
Dzongdrakha but the caretaker of the Lhakhang claimed the effigy there to be
that of Tashi Tsheringma. The doubt was cleared by Wangchuk (personal
communication, April 6, 2022) who found out that the effigy is actually that of
Tashi Tsheringma. He further confirmed that Lhakhangg has replaced Chodpan
Drinzangma with Tashi Tsheringma. Although Drinzangma’s spirit is believed to
be in Dzongdrkha, her Ku (statue) is now replaced. <o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">There is another interesting story about the effigy of
Tashi Tsheringma of Dzongdrakha. The caretaker of the Lhakhang said that it was
found by a dumb cow herder in the village below the Lhakhang, many years ago.
It is said that there were many misfortunes in the village. The villagers then
sought astrological help and were advised to take the effigy to the right
place; the present Lhakhang but Wangchuk (personal communication, April 6,
2022) claims that the dumb boy had dreams where he was advised to take the
effigy to the present Lhakhang. The two stories have similarities; it was found
by a dumb boy who was destined to be brought to the present Lhakhang. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">According to Wangchuk (personal communication, April
6, 2022), Dzongdrakha is the most important of all the residing places of the
five sisters in Paro since there is a prophecy of Tsheringma treasures to be
revealed from the cliffs surrounding the Lhakhang. This was further validated
by the story of the caretaker who believed the cliffs to have the largest
collection of treasures in the entire universe, hidden by Guru Rimpoche.</span></p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /> <o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">One can get to Dzongdrakha in a car. As you drive
towards Chelila from Woochu, take a left turn when you see the signboard of the
Lhakhang. There are two farm roads from the junction. Both the roads will take
you to the Lhakhang but from different directions. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Lhakhang was established by Drupthob Gembo Dorji.
It is perched on the ribs of a huge cliff and looks like an eagle’s nest. There
are a few more lhakahngs around it. The Lhakhang was handed over to the
dratshang by the public about a decade ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Drupthob Gembo Dorji had two children, a boy, and a
girl. The girl settled a few meters east of the Lhakhang and built a new Lhakhang,
which is taken care by her descendants. The boy settled about 100 meters from the
Lhakhang and built another temple there. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Taykar Drozangma </span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">(</span><span lang="BO" style="color: #050505; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;">གཏལ་དཀར་འགྲོ་བཟང་མ)</span></b><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 11.5pt;">Drozangma is the green long life sister who increases one's
inner vitality, regeneration, and life force. </span><span style="color: #050505; font-size: 11.5pt;">She prevents harmful nagas from stealing away one's life force
or causing diseases (Pem, 2018). On the contrary, the caretaker of the Gangtey
Lhakhang maintains the Drozangma to have the power to gift blessings of cattle
thus increasing your wealth.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPiK66sPozhVMqzZTQhKWSg5qnkHm4Vm5oDcua-mK-7HcT3RhHqqfE23B_lMh-VSMGpB8kNasAbPOC7h8tlYLIlA7dAl-pc3E3Zv3UYb-Q5ghDPHcl3l9xObWtJH4jyYTnLAZ8Dwixi4CGGODKaCyf2UiOPt-cMjiyxVRhB7DoAeGWtRTTabNjLSR/s1280/photo_2022-04-20_00-14-56.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPiK66sPozhVMqzZTQhKWSg5qnkHm4Vm5oDcua-mK-7HcT3RhHqqfE23B_lMh-VSMGpB8kNasAbPOC7h8tlYLIlA7dAl-pc3E3Zv3UYb-Q5ghDPHcl3l9xObWtJH4jyYTnLAZ8Dwixi4CGGODKaCyf2UiOPt-cMjiyxVRhB7DoAeGWtRTTabNjLSR/w200-h150/photo_2022-04-20_00-14-56.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The cliff where the <br />treasures are believed<br />to be hidden.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />Drozangma rides</span><span style="background: white; color: #050505; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"> a
turquoise dragon (Tshering, 2020) holding a Durva grasss in one hand, and a
snake noose in the other (Pem, 2018). She is also believed to possess the power
to protect from diseases and avert natural disasters. <o:p></o:p></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="background: white; color: #050505; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Lhakhang is located near the gate leading to the hotel
Gantey palace (the ancestral home of Kuzhu Dawa Penjor). To visit the temple,
one has to follow the road leading to Taju School from Taju highway leading to
Paro town. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="background: white; color: #050505; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Lhakhang was built by Je Sherab Gyaltshen of Gorinang,
the twenty-fifth Je Khenpo of Bhutan (Wangmo, 2020). The Lhakhang sits on a
hill overlooking the Paro valley and facing the Ringpung dzong. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="background: white; color: #050505; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Locals believe that if a person goes on a pilgrimage and
visits all five residential places of the five sisters in a single day, one
will be blessed with wealth, health, and good luck. The presence of the five
sisters in Paro is the reason for peace and prosperity of people in Paro. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><i><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></o:p></i></p><p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><o:p><b><span style="font-family: georgia;">References</span></b></o:p></p>
<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>Five sisters of
long life</i>. (2008, May 9). Ranjung Yeshe Wiki. Retrieved April 19, 2022,
from https://rywiki.tsadra.org/index.php/Five_Sisters_of_Long_Life#Paro_Valley<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Pem, S. Y. (2018,
August 16). <i>TSHERINGMA (five sisters of long life)</i>. Facebook. Retrieved
April 14, 2022, from
https://www.facebook.com/groups/178436076194799/search/?q=Five%20sisters<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Tshering, P. T.
(2020, April 28). <i>Hike to sacred places of tsheringma (five sisters of long
life)</i>. Facebook. Retrieved April 13, 2022, from
https://www.facebook.com/page/1488153251483476/search/?q=five%20sisters</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p>haPpyGalaX's pAgEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12538818683032343739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-610179800276207609.post-43235149998840091722021-10-28T21:23:00.003-05:002021-10-28T21:24:02.394-05:00Dechenpelrithang, the forgotten place of the True son. Pema Lingpa, the true son of Bumthang and one of the great five kings of the <i>Tertons </i>(Tresaure<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oAUG9sf8Ltk/YXtZTzp6yNI/AAAAAAAAArw/t_sXjDO5PTkXQWJTnAk8BZZLoWg_s--7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_E0349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oAUG9sf8Ltk/YXtZTzp6yNI/AAAAAAAAArw/t_sXjDO5PTkXQWJTnAk8BZZLoWg_s--7gCLcBGAsYHQ/w150-h200/IMG_E0349.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b><i>The stupa</i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> Revealers) was born in the year 1450 to Yab Dendup Zangpo and Yhum Pema Dolma. He was born on the fifteenth day of the second month of the male iron-horse year. His birth was marked with many auspicious signs and thus, the great Terton was born. <div>Terton Pema Lingpa, during his early days, spent his time with his grandfather who was a blacksmith. He, thus picked up the skill and mastered it.
According to records, Pema Lingpa experienced an unusual dream twice. The first dream was experienced when he was just twenty five years. The prophetic dream was experienced two years later, on the tenth day of the second month of the Monkey year, while he was asleep near Mani Goenpa. A voice from shabbily dressed monk awakened him and handed him a scroll. Without a slightest knowledge, Pema Lingpa was urged to read as a key to decode the predestined <i>Terma </i>(Treasure). </div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wo2Uu551wpM/YXtZpNZ-NwI/AAAAAAAAAr4/cRGl9hhz1X4kUngjYxPqW6YUl4xa7uk8wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_E0348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wo2Uu551wpM/YXtZpNZ-NwI/AAAAAAAAAr4/cRGl9hhz1X4kUngjYxPqW6YUl4xa7uk8wCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h150/IMG_E0348.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Wish-fulfilling chorten</span></i></b> </td></tr></tbody></table><br />Handing the scroll, the monk disappeared asking Pema Lingpa to gather five friends and visit <i>Naring Drak </i>(Present Mebartsho). He was informed about his first task of revealing treasure from the lake during the full moon light. The shabby monk is believed to be Guru Rinpoche himself. </div><div>As Pema Lingpa unfurled the scroll, he saw the instruction, about the treasure beneath the rock in the Mebartsho. As instructed in the scroll, Pema Lingpa jumped into the lake without uttering a word on the appointed night.
Inside the lake, Pema Lingpa came across a throne and a stake of texts as he entered the cave. The guardian of the cave handed Pema Lingpa one of the text and told him to run. He felt himself propelled up to the cliff as if by push of wind and realized that he was on the surface of the lake. </div><div> Wanting to decode the text, Pema Lingpa sought help from his family and two masters but to no avail.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fyFmZ8Dtcog/YXtaJRhIg4I/AAAAAAAAAsA/MH63Ap6ObQMrgDA3Z3RojkkWqAnd8bVwACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_E0342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fyFmZ8Dtcog/YXtaJRhIg4I/AAAAAAAAAsA/MH63Ap6ObQMrgDA3Z3RojkkWqAnd8bVwACLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h150/IMG_E0342.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b><i>Kharchu Drathsng's Tshamkhangs as seen from the chorten.</i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> Back at Mani Goenpa, he referred the scroll key once more and was able to see the title of the text as <b><i>"Crystallization of the Tantra of the Luminious space"</i></b> (<b>Klong gsal gsang ba snying bcud</b>)- considered to be the first of his thirty-two Termas.
And in the year of the pig, decoding the entire text, Pema Lingpa offered his first initiation at <b>Dungkarbi </b>(aka <b>Dechenpelrithang</b>) under the patronage of the Lama Rinchen Pel over the course of three weeks. During the event, Pema Lingpa, in his dream, was taught steps of various sacred dances and was given further instructions, by the dakinis.
Later a chorten (Stupa) was erected at the site to mark the importance of the place where the greatest <i>Terton </i>turned his wheel of dharma. </div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v769_cuK-LY/YXtaz_TmKcI/AAAAAAAAAsI/pjho2krAbvktsm7bDFwVf2eEKlDkIScpACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_E0340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v769_cuK-LY/YXtaz_TmKcI/AAAAAAAAAsI/pjho2krAbvktsm7bDFwVf2eEKlDkIScpACLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h150/IMG_E0340.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b><i>The Zangthopalri as seen from the chorten.</i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Despite it's sacredness, not many know or visit the chorten. The chorten is also known to be a wish-fulling stupa and those who visit, make a point to make wishes.
The chorten falls under the National Sheep Breeding Center campus at Dechenpelrithang. The place is widely known as Dungminthang. The stupa is about 15kms away from the Chamkhar town towards Ura. Reaching the gate of the breeding center, one needs to enter and gate and the stupa can be seen from the highway. Pilgrims can also visit the Zangthopalri near the chorten and also the Mebartsho which is just few minutes drive from the chorten.</div>haPpyGalaX's pAgEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12538818683032343739noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-610179800276207609.post-18424561635643028762021-10-12T21:43:00.005-05:002021-10-19T23:08:34.375-05:00Singyethang, the plain where the lion resides<p>Bhutan is a mysterious country filled with mystery and
stories that are beyond our imagination, yet we<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mbMcMXfU_6A/YWZGRxU29WI/AAAAAAAAAqk/N3TdcKvw79EmFn8nJIbfXBj0U9WV4o4mQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mbMcMXfU_6A/YWZGRxU29WI/AAAAAAAAAqk/N3TdcKvw79EmFn8nJIbfXBj0U9WV4o4mQCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h133/IMG_0575.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Mount Jhomolhari seen from Singyethang</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> believe and have faith in them.
One such mysterious place is Singyethang. <i>Singye</i> in dzongkha means lion
and <i>thang</i> can be translated as plain. Thus, Singyethang can be literarily
translated as the plain where the lion resides or simply as the <i>lion plain</i>.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Singyethang is located at about 3300 meters above the sea
level. Taking the faint trails among the woods, one has to walk about an hour from Taphag (Taphay) Goenpa in Trongsa. During the dry season, one can
drive till Taphag goenpa from where you need to be guided by a seasoned local
or a monk. The trail is so faint that one should not take risk of visiting the
place without someone who knows the place well. There are stories when pilgrims
lost their way back.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qfs_Tke2sgs/YWZGjeKaxuI/AAAAAAAAAqs/TlDoI5SBQNYrk_6D2KvBYU0-Pu7iTFArwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qfs_Tke2sgs/YWZGjeKaxuI/AAAAAAAAAqs/TlDoI5SBQNYrk_6D2KvBYU0-Pu7iTFArwCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h150/IMG_4012.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The beautiful villages</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Walking through the woods for about one hour, one is
suddenly out into a great pastureland. In the middle of the pastureland, one
can see a rock resembling a lion’s head. Oral history has it that the lion flew
from Tibet and landed there. There are believes that once the whole rock-lion head and the neck were above the ground but with time, the lions seems to be consumed by the
mother earth. Today one can just see the head of the lion. Elders say that the
whole head of the lion along with neck were visible during those days. They also trust the
mythical story of the world coming to an end when the whole lion is submerged
in the earth. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Next to the lion head, there is a rock which resembles the head
of a wild boar. Although there is no<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ej-5DTlsmRo/YWZG0bmHf7I/AAAAAAAAAq0/tw9_8qT4lcAV0pUu0xsupRkZyxXyjKJmACLcBGAsYHQ/s1276/WeChat%2BImage_20211009205619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="956" data-original-width="1276" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ej-5DTlsmRo/YWZG0bmHf7I/AAAAAAAAAq0/tw9_8qT4lcAV0pUu0xsupRkZyxXyjKJmACLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h150/WeChat%2BImage_20211009205619.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><b>The lion's head (L) and The boar's head (R)</b></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> written or oral background history of the
rock, it is said that the direction of the boar’s head can determine the
location of the boars in the forest surrounding the place.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When people in nearby village experience existence of wild
boar destroying their crops, they visit the place only to find the rock boar-head turned towards their village. They then turn the head towards east since
there is no village towards that direction. Locals blame the sudden emergence
of boars in their village to the pilgrims who unknowingly turn the head towards
their village. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cjq-Tf2vKfE/YWZHLGqcmqI/AAAAAAAAAq8/nMuZ7gnfnw00eDkgn_1td4UwjSHH5dnBwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cjq-Tf2vKfE/YWZHLGqcmqI/AAAAAAAAAq8/nMuZ7gnfnw00eDkgn_1td4UwjSHH5dnBwCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h133/IMG_2691.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Local deity's residence</span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table>The northern end of the pastureland is a cliff where one can
enjoy the fresh air and contemplate on life. From there, pilgrims can have the
sumptuous view of mount Jhomolhari looking like the icing on a cake. The
villages of Jongthang, Karshong, Bemji of Nubi gewog can be seen like grains
scattered among the mountains. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br />On the eastern edge of the plain, there is a huge fir tree.
There is a pound near the tree which is believed to be the <i>Latsho</i> (The
soul lake) The place deserves sanctity and no one dares to make the slightest
noise near it. There are stories where the pilgrims were chased with hail<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nclwCXRUfZc/YWZHbvRoFkI/AAAAAAAAArE/-2QiEnDEJOoJoWyXCYGOnb0g9azytnnMQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/WeChat%2BImage_20211009205713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nclwCXRUfZc/YWZHbvRoFkI/AAAAAAAAArE/-2QiEnDEJOoJoWyXCYGOnb0g9azytnnMQCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h133/WeChat%2BImage_20211009205713.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><b>Muktshen's (local Deity of Trongsa) residence <br />as seen from Singyethang</b></i>.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />
stones and unnatural clouds when the lake was disturbed. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The place is sacred and isolated that not many people know
or visit it but once you make it there, it is worth the sweat. <o:p></o:p></p>haPpyGalaX's pAgEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12538818683032343739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-610179800276207609.post-10953967862506754852021-10-08T13:15:00.002-05:002021-10-08T13:15:32.418-05:00Guru Rimpoche’s cave and Khandros’ stove<p> The great Lopen Pema Juney visited Bhutan twice and is
believed to have blessed every inch of the land. He is also believed to have
hidden many treasures to be discovered later by prophesied Tertons (Treasure
revelers).<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uw_RQZrYlp0/YWCI7KkqYbI/AAAAAAAAApY/7AelptQ4pToHwNtHnrrO6_EHExHL_ObmQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/WeChat%2BImage_20211008235702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uw_RQZrYlp0/YWCI7KkqYbI/AAAAAAAAApY/7AelptQ4pToHwNtHnrrO6_EHExHL_ObmQCLcBGAsYHQ/w150-h200/WeChat%2BImage_20211008235702.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: xx-small;"><b>Guru's body print at the meditation cave</b>.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">To visit one such place, walk uphill from Taphag (Taphay)
Goenpa for about 45 minutes, and you will reach the open cave where Guru
Rimpoche is believed to have meditated. The cave lies at an altitude of about
3150 meters above the sea level.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The cave has the body imprints of Guru Rimpoche. Just beside
Guru’s cave, one can also see a similar cave where Khando was believed to have
meditated. Without any written documents to authenticate the information, no
exact time can be determined of Guru’s visit to the place, neither can pinpoint
the khando.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4ay16KE_I7U/YWCJVE18ZlI/AAAAAAAAApg/DCuZjlfAb9UR4mKqGX4qsV3_PWGVEtQrACLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/WeChat%2BImage_20211008235713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4ay16KE_I7U/YWCJVE18ZlI/AAAAAAAAApg/DCuZjlfAb9UR4mKqGX4qsV3_PWGVEtQrACLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h133/WeChat%2BImage_20211008235713.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: xx-small;"><b>View of Trongsa from the cave.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">One can enjoy the scenic beauty of Trongsa town and majestic
Chhoetse Rabtse Dzong which stands like a sleeping white dog. The caves lies
about five feet from the ground on a rocky cliff. Since the place is situated on
a steep slope, pilgrims needs to be very careful during the visit. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As always, khandos have followed Guru during his journeys
for the benefits of the sentient beings. One amazing place of khandos’ lies
hidden in the hills about thirty </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l7FIFnRX9I4/YWCJqdojtjI/AAAAAAAAApo/qxuRUQF4gVUSYnOV4UVnDK2SypbCa4A5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/WeChat%2BImage_20211008235624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="590" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l7FIFnRX9I4/YWCJqdojtjI/AAAAAAAAApo/qxuRUQF4gVUSYnOV4UVnDK2SypbCa4A5QCLcBGAsYHQ/w93-h200/WeChat%2BImage_20211008235624.jpg" width="93" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: xx-small;"><b>Our guide Lopen Kuenga <br />in the Khando's stove</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />minute walk from Guru’s cave. The place is
well hidden that finding it is difficult without a guide. It is believed that
Khandos prepared Ara (local brew) and meals to be offered to Guru Rimpoche
here. <o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Pilgrims can see the cylindrical stupas like structures made
with stones stacked on each other. It resembles like a container to store
stocks. The place looks more like a cave. The surface of the cave also has
black patches which locals say, were fromed by the fire the khandros made. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Too reach the place, pilgrims have to endure the steep
uphill walk for about 30 minutes only to descend the hill for another 10
minutes. Few meters before reaching, one has to use a scary temporary wooden
ladder to descend about 20 meters. The scary journey doesn’t end here, then one
has to cross a make-shift bridge constructed from two small wooden poles and
ascend about 20 meters to reach the place.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2wSHMLZfWKw/YWCKPMFQfMI/AAAAAAAAApw/0VYQIlRpeHs7FSUoEF359hArv3K-E7urgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/WeChat%2BImage_20211008235717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2wSHMLZfWKw/YWCKPMFQfMI/AAAAAAAAApw/0VYQIlRpeHs7FSUoEF359hArv3K-E7urgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/WeChat%2BImage_20211008235717.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: xx-small;"><b>The scary rotten ladder.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Since the place is secluded and the path leading to it seems
like inexistent, one should not plan to visit it without a seasoned guide. On
the other hand, the ladder and the wooden bridge seems to be surrendering
themselves to the weather and time. They are fragile and withered. One wrong
step, and you can be about hundred meters down the cliff. So, the Nye isn’t for
faint –hearted pilgrims or people who fear heights. But few dozens of meters
from the place, one can sit on a rock which seems to be sticking out of the
hill like a human tongue and enjoy the scenic view of Trongsa town and the
great Yotongla, the pass between Trongsa and Bumthang.<o:p></o:p></p>haPpyGalaX's pAgEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12538818683032343739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-610179800276207609.post-50030368126254875642021-10-06T12:54:00.001-05:002021-10-08T13:22:08.170-05:00TaPhag (Taphay) Goenpa<p> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5oR1_U1FsBA/YWCLCjpCZmI/AAAAAAAAAp4/Z5myRuCByKEZpW_zCZO067wtJNUSCALHACLcBGAsYHQ/s736/WeChat%2BImage_20211008235650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="736" data-original-width="530" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5oR1_U1FsBA/YWCLCjpCZmI/AAAAAAAAAp4/Z5myRuCByKEZpW_zCZO067wtJNUSCALHACLcBGAsYHQ/w144-h200/WeChat%2BImage_20211008235650.jpg" width="144" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: xx-small;"><b>Yidam Tamdrim.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Away from the bustling of the developments, overlooking the
majestic Choetse dzong, is the Taphag goenpa. The name of the goenpa was derived
from the rocky cliffs located above the goenpa. One of the cliff is believed to
be the head of Tandrim, (Hayagriva). The cliff is believed to be the shape of a
horse head. One can also see footprints of the horse. The other cliff which is
about 100 meters away from the</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-npbLpagtqK4/YV3hU-vtSWI/AAAAAAAAAow/uQJreoMjolQphzNk6IPHGREkhTkPP4dZACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4002.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-npbLpagtqK4/YV3hU-vtSWI/AAAAAAAAAow/uQJreoMjolQphzNk6IPHGREkhTkPP4dZACLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h150/IMG_4002.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: xx-small;">Taphag Goenpa as seen from Tandrim Nye</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> Tandrim nye, is believed to the blessed site of
Khando Dorji Phagmo (emanation of Vajravarahi). Dorji Phagmo can be
distinguished by the head of a female boar head (Varahi), which is visible
above her right ear. <i>Ta</i> in dzongkha refers to horse while <i>phag</i> is
the pig. Thus, Taphag the name of the goenpa.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">No formal records could be found about the goenpa but oral
history believes that the goenpa was blessed by Druthob Ngawang Samten. Later
His Majesty the first Druk Gyalpo built a lhakhang with nangtens (inner
relics). His majesty also built a private house near the lhakhang. It is said
that the king spent a fair amount of time at the goenpa receiving teaching from
his masters and practicing the teachings. Unfortunately, the royal private
house is nowhere to be seen now.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tS4iLh7Fvnc/YV3iNBnTciI/AAAAAAAAAo4/NrCQdEwzuiwOvHAU5hsmCX2Pu2_vHCWTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4117.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tS4iLh7Fvnc/YV3iNBnTciI/AAAAAAAAAo4/NrCQdEwzuiwOvHAU5hsmCX2Pu2_vHCWTwCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h150/IMG_4117.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: xx-small;">The Tandrim Nye</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />His majesty Gongsa Ugyen Wangchuck sent messages to his root
Guru Tobdhen Shacha Sheri in Tibet to visit Bhutan. Since the master was too frail
due to his age, he sent his trusted disciple Tshampa Ngoudup to bless the
goenpa and the place. Tshampa Ngoudup, among many had great disciples like
Gashey Khandu from Simphu and Lopen Gyempo<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3JqOsWHg2wA/YWCLWlX7DEI/AAAAAAAAAqA/GUgU-tq_2qcq6d3MuGuHmY0kwos7JR8oQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/WeChat%2BImage_20211008235643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="829" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3JqOsWHg2wA/YWCLWlX7DEI/AAAAAAAAAqA/GUgU-tq_2qcq6d3MuGuHmY0kwos7JR8oQCLcBGAsYHQ/w129-h200/WeChat%2BImage_20211008235643.jpg" width="129" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: xx-small;"><b>Khando Dorji Phamo.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> from Bumthang. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Many great Buddhist masters like 8<sup>th</sup> khamtrul,
Tobdhen Aachung and Tobdhen Choglay have meditated at the place. The two
storied lhakhang houses a statue of Chenrigzig Chhagtong Chhentong. Beautiful
mural paintings of Buddha, the great Buddhist masters and Tshering namdrug (The
six auspicious signs of longevity) can be seen in the lhakhang.</p>Today the lhakhang is under the Chhoetse rabdey. Senior monks
practice their three year retreat at the goenpa. There are few mediattion huts
surrounding the lhakhang. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the
financial support form the government and the Chhoetse rabdey, separate meditation
hermitages are under construction just below the <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I-dULPCf4CI/YWCL0krJqHI/AAAAAAAAAqI/CeAvK1fwa6QLK9dCE9eYLALF7QxclDnvQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/WeChat%2BImage_20211008235655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I-dULPCf4CI/YWCL0krJqHI/AAAAAAAAAqI/CeAvK1fwa6QLK9dCE9eYLALF7QxclDnvQCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h133/WeChat%2BImage_20211008235655.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: xx-small;"><b>The Tandrim Nye (left) and <br />Dorji Phamo Nye (Right)</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />goenpa to accommodate more practitioners.
<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The farm road to the goenpa is accessible only during the
dry season and one has to bear the arduous<br /> uphill for about two hours during
other times to reach the goenpa. Once at the goenpa, one can enjoy the
breathtaking view of Trongsa, the place where the monarchy began in Bhutan. Today,
the goenpa is widely known and Taphay Goenpa and the old names seems to be
fading away. <o:p></o:p></p>haPpyGalaX's pAgEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12538818683032343739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-610179800276207609.post-6649663172347994542021-09-03T04:45:00.000-05:002021-10-06T12:55:32.797-05:00When is the right time?<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal">Every adult’s wish <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is
to have a roof over their head after their retirement. Every couple plans for a
decent home as their age catches up fast with them, but the question is when is
the right time for getting things ready? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Wangdi (name changed) has been a civil servant for last 20
years in various post and place. He knows that he is left with a decade or so
to offer his service to his nation. He has been thinking and planning about a
decent home for many years.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Thanks to the banks in the nation, he availed a loan and
purchased a plot of land in one of the dzongkhag. With another loan
from another bank, he and his wife struggled to construct a simple bungalow. It
took him and his small family 5 months of sleepless night and struggled to
complete the construction.<o:p></o:p></p>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZwzTGxfkmQ/YTHuJ1cYnbI/AAAAAAAAAoM/x6R8szQ-BG0lV8O-bFMh9bRJVF3uo-I8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZwzTGxfkmQ/YTHuJ1cYnbI/AAAAAAAAAoM/x6R8szQ-BG0lV8O-bFMh9bRJVF3uo-I8gCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h150/IMG_5600.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div><i><span style="font-family: courier;">When is the right time?</span></i></div></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">Once completed, the family dreamt of happiness for years to
come. But things did not turn up as expected. Few months into their new home,
Wangdi was transferred to another dzongkhag as mandated by his profession. They
could not think of the house to be rented since they have already shifted in
and that they have constructed with lot of love and struggle. So the family
took a decision of the life, the wife was to resign and look after the home and
three kids.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">With hope of getting transferred back to his family, Wangdi
applied for many years but in vain. He approached officials in the dzongkhag
and the ministry for the transfer but nothing fruitful came out. Four years
away from his family and home, Wangdi has been struggling financially and
emotionally trying to hide all the pain going through. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He makes visit to his family once every two months but the
pandemic has forced him to limit his visit. This further added to the pain
going on in the family. The wife on the other hand is having the toughest time
handling their two school-going kids and one at home. This was never planned. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Now the question is, when is the right time to plan and
construct a decent roof over your head? When we have the strength and money, we
do not have time. And we have money and time after retirement, we won’t have
the strength. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When is the right time?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><o:p></o:p><p></p>haPpyGalaX's pAgEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12538818683032343739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-610179800276207609.post-83338230538529790042021-08-23T09:38:00.007-05:002024-01-02T08:35:35.608-06:00Book Review - Kyetse<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></blockquote> Kyetse is one of Chador Wangmo’s mind-boggling novels. She is one of the few fulltime Bhutanese writers. She was a teacher but surrendered her career to her passion- writing. Today she is a mother of two kids and runs Miza Books, a bookstore for writers and readers to come together.
Chador Wangmo is from an eastern hamlet in Tashigang. Her root is vividly curved in her novels portraying what really sharchops are. The novel was published by Miza Books in 2016.
The book takes you to the heart of Brekha, a small hamlet in Tashigang. Although the readers are taken out to Nepal, we are brought back to Bhutan and are taken to Paro to end the story.
The author, a true daughter from the east has chosen the rustic, yet humble and pure easterners. The protagonist, Sonam Dema is an inquisitive girl of eight years old who, as the <i>Kyetse </i>prophesized, was sent to become a nun with an elderly nun who was a complete stranger to her. Sonam Dema and four other girls from Bhutan are taken far away from their loved ones only to be tortured and sold as prostitutes.
Luck favored SonamDema, when she was to escort the <i>Anim </i>back to Bhutan. That is when she decides to run away back to Tashigang with a businessman with whose family she resides for two years. As destined by her kyetse, Sonam feels empty despite the business man’s family being a perfect host for her. She decides to change her path- to become a nun.
With her mother’s death a long time back, her grandparents and the father takes into her wish and enrolls her in a monastery as a nun. Everything seems to be fine until a handsome man visits the <i>Goenpa </i>and offers to build a toilet for the <i>anims</i>. She falls <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wqoTny-jJFM/YSOysfKmDUI/AAAAAAAAAn4/fa_8HX5x3DkZVhIcUeOnVE6qs9qpXRs8wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9211.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wqoTny-jJFM/YSOysfKmDUI/AAAAAAAAAn4/fa_8HX5x3DkZVhIcUeOnVE6qs9qpXRs8wCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h150/IMG_9211.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />in love with him but breaks her heart when the lama of <i>goenpa </i>congratulates the man on his marriage with another girl.
Sonam was eighteen then. As predicted in her <i>kyetse</i>, she faces the biggest hurdle of her life, to overcome her broken heart. As Sonam was healing her broken heart, she is yet trembled by the news on the TV. The so called <i>anim </i>who took her and friends to Nepal was wanted by the police in connection to human trafficking and vandalism of chortens.
Her information about the <i>anim </i>helps the police to nab her and the partner. Sonam and her friend are rewarded by the police but they decide that monetary life is what they aren’t for. They donate the money to the <i>goenpa </i>and happily continue their spiritual journey.<div><br /></div><div> The novel portrays the vulnerability of young girls in Bhutan and more so with the rural kids. With increasing risk of human trafficking, the story is an alarm bell for all the readers and the policy makers. With Sonam Dema’s friends sold into prostitution and her best friend Penthang committing suicide, the issue of human trafficking is something not lightly to be taken.
The novel is a true eastern product. The custom of superstition and beliefs are colorfully carved in the story. As one reads, you feel the warmth and love of a <i>sharchop </i>family as if you are one of the members. Even the names of the characters are humble <i>sharchop </i>tags which further cements you to the story if you are easterner.
The novels concludes with the belief in spiritual journey Sonam Dema takes. With the world overshadowed by materialistic wave, the novel serves a fresh breath for humanity. It reminds us that spiritualism is the ultimate goal one must aspire.
</div>haPpyGalaX's pAgEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12538818683032343739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-610179800276207609.post-46348178412126656432021-08-15T02:29:00.004-05:002021-10-06T12:55:58.609-05:00Ara Zang (ཨ་རག་ཟངས་)Guru Rimpoche was invited to Bumthang to cure the local king, Sindha Raja from his death bed, in the 7th century. Guru Rimpoche, the "Precious Teacher" entered the country from the south and believed to have journeyed from Trongsa to Bumthang.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WNla7B85rVw/YRjB1wI5tNI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/AAzqMrCtNgIbxhm8szz9gDNjUvLS7aurQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_E8333%255B1%255D.JPG" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WNla7B85rVw/YRjB1wI5tNI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/AAzqMrCtNgIbxhm8szz9gDNjUvLS7aurQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/IMG_E8333%255B1%255D.JPG" /></a></div>Arriving at Bumthang, the precious teacher meditated in a cave (above the present Bumthang hospital) for three days. During the duration, it is believed that the <i>khandrom</i> brewed ara (Local alcohol) on a rock facing the cave across the river. The khandoms then offered the ara to Guru as an offering.
The religious site directly faces the meditation cave and the Chokhor chorten, where Guru has taught Buddhism for the first time in Bumthang. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kLGHuAYPRlA/YRjBOh8XYhI/AAAAAAAAAnI/PAxHA4z-2dMfq2pWHSUmksAr6fRIF77FACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_E8328%255B1%255D.JPG" style="clear: left; display: block; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kLGHuAYPRlA/YRjBOh8XYhI/AAAAAAAAAnI/PAxHA4z-2dMfq2pWHSUmksAr6fRIF77FACLcBGAsYHQ/w150-h200/IMG_E8328%255B1%255D.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ara zang.</td></tr></tbody></table>
The place today, is under RNR research office and fenced. However, people can still access the site. The site is just above the domestic airport in Bumthang. Taking the road towards Tamshing from Chamkhar town, enter the RNR gate near the airport. Stop the car at the first turn and walk towards Chamkhar town for about 3 mins, and the site is visible. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gWVQyCnFRJY/YRjCMbvv6VI/AAAAAAAAAnY/Iq8odszu-K8RCparRHk1wIucelZA0KAewCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8336%255B1%255D.JPG" style="clear: right; display: block; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gWVQyCnFRJY/YRjCMbvv6VI/AAAAAAAAAnY/Iq8odszu-K8RCparRHk1wIucelZA0KAewCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h150/IMG_8336%255B1%255D.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cave seen from the site. </td></tr></tbody></table>haPpyGalaX's pAgEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12538818683032343739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-610179800276207609.post-60516605932681907962021-05-24T04:45:00.001-05:002021-10-06T12:56:07.754-05:00Offering to Destroy<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oxxtQ3rEOms/YKtzk-cU46I/AAAAAAAAAk0/6GVgkHVR390wVgppuV7Z_YfZJ0UxJx8ggCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/dungtsho-1-1024x768.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oxxtQ3rEOms/YKtzk-cU46I/AAAAAAAAAk0/6GVgkHVR390wVgppuV7Z_YfZJ0UxJx8ggCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/dungtsho-1-1024x768.jpg"/></a></div>
The pandemic has brought the tourism across the world to an abrupt stop. No country could risk the nation’s health with tourism.
Bhutan like any other nation isn’t immune to the pandemic. The country’s second highest revenue earner, tourism came to stand still
with no predicted time to come back.
The pandemic provided the most wanted boast for the local tourism to grow. The local tourism has also helped heal the ailing economy.
With people wanting to be away from others, the frequently visited religious sites are seeing not many visitors. On the other hand, far flung religious sites and more so the lakes (Tsho) are welcoming an ever increasing visitors, some genuine while others for the sake to refresh.
While it may be religiously and culturally encouraging to make offering in the lakes, the long-term impact can be questioned. With many people throwing coins and paper money into the lake as offering, we are doing more harm than to please the mermaid. The people offering money in the lake looks environmentally unfriendly. There may come a time, not many years from now, that the lakes will be polluted by the rust from the coins thrown into the lakes while decaying of paper money will just add salt to the wound. If this money is circulated in the market, the economic will be boasted which is the primary mandate of money.
People also offer khaddar (white silk scarf) into the lakes. The khadars can be found in and around the lakes swirled around by the wind and the waves. Aren’t we just polluting the sacred lakes? People can make offering of sang (incense) to please the mermaid and the deities and seek their blessings and I am sure they will understand our genuine prayers.
Another offering people make in the lakes is the milk. The milk is poured into the lake as an offering and seek blessing but doesn’t it impact the lake? Firstly, the ecosystem in the lake is disturbed. The organisms in the lake become dependent on the offering thus breaking the food chain. The milk poured into the lake pollutes the lake. Imagine a person offers 200ml of milk. If there are 10 pilgrims making the offering, the lake will have to consume 2 liters of the white offering. With most of the lakes having no outlets, the lake may become a huge bowl of milk.
I do not have literatures or documents to authenticate my thoughts, but I strongly feel that these offerings are destroying our pristine and virgin lakes. The country has laws to protect the running streams and rivers from being polluted but aren’t we forgetting the source? It’s high time that we change the way make offerings. People should come up with innovative or modern way of pleasing these unseen forces. I do not ask for the offering to be stopped, it must not happen. All I think is, there should be a better option to protect our lakes.
PC: The Bhutanese, 7th December, 2020 Iuuse. haPpyGalaX's pAgEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12538818683032343739noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-610179800276207609.post-74914393084699537672021-02-17T09:26:00.003-06:002021-10-06T12:56:22.147-05:00Primary education: The crucial one<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4p3P9PwrlTo/YC03GAG0ZBI/AAAAAAAAAjA/TrAhBseHA_YJHBENwhhNerqRppxT6dCpgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/WeChat%2BImage_20210217213213.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="200" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4p3P9PwrlTo/YC03GAG0ZBI/AAAAAAAAAjA/TrAhBseHA_YJHBENwhhNerqRppxT6dCpgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/WeChat%2BImage_20210217213213.jpg"/></a></div>
Education is the right of every person on the planet and every learner deserves the best it. Although quality cannot be comprised at any level, the primary level merits the maximum attention.
Bharti and Bhattacharya (2014) states that “Primary education is the first stage of compulsory education which is been considered as the most crucial in a child’s education and social development” (para. 1).
Primary education is the base for other levels. If a child is left out without quality primary education, coping up at higher levels would be an uphill journey. Michaelowa (2007) found out that:
The quality of primary education is going to have direct coherence to the other levels learning. The quality provided at the primary level shall have impact on higher levels. This implies that a country with low levels of secondary or even primary completion will have a considerably reduced pool of students available for higher education. (para.2)
Having served in two levels of schools, it is evident that quality primary education is the pillar on which the other levels of learning is built on. It is the introduction to the primary subjects on which they later specialize.
According to the Maurya girl’s school (2019), a good start of primary education for your children paves the way for social, economic, political growth and development of a society. It is further emphasized by Mount Olympus School (n.d.) “Primary education is the foremost and basic right of every child. It is the first step in making of the character of child.
References
Michaelowa, Katharina. (2007). The impact of primary and secondary education on higher education quality. Quality Assurance in Education. 15. 10.1108/09684880710748956.
Mount Olympus school. (n.d.). Why it is important to focus on primary education. https://mountolympus.in/why-it-is-important-to-focus-on-primary- education/#:~:text=Primary%20education%20is%20the%20foremost,cultural%2C%20e motional%20and%20physical%20skills.
Priyanka, B., & Bishakh,. (2014, December). Quality education over quantitative education at primary level in India. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-81-322-2232-3_54
The Maurya girls’ school. (2019, October 5). Importance of primary school education in your children’s life. https://www.themauryagirlsschool.com/importance-of-primary-school- education-in-your-childrens-life/
haPpyGalaX's pAgEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12538818683032343739noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-610179800276207609.post-46447620500228746732021-02-17T09:06:00.001-06:002021-02-17T09:06:24.322-06:00Luck and the Kharam Shing<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> Luck is what we think
we deserve to have every time but it is otherwise. People seek interference of
seen and unseen forces in hope to have the tinniest fraction of luck. Luck, in
laymen term can be defined as absence of bad things happening. according to Chophel (2018), <span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.125px;"><i>Kharam </i>means ‘together,’ reflective of the event’s communal nature. It is believed to have evolved from a Bön ritual, and includes a particular wooden structure marked by a phallus.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J8aQ6tslwP0/YC0wIcrBubI/AAAAAAAAAik/n9UObsvXOC0HMERQ6Msl5CGJqWMwuq30gCLcBGAsYHQ/s275/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J8aQ6tslwP0/YC0wIcrBubI/AAAAAAAAAik/n9UObsvXOC0HMERQ6Msl5CGJqWMwuq30gCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/images.jpg" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">The lucky phallus (Image:Google)</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">In Bhutan, there is a
special way to drive away evil and bring luck; having a <i>kharam shing</i>
around. It is a phallus craved from wood. The size and the wrathfulness can
vary from place to place. Sometimes it is painted on the walls of the homes.
The idea may be taboo for the west but it serves a purpose here. According to
Kinga. (2005, p.157), <i>kharam shing</i> offsets evil influences and empowers
people. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">It is a common sight to see traditional houses decorated with the <i>kharam</i>. The culture is more evident in the rural communities though the culture seems to have faded with modern concrete buildings. The <i>kharam shing</i> is a must religious tool for the <i><br /><br />atsars </i>during the tshechus. They use the wooden phallus to entertain people and is believed to bless the spectators. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Understanding the description,
the <i>Lingam</i> in Hinduism can be equated with the phallus in Bhutan as it is:
<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The
male sexual organ, symbol of the God Shiva and his omnipotence. The shape of
the <i>Linga</i> signifies the symbol of formlessness or sunya of the nature.
This represents the clear consciousness too. It is often depicted or made associating
with the Yoni, the female sexual organ which symbolizes the origin of creation.
(p.6)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xInG_9Hybug/YC0wIXa5oYI/AAAAAAAAAio/7a8-KCTWU5A8tJf6by4-sIofkquMGmOJwCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/souvenirs-Chimi-Lhakhang-Phallus-Bhutan.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xInG_9Hybug/YC0wIXa5oYI/AAAAAAAAAio/7a8-KCTWU5A8tJf6by4-sIofkquMGmOJwCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h150/souvenirs-Chimi-Lhakhang-Phallus-Bhutan.webp" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">Kharam Shing of different<br />size and shape.<br />(Image: Google)</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">The phallus is also an indispensable
part of Buddhism as “an image of The image of phallus is primarily <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>used in rituals called <i>Mikha Dgra bsgyur</i>,
which is a ritual text attributed to Guru Rinpoche’ (Kinga., 2005, p.164). The <i>kharam </i>can be seen hung on the necks of cattle and even children to ward off evil or <i>Kharam</i>. Farmers erect </span><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px rgb(225, 225, 225); box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>kharam shing</i></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px;"><i> </i>in their field to protect crops from pests and weeds, disaster and to ensure a bountiful harvest. </span>Communities have have their own special tree to carve the <i>kharam shing</i>. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Defying the western
taboo, the phallus has webbed into the culture and religion in Bhutan and it is
here to stay. <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Reference<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Chophel, S. (2018). <i>Kharamshing: A festival of Chali.</i> Bhutan Cultural Library. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Kinga, S. (2005).
Speaking statues, flying rocks. DSB Publication. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Lama, M.N. & Lama,
M.T. (2012). <i>Ritual objects & deities: An iconography on Buddhism & <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Hinduism</i>. Vajra Publications.</span></span></p>haPpyGalaX's pAgEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12538818683032343739noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-610179800276207609.post-85360381537696259122020-08-20T03:49:00.000-05:002021-10-06T12:56:34.540-05:00The Lockdown experience<p> Since the nation has been put under complete lockdown on 11th August, it is the 10th day today. With some places declared red zone, people have experienced an unusual life. Lockdown is a new experience for nation of ours whose great wall of volunteers and the plans kept the virus at bay until 11th August. </p><p>People knew it was coming, yet we never were prepared for it. The situation has changed everything we do and think. Now, I love to hate the virus and the situation The first few days of the lockdown has been challenging having to switch and customize the regular schedule but the lockdown has also provided time to reflect on myself and life at large.</p><p>Life is a race, and if one fails to cope with the pace, you are left behind. And part taking in the race, I have forgotten to look at and admire the small things in life. I have never thought of looking out of the window and enjoying the little animals going on with their daily rituals undisturbed by the pandemic. </p><p>The lockdown has given me time to look at myself and reflect how this 36 years have fallen from me. I am contemplating life deeper and have realized that there are lot of things I haven't done in life. I haven't told my loved ones how much they meant to me. I still hold grudges with some people for small things and praise others for some obvious reason. I have given 8-10 hours a day for my work and 3-4 hours for my leisure and wasting other 8 hours sleeping, leaving only about 2 hours for my family. They deserve more than this and one with quality.</p><p>Reading was my passion during the high school times but lost the pace once into the job-life. I may not have read like the kids do today but I read my share, with which I am proud of. And thanks to the lockdown, I am back into reading. Having nothing to do, I have fallen in love with the books once more and I hope to be in love forever. Having completed two books today, I still have 4 more to go. Reading has uplifted me to the podium of new life. </p><p>Living away from my loved ones, the lockdown has taught me to love what I have. I have learnt to value the little amount of everything in the kitchen and use them judiciously. It has pushed me to switch to survival mode and saving everything that I have at my possession. With no sign of the virus going soon, the survival mode shall be ON for sometime, I suppose. </p><p>The time has also given me a break from life. Humans are so much into race of life, so much so that we forget to take a break from it, sit down and reflect how life has been. Once in a while, humans deserve a break from the busy schedule and provide our machine-body to repair itself. </p><p>Everyone loves listening to music but how many of us really contemplate on it? The lockdown has showered us the love; we can listen to music and get ourselves into it. This is the time to merge ourselves, keeping aside the quality of voice we have. </p><p>Above all, the lockdown has provided a great opportunity for all the Bhutanese to serve the nation by doing NOTHING. Yes, stay home and take care of yourself, do not come out AND YOU ARE SERVING THE TSA WA SUM. Who wouldn't love to serve the nation? This is the rarest of the rare times to serve the nation in a very unique way. </p><p>I don't know how long the lockdown will be halting with us but I guess, Bhutanese are learning to accept the it in our own way and I am sure we are preparing for a new normal. </p><p> </p>haPpyGalaX's pAgEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12538818683032343739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-610179800276207609.post-14508667910095527972020-08-18T01:44:00.005-05:002021-02-17T08:20:45.152-06:00LD like nowhere<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qP6yKBbgK4g/Xz4s8Vmq0qI/AAAAAAAAAew/HJyfMUFzc644BLKnfLR8A-FlWXEjShAAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s700/118004780_3530430520325155_3576554855024486844_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #04ff00;"><img border="0" data-original-height="456" data-original-width="700" height="214" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qP6yKBbgK4g/Xz4s8Vmq0qI/AAAAAAAAAew/HJyfMUFzc644BLKnfLR8A-FlWXEjShAAwCLcBGAsYHQ/w328-h214/118004780_3530430520325155_3576554855024486844_n.jpg" width="328" /></span></a></div> With the detection of COVID-19 in a woman in Gelephu on early morning of August 11, the nation was put under lock down on the same morning. Since then the government under the dynamic leadership of the Prime Minister, has taken up rigorous activities all for the benefit of the people and more so, for the crowded places of Thimphu and Phuntsholing.<p></p><p>The lock down has been a very unique one, indeed one of it's kind in the world. The most advanced countries could not control their citizens during the lock down but it has been otherwise in Bhutan. It is the eighth day of the lock down, and people adhered to the directives of the government. </p><p>The central and the local government in partnership with volunteers are trying out everything to provide the essential items at the door step. There were few glitches due to the overwhelming response from the people, yet the government did the best they can and they have promised to improve the delivery.</p><p>Apart form the essential items, the government is delivering cigarettes and drinks at your doorstep. This is done keeping in mind the emotional and physical wants of the people who are into it. This is the most unique part of the lock down. People are on a holiday.</p><p>Despite the strict lock down protocol, the government and dzongkhags are looking into stranded people case by case and are permitting them to move towards their destination following the COVID-19 protocol. There may not be many cases, but the government is not taking it lightly. </p><p>Every citizen is given priority with highest attention provided to senior citizens, people suffering from diseases and disabled community. Every effort is made to make life easier for them. Senior citizens are provided with soaps and vitamins to boost their immunity by His Majesty the king. Every member of this community is traced, monitored and looked after.</p><p>The bordering town of Phuntsholing was declared as Red zone, meaning it was at the highest risk. And today the PM declared the positive cases in Phuntsholing as local transmission. But despite these disturbing news, the government is going all out in testing the whole community through random sampling. This, I guess is the first of it's kind in the world. No nation has dared to do this. </p><p>The Prime Minister of the nation is taking the lead role in fighting the unseen enemy under the guidance of the extra ordinary king. The PM is always there to calm the people and provide the latest updated information and to clarify any misunderstandings among the society members.</p><p>The sheer numbers of patriotic volunteers who are sacrificing everything to fight the virus is yet another testimony to the world what Bhutanese are capable of. Every citizen is more than happy to come forward and help the government in fighting the deadly virus. The Desuups have played a very pivotal role in the fight. The armed forces and other civil servants from various organizations have all answered the call of the nation in the fight. </p><p>Despite the lock down, it's heartening to see and hear people offering meals, snacks and drinks for the frontliners. People are seen leaving drinks and snacks outside their doors so that volunteers can have anytime they are free. Residents also offered bathrooms and sanitary pads for the volunteers on duty. </p><p>On the other hand, the religious institutions under the guidance of His Holiness the Je Khenpo is evoking the deities to protect our country. Every Rimpoche, Trulkus, Khenpo, Lams, Lopens and monks are awake reciting mantras and offering prayers for the well being of the nation. Bhutan must be the only country in the world, where science and religion seems to be flourishing side in side both in times of ups and downs. </p><p>Above all, the love and care the people receive from His Majesty the king has brought us this far and under his stewardship, the nation is sure to sail to where we deserves to be. His majesty the king, leaving his two young Gyalsays and the queen, has spent sleepless nights touring the nation and making sure everything is ready and customized for the benefit of the people. </p><p>Forget about the citizens of the country, the king also has concerns over the well being of the animals in the country. The king, like no other leader in the world, has commanded his army to feed all the dogs in the country. Who would think of these animals when the nation is fighting the turbulence? But our king does. </p><p>His majesty the king as advised the government to provide every help the citizens deserve and that there should not be any death from the virus. He is one leader who isn't worried about the money pumped in as long as the people are safe. He is a true living Buddha who really understands what his subjects are going through. </p><p>Now when I say the above things, I am not trying to portray an utopia society fighting the virus. There have been problems and grievances shared by the people, but the government accepts all the suggestions and is trying day in and day out to improve the service delivery. There have been few incidences where people have broken the lock down protocol and in one incidence, the desuups are seen punishing two men. But the Desuung office has been proactive and reprimanded the three personnel.</p><p>Every country in the world is fighting the unseen enemy but no country is facing the virus like ours. This makes Bhutanese true Bhutanese. Our ancestors have fought many wars, faced many calamities, pandemics, natural disasters and civil wars, yet they have managed to stay together as Drukpas and united for the common cause. Now its our turn to show the world how true Bhutanese unites during this testing time. It's a war against the unseen enemy and everyone of us has a role to play. We have come this long and our generation can pave a better future for our kids. Let us always keep in mind what our kings told us, "ONE NATION, ONE PEOPLE"</p><p><br /></p><p>PC: Kuensel (Facebook)</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>haPpyGalaX's pAgEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12538818683032343739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-610179800276207609.post-71192197195739695472020-07-22T14:15:00.004-05:002021-02-17T08:20:56.520-06:00Caring oneself and the Government<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Recently, the government has announced that influenza vaccine will be made available for every Bhutanese by the end of this year (2020). This has come as one of greatest news for the people in this modern time when new diseases emerge every other year. The world, it seems, will succumb to the new diseases if measures are not put in.<br />
<br />
"After receiving Royal command, we are considering flu vaccine for everyone from next year onward. Because ordinary flu will complicate or mix with other flu-like symptoms like in the present case, it is COVID-19. That is why the Health Ministry is working towards providing the service from next year," said Dr Lotay Tshering, the Prime Minister during the a Meet the press in April- BBS<br />
<br />
This is aimed to eradicate or if not reduce the number of people getting infected by influenza. On the other hand many diseases have similar symptoms like the influenza and recently COVID-19 symptoms has been best example of this.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h_mplO1pBa0/XxiQHUFXraI/AAAAAAAAAeA/DnGcBLPjMGAuXbAJz5QfUfV3RiequpYbgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/download%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="182" data-original-width="277" height="209" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h_mplO1pBa0/XxiQHUFXraI/AAAAAAAAAeA/DnGcBLPjMGAuXbAJz5QfUfV3RiequpYbgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/download%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A vaccine to save the Bhutanese.</i></td></tr>
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The vaccine was introduced in 2019 where it covered the five groups of citizens who were identified as high-risk groups.<br />
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Come next year, every Bhutanese shall get a dose which will cost the government coffin more than Nu 113 million. Each dose of the vaccine is expected to cost Nu 225. Now the question is how much is Nu 225? For high class people, its nothing while for middle class people, it is the amount spent on data recharge for a week. The amount for the underprivileged people can be the shopping amount for half week but the point to ponder here is, how costly is Nu 225?<br />
<br />
Nu 225 is nothing for most of us but Nu 225 for every citizen of the nation can be too much for the government. We spend Nu 225 for few bottles of beer or for recharging our phones in few days. It is the amount a primary student demands today as pocket money everyday. So shall we bear the expenses of Nu 225 on our own? What best time and situation can we have to do something for ourselves, because the vaccine is for our own benefit. Shall we promise ourselves to bear the cost of the dose and if we can, for our family.<br />
<br />
On the other hand, I feel the government should also allow people to pay for their own dose. I am sure there will be a good number of people who will be more than happy to bear the expenses. I know some people will argue saying that the constitution has assured free medical care for all the people, but I think people shall also be given freedom to choose to contribute.<br />
<br />
This will save some money from the government's coffin which can be diverted to other important developmental activities. Looking at the present COVID-19 scenario, countries across the globe has diverted their fund in fighting the pandemic while putting halt to many planned activities and Bhutan is no exception.<br />
<br />
So let us promise to care ourselves while helping the government.<br />
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PC: Google<br />
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haPpyGalaX's pAgEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12538818683032343739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-610179800276207609.post-35689493248425404272020-07-21T12:55:00.002-05:002021-02-17T08:21:11.369-06:00I am a SOLDIER<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>His Majesty the king at flood site.</i></td></tr>
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<div>
A sparse part of the society </div>
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slander us for our uncertificated ingress.</div>
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Yet we are not dissuaded by the dubiety.</div>
<div>
I shall strive to be the greatest buttress, </div>
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a trust for all and loyal to my king</div>
<div>
and praises for my nation i shall sing.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
It was a customary monsoon day<br />
<div>
for me and you alike.</div>
<div>
Soldier i am, they say,</div>
<div>
a man with intellectual knife-like,</div>
<div>
a human with a iron heart</div>
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willing to serve my nation at a dart.</div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
With unwavering circadian obedience, </div>
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I perform my duty unrevealed.</div>
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Any call is far from my disobedience,</div>
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even if my life, before me, keeled.</div>
<div>
Uncertain of my homecoming </div>
<div>
my little ones, my wife, was calming.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As I stand beside the furious Mao river</div>
<div>
I see fear crawling fast in those fellow citizen.</div>
<div>
Did anyone see in them, the shiver?</div>
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This, the situation, it was unwritten</div>
<div>
but there is scarcity of time </div>
<div>
to love the life of mine</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Braving the unappeasable current,</div>
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I approach them, hand-in-hand with my comrades. </div>
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I present the parcel across the torrent</div>
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but the river swallowed the tetrad.</div>
<div>
Who would have mused about us </div>
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but, now, it's not a matter of fuss</div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The bravest of the the brave.</i></td></tr>
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<div>
As I am consumed by the calamity,</div>
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I do not possess the modest of remorse</div>
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nor do i have the slightest panicky.</div>
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My life, I try to retrorse</div>
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but i know i shall fail no matter what</div>
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as my life is being short-cut</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Pardon me, my supreme commander</div>
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I failed to do my duty better.</div>
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I am not trying to be a withstander</div>
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but for my family, i fetter.</div>
<div>
I offer my clemency to my parents,</div>
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as i failed to be their easement. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Breathing the water was unexpected</div>
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but the assurance my king gifted, </div>
<div>
made me feel far from neglected</div>
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My children, their life shall be knitted</div>
<div>
in absence of their father<br />
and my wife, her strength, she shall gather.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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NOTE: A token of tribute to the BRAVEST OF THE BRAVES who laid their lives for others (20/7/20)<br />
PC: Kuensel Facebook page</div>
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haPpyGalaX's pAgEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12538818683032343739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-610179800276207609.post-89850830291561400922020-07-20T13:25:00.001-05:002021-02-17T08:21:47.210-06:00Back to the Wild<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Dogs were and are men's best friend. They have played vital roles in our lives including their service during the wars and rehabilitation and more so as a companion. According to Wayne, 2008, dogs were domesticated between 18, 800 and 32,100 years ago. He believes that it took place in Europe or western Serbia. Since then dogs have played a pivotal part in human life. It has become the cutest and the friendliest pet humans can ever have.<br />
Although Bhutanese are not very fond of keeping intimate pets like westerners, we also cant think of harming them. As Buddhist, we feed them though they are not our pet. People feed stray dogs and in return the dogs just lingers around. There is a dzongkha proverb which says, "If you want to give alms, give to the dogs, for they do not eat grass" (Roughly translated)<br />
But, lately, dogs are going back to where they came from. They are in transition in becoming wild animals again and nearing their close cousins in the wild. Packs of dogs are seen in the jungles, wildly barking as if communicating to each other about their target.<br />
I may be wrong with my limited raw knowledge but I personally feel the move very disturbing. Since their domestication, the Eco system has healed and adapted without them. Now that they are moving back to the wild, the Eco system may need another thousand years to adapt and may fail.<br />
One reason for the move could be lack of food during the COVID-19 pandemic because the numbers of dogs and packs moving back to the wild have been increasing since the people restricted their movements and institutions were closed, which were their primary food source.<br />
Since I frequent the Trongsa-Bumthang PNH, I have seen the increasing numbers of dogs at Yotongla, few kilometres before reaching Geytsa (from Trongsa), few kilometres from Nangar, towards Chamkhar, Kekila and Garpang. Dogs are also found in Dochula, and Memelakha in Thimphu. What could be the reason for the dogs to go back to the wild yet not very far from the human settlement. I think they are in transition and piloting their move, ever ready to come back to their best friends if the plan fails. The other reason could be the location of landfills at these places. The landfills provide food but they are hazardous and poses risk to the dogs and humans too.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KN1rR5GTBhU/XxXgQcamVzI/AAAAAAAAAdI/1pPZVkMho_MZZE-XcddaNfdRbNxKHvFbACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_1190%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KN1rR5GTBhU/XxXgQcamVzI/AAAAAAAAAdI/1pPZVkMho_MZZE-XcddaNfdRbNxKHvFbACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1190%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A pack enjoying their afternoon nap near a lhakhang.</i></td></tr>
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Or are our local breeds moving back to the wild since their places are taken by the exotic imported breeds which we consider better and more intelligent? This is just my wild guess, but we prefer the imported breeds than our local ones.<br />
Are dogs trying to move away from the nuisance of humans while they get free food from the travelers? Only a detailed research shall tell us.<br />
Talking to some nomads, packs of dogs are also found very deep in the forest and are seen hunting small wild animals. They also complained of loosing calves to these dogs.<br />
Whatever the reasons may be, I hope it doesn't disturb the Eco system and our system too. I am sure the time is never early to study on their transition back to the wild. We complain of the nuisance created by these stray dogs but now life seems uncomfortable in their absence.<br />
Hoping to hear soon.<br />
<br /></div>
haPpyGalaX's pAgEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12538818683032343739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-610179800276207609.post-60426428868871444682020-07-08T11:22:00.002-05:002021-09-03T05:16:06.914-05:00Guru's Cave<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Guru's cave</i></td></tr>
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Bhutan was blessed by many great Buddhist masters and Guru Rinpoche was the greatest and the first master to have visited Bhutan in the 7th century.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6zGYjIpsUnw/XwXuTzASaAI/AAAAAAAAAa8/6-2S5JSM4x00uCJcpj-8ddf_pKEiP8AGACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_1533%255B1%255D.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6zGYjIpsUnw/XwXuTzASaAI/AAAAAAAAAa8/6-2S5JSM4x00uCJcpj-8ddf_pKEiP8AGACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/IMG_1533%255B1%255D.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The worldly pleasure</i></td></tr>
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History has it that Guru visited Bhutan for the first time, as invited by the local king of Bumthang, Sindha Gyalp (Sindhu Raja). According to the records, Guru Rinpoche came from Nepal to Tibet and then to Bhutan. However Mr. Tenzin (Son of Chakar Lam), from Chakar lhakhang in Bumthang believes that Guru Rinpoche was already in Bhutan when Sindhu Raja sent his two ministers to Nepal to invite Guru to cure him. The king sent 7 <i>Dreys </i>(1 drey equal appropriately 1.5kg) of Gold powders as offering. When the ministers reached the present Reotala, they met a monk meditating in a cave. The monk asked where they were heading, to which they shared that they were on their way to invite Guru Rinpoche from Nepal. The monk then insisted them to show the gift that they were carrying, but to their surprise, the monk threw the gift on the ground. Furious and confused, they asked the monk what he did. The monk replied that he was the man they were going to invite.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h3L5jlbaAd4/XwXvaNmhNaI/AAAAAAAAAbM/c8ijOlr2DJ8OhlqVd-rZp3jNzfbAP8GUgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_1535%255B1%255D.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h3L5jlbaAd4/XwXvaNmhNaI/AAAAAAAAAbM/c8ijOlr2DJ8OhlqVd-rZp3jNzfbAP8GUgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/IMG_1535%255B1%255D.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Guru's Zhugthri</i></td></tr>
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The Guru Rinpoche, then advised them to return to Bumthang and inform the king that he was on his way. It took them two days to reach Bumthang and could not inform the king until the next day. In total, it was only after three nights (after they left Guru Rinpoche) that the ministers could inform the king.<br />
No sooner did they inform the king, they heard that a great Lama has arrived in Bumthang and that he was meditating in a cave not very far from Chakar phodrang. The great lama was none other than Guru Rinpoche who was meditating in a cave above present Dekiling town planning. It proves that Guru Rinpoche, with his supernatural powers, has reached the cave the same time the ministers left him at Reotala. So we can say that he was meditating in the cave for three days.<br />
Few years back, one can sit inside the cave and enjoy the scenic view o<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XFoa2fb_eF0/XwXv-P09S1I/AAAAAAAAAbY/97h3-iiKxHgUhXAnqG4IgQO-yyuykF6kQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_1536%255B1%255D.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XFoa2fb_eF0/XwXv-P09S1I/AAAAAAAAAbY/97h3-iiKxHgUhXAnqG4IgQO-yyuykF6kQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/IMG_1536%255B1%255D.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Drilbu</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
f Dekiling and across but later, Karchu Dratshang installed a copper statue of Guru Rinpoche. During the reception of the statue, many auspicious signs were witnessed by the people. There were double rainbow around the sun and a light shower blessed the place which people believe is a great omen.<br />
In 2016, a group of elders constructed a hut attached to the cave as a place for the rituals to be conducted but a mysterious fire gutted the hut few months later.<br />
The cave is surrounded by many other sights like the Drilbu (bell), Guru's seat and the place where Guru and his consort are said to have experienced worldly pleasure. There is also a self arisen letter <b>ཨ</b> on the cliff. The entrance of the cave have wall constructed with small stones which is said to be the work of the dakinis.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p7ydziyIKd4/XwXwgv9HsZI/AAAAAAAAAbg/PAjVQjuRIHQtMzJ9qY74ip3tsXJCL_aZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_1537%255B1%255D.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p7ydziyIKd4/XwXwgv9HsZI/AAAAAAAAAbg/PAjVQjuRIHQtMzJ9qY74ip3tsXJCL_aZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/IMG_1537%255B1%255D.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Guru's statue inside <br />the cave</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The cave is just 10 minutes walk from the Dekiling town planning areas but one can travel by the farm road during the dry season which will take about 5 minutes from hotel Ugyenling junction. There are two drupchus (blessed water source) just above the cave but has dried up now. Few years back, the drupchu reemerged after rituals were performed and offering were made. People also offered drupchus from other religious sites but the drupchus but in vain.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
No one can deny the visual treat of Dekiling and the places across from the cave. One can also circumambulate the cave since there is a footpath around it. It takes about 5-8 minutes for a person to make a round.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9wK8oC11Y9w/XwXw6911aPI/AAAAAAAAAbo/ebGbrA4zd3swvIqZh_T9jZy_yTVmUxdLwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_1540%255B1%255D.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="668" data-original-width="1600" height="83" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9wK8oC11Y9w/XwXw6911aPI/AAAAAAAAAbo/ebGbrA4zd3swvIqZh_T9jZy_yTVmUxdLwCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/IMG_1540%255B1%255D.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The scenic view from he cave</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
During the time (when Guru Rinpoche was meditating in the cave a hundred thousand dakinis along with countless people are said to
have received blessings and transmission from Guru Rinpoche at a place
about two hundred meters below the cave. Thus the place came to be known
as <b>Choekor</b>. <b><i>Choe </i></b>means religion and <b><i>kor </i></b>means
to turn the wheel of dharma. Today there is a Jangchub chorten at the
place and the chorten is known as choekor chorten. According to the
elders, there used to be stone slab used by Guru as his throne but was
put in as a relic while the chorten was renovated. The chorten is just a
meter away from the road above the Wangdicholing hospital.<br />
Although the cave hold a great historical significance, not many people know about it, neither the chorten is famous among the people.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GYf6-Q5LnbY/XwXyUnSy_WI/AAAAAAAAAb0/F3RCtCha1gcJL17UQFsA66ZOXkaVBW_MgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_1557%255B1%255D.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GYf6-Q5LnbY/XwXyUnSy_WI/AAAAAAAAAb0/F3RCtCha1gcJL17UQFsA66ZOXkaVBW_MgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/IMG_1557%255B1%255D.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Self arisen letter<b> ཨ</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TEV2OaunryE/Xwv7M4zwMEI/AAAAAAAAAcs/ThhEU_7oeEoMHK2132CDqaWBNUAzKuMwACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/WeChat%2BImage_20200713120637.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TEV2OaunryE/Xwv7M4zwMEI/AAAAAAAAAcs/ThhEU_7oeEoMHK2132CDqaWBNUAzKuMwACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/WeChat%2BImage_20200713120637.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Choekhor Chorten</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
haPpyGalaX's pAgEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12538818683032343739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-610179800276207609.post-62911313001567946472020-07-07T05:18:00.001-05:002021-09-03T05:27:41.833-05:00Zhabjithang Lhakhang<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mrOqrPniQuY/XwRHtRF7iAI/AAAAAAAAAaE/HpdooALFsFQe6D7lOON8nbcFc-6aoS_GgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/12525092_165539147171828_6029072362290560921_o.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mrOqrPniQuY/XwRHtRF7iAI/AAAAAAAAAaE/HpdooALFsFQe6D7lOON8nbcFc-6aoS_GgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/12525092_165539147171828_6029072362290560921_o.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lhakhang with Choekhortoe School</i><br />
<i> in the background. </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Zhabjethang Lhakhang is located about 21 kilometres away from Chamkhar town towards the north of Bumthang. It is connected by farm road from Gewog office near Kurjey Lhakhang. The two storied lhakhang is nestled among the houses of Zhabjethang village under Choekhortoe Chiwog which is under Choekhor Gewog, and is just few meters from the road.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gG7NYNBvDuI/XwRJGe4BnSI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/H7wfG1cNZpIJyHKZOSjIeRPsLxZOzVBDgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_1401.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gG7NYNBvDuI/XwRJGe4BnSI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/H7wfG1cNZpIJyHKZOSjIeRPsLxZOzVBDgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/IMG_1401.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Zhabje of Guru Rinpoche (right)</i><br />
<i> and Khandro (left)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There is no detailed written history about the lhakhang but the place and the temple is accorded with rich oral history which can be authenticated by any layperson by visiting the lhakhang. According to the elders of the village and the caretaker, Guru Rinpoche visited the place and blessed it. Although no exact date and year can be confirmed, one can relate this to the visit of Guru Rinpoche between 7th and 8th century.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uDOqEzNsWYc/XwRJT9zvsJI/AAAAAAAAAaU/W1t_VjqzaD0kSxSmjRtQHX69tn6fmiGQACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_1403.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uDOqEzNsWYc/XwRJT9zvsJI/AAAAAAAAAaU/W1t_VjqzaD0kSxSmjRtQHX69tn6fmiGQACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/IMG_1403.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The FIVE kings Tertons</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As it suggests, the Lhakhang got its name from the main relic, the clear footprints of Guru Rinpoche and Khandro inside the Lhakhang. <b><i>Zhabje </i></b>is honorific term for footprint and <b><i>thang </i></b>means plain or ground, thus the name <b><i>Zhabjethang</i></b>. The ground floor also houses the majestic statues of the Terton Poen Nga (The great Five kings of the Tertons, the treasure Revelers). The statues were installed in 2017 when the lhakhang was given a face lift renovation. On the first floor, the main statue is the Guru. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FeLfmh3aBbQ/XwRJj3CMWVI/AAAAAAAAAac/ZklqOcuRkJ8yGb7CXxyHfG-9IkC67xuygCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_1397.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FeLfmh3aBbQ/XwRJj3CMWVI/AAAAAAAAAac/ZklqOcuRkJ8yGb7CXxyHfG-9IkC67xuygCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/IMG_1397.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The foot prints of the</i><br />
<i> khandroms who made offering</i><br />
<i> of dances and songs.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One can also seek the blessing of the Do dungkar (The rock conch) and the hand-print of Guru Rinpoche. There is also a set of Kunjur housed in a separate room.<br />
According to the legend, Guru Rinpoche meditated in the cave, which is about 30 minutes walk above the lhakhang, to subdue the local demon who transformed himself into a yak. While Guru was <br />
meditating, a hundred thousand dakinis (Khandroms) are said to have made offering of songs and dances from the present lhakhang and one can still see the footprints of the dakinis on the rock just outside the lhakhang.<br />
The elders of the village, claim that, the location of the lhakhang and the places surrounding it, is said to house 108 prints of various forms but only few are discovered. It is believed to be discovered by tertons (treasure revelers) when the right time comes. some of the prints one can see are:<br />
1. Zhabji of Guru and Khandrom inside the temple.<br />
2. Footprint of the yak (demon)<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TIJjzvtcubg/XwRKOgw_xgI/AAAAAAAAAas/mmtcXndZdL8eQriS4bwQNlACh4eiNBOKQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_1405.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TIJjzvtcubg/XwRKOgw_xgI/AAAAAAAAAas/mmtcXndZdL8eQriS4bwQNlACh4eiNBOKQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/IMG_1405.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The yak head</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
3. Print where Guru and Khandro are said to have experienced worldly pleasures<br />
4. The yak head<br />
5. Guru's foot print near the entrance<br />
6. The print of Guru's arrow<br />
7. Place where Guru cooked the demon's soul<br />
8. The yak skin<br />
9. The terdom (the treasure box)<br />
10. Paksham Joenshing (the wish-fulfilling tree)</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">11. Guru's zhugthri<br />
<br />
The most of the above are just around the lhakhang and one can easily see them.<br />
<br />
The place, people believe is blessed unlike other places. The lhakhang has hosted the oral transmission given by HH the Penor Rinpoche, HH the 16th Karmapa, HH Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche, HH Terchen Namkhai Drimed Rinpoche, HE Gantey Trulku Rinpoche, HH Gongshar Gyaltshab Rinpoche, HE Lam Serpo and many other masters.<br />
HH Terchen Namkhai Drimed Rinpoche<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ndnfTN7tkYI/XwRKdNxogTI/AAAAAAAAAaw/J0CMcjHkjzQuIjKyxdtlJmS08lCetGuagCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_1408.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ndnfTN7tkYI/XwRKdNxogTI/AAAAAAAAAaw/J0CMcjHkjzQuIjKyxdtlJmS08lCetGuagCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/IMG_1408.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The rock where the yak skin was dried</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
, during the visit, expressed his joy for being able to visit such a religious place related to Guru Rinpoche and advised people to recite Mani and always keep Guru Rinpoche in our heart.<br />
There is no formal monastic learners in the Lhakhang and is looked after by the community. Though unknown to many Bhutanese, quite a good number of people from India and other countries visit the lhakhang every year.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IioCX-XZfJc/XwXzEBa7-mI/AAAAAAAAAb8/Mxi5sz4FHrobktlkN3H_V2ZvQvK60lezACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_1600%255B1%255D.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="751" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IioCX-XZfJc/XwXzEBa7-mI/AAAAAAAAAb8/Mxi5sz4FHrobktlkN3H_V2ZvQvK60lezACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1600%255B1%255D.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The rock <span style="font-size: 12.8px;">conch</span> </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
During the visit to the lhakhang, one can also have a visual treat of the beautiful Choekhortoe Primary School which is famously known as Zhabjethang Primary School, thanks to the lhakhang. One cannot complete the visit without experiencing the scenic beauty of the Wangchuk Centennial National park head office and the Gross National Happiness Center which are just few minutes to the north. If you wish to halt night there, the village also offers few affordable home stays where you can experience the beautiful life of Bumthabs. Apart from tasting the village life, one can visit Lam Drolo's Goenpa (about 10 minutes drive from the lhakhang), Thrabsayphay Lhakhang aka Dorong Lhakhang, about 10 minutes drive south and Nga Lhakhang, about 10 minutes drive from the lhakhang. If time permits, you can visit the Zangling Lhkahng (the maternal house of HE Jigme Yoezer Thinley, the first Democratically elected prime minister of Bhutan) and the ruins of Dapham Dzong which had a great political and spiritual influence during those times.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
haPpyGalaX's pAgEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12538818683032343739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-610179800276207609.post-19129522600365744742020-06-26T12:48:00.004-05:002021-02-17T08:22:07.164-06:00Dorji Goenpa<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Dorji Goenpa is about
20 kilometers towards Bumthang from Trongsa. It is located just few meters
above the Trongsa-Bumthang PNH. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The actual name of the
Goenpa was <i>Dhozhom </i>Goenpa. <i>Dho </i>means rock and <i>Zhom</i> is a tub. There was a
bathing tub of <i>Menmo</i> (deity) of the Lhakhang which was carved out of a
solid rock. It is believed to accommodate about 10 people. Sadly, according to
the caretaker, the tub was destroyed during the highway widening.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The Goenpa was established
in the 19<sup>th</sup> century by Lopen Tsheltrum Tharchin who was a learned Buddhist
monk. He meditated at the place revering <i>Drakmar</i> and
also left a <i>Zhabje</i> (Footprint) on a rock about 100 meters above the
Lhakhang. Lopen was from Tsangkha under Trongsa Dzongkhag.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The two storied Lhakhang
has <i>Yoepadma</i> at the center with Guru Rinpoche at the right and Tsepamed
and Zhabdrung, on the first floor while the ground floor is used as store. The
Tsepamey and Zhbdrung statues are said to have spoken, so are revered and
treasured. There is also a statue of Avalokitesvara in form of <i>Changtong
Chentong</i> and the figure of Lopen Tsheltrum Tharchin himself. The Lhakhang
also houses a set of <i>Kanjur </i>and <i>Bhum</i>. One can also have the blessing of <i>Sergi
Domang</i>, script written in pure gold. <o:p></o:p></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rzO98odE6F0/XvYzhCgdkPI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/VkbzEDLN6eQWAOeLaFhwzUNGNpArQ3zoACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0925.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rzO98odE6F0/XvYzhCgdkPI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/VkbzEDLN6eQWAOeLaFhwzUNGNpArQ3zoACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0925.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>DoZhom Goenpa</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">There is also a secret
compartment at the corner of the <i>Choesham</i> which is the <i>Geonkhang</i>
where Palden Lhamo is believed to be residing. A legend has it that, Palden
Lhamo was not so pleased with the way she was treated at Trongsa Dzong. So she
decided to leave for her residence <i>Jang </i>(North) <i>Pepihari (Somewhere in Tibet)</i>. With his supernatural power, Lopen Tshetrum Tharchin knew about it and met the deity below Yotongla. Lopen, then requested the deity to stay in Bhutan for the benefit of all. He promised to serve and look after
her, thus welcoming her to the lhakhang. Today, theTrongsa Dratshang offers prayers to Palden Lhamo every year to ask forgiveness. This is how the compartment is regarded as very sacred and not disturbed
at all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span><br />
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">One can also see the
statue Menmo (local deity), Penden Dem who is exceptionally beautiful. It is
said that the children of the locality are remarkably good-looking thanks to
the blessings of the Menmo. The cliff below the Lhakhang is believed to be the
residence of the Menmo which is taken care by the Lhakhang administration. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The murals in the
Lhakhang were done by Lam Molem Rabzang who was the incarnation of the founder,
Lopen Tshetrum Tharchin. According to the caretaker, the murals of the Lhakhang
were done at the same time as the murals of the Guru Lhakhang in Kurjey in
Bumthang. It is said that the First king of Bhutan Ugyen Wangchuck wanted the
murals of Guru Lhakhang to be in wrathful forms but were done in peaceful form.
The murals of the Dorji Goenpa </span></div>
are in the wrathful form.<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Today the Lhakhang is
looked after by Trongsa Dratshang form where a Lam and a caretaker is
appointed. Lately, few novice monks were bought to the Lhakhang but had to be
returned to Trongsa Dratshang as they could not be taught well and felt lonely
without friends. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VIkgym3ypFU/XvYxuqvGZ5I/AAAAAAAAAZE/3gzO47NRyww1vX_7vHqxKXhNJIXhkfMuQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0152.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VIkgym3ypFU/XvYxuqvGZ5I/AAAAAAAAAZE/3gzO47NRyww1vX_7vHqxKXhNJIXhkfMuQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/IMG_0152.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Drupchu with the Lhakhang <br />
at the background. </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>The Lhakhang conducts
regular rituals like any other Lhakhang. The kuchoe of the lam is conducted on
10<sup>th</sup> day of the 5<sup>th</sup> Bhutanese month. The monks from
Trongsa dratshng are sent to the Lhakhang whenever there is a ritual to be
conducted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">There is a Drupchu or holy water of Lopen Tsheltrum Tharchin just below the highway. The holy water, although revered by the people of Trongsa, is not known to the hundreds of people who ply the road every day. </span></div>
According to the locals, the place is frequently visited by fierce wild animals like Bengal tiger, Himalayan black bear, leopard and fox.<div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u>Lopen Tsheltrum Tharchin's biography</u></b> </div><div class="MsoNormal">It is believed that a yogi (Duthob) shall be born from Mangde (Trongsa) region successively. As such a yogi by the name Tsheltrum Tharchin was born to a decent family in Tangsibi (Tshangkha). Despite his tender age, he joined the Trongsa Dratshang and rose up to be the <i>Choepon </i>(Master of religious activities). He then resigned from the post and went to Dho Zhom Goenpa and meditated there while teaching the locals and many other followers. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Another source claims Lopen Tsheltrum Tharchin to have been a novice monk at Pungthim dratshang and not Trongsa Dratshang. According to Lam Norbu Wangchuk (1926 - 1991), Lopen Tsheltrum Tharchin rose to become the Dorji Lopen of the Pungthim dratshang. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xgWS5SHUafo/XvY0FMGfCKI/AAAAAAAAAZY/stp7TejZ6lEt3Ti8ICS2tHwoT-RhNd7DACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0151.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xgWS5SHUafo/XvY0FMGfCKI/AAAAAAAAAZY/stp7TejZ6lEt3Ti8ICS2tHwoT-RhNd7DACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/IMG_0151.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Drakmar Drupchu<br />
of Lopen Tsheltrum Tharchin</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>While Lopen was the Dorji lopen at Pungthim dratshang, there was a fire at Sonagatshel (Punakha) which completely gutted the lhakhang there. Despite the furious fire, there was a statue floating on the flames. The next day, lopen visited the site and found a <i>Guru Nangsay Zilnon</i> statue (about 1 foot tall). Even after leaving the statue among the rubbles for few days, nobody came to claim it. Lopen, then brought the statue to Tsangkha lhakhang as a relic. Today the statue is still in Tsangkha lhakahng as the main relic. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Legend has it, that the fifth Zhabdrung Thugtrul (Mind incarnation) <i>Jigme Chogyal</i> (1862 - 1904) visited lopen Tsheltrum Tharchin at Dho Zhom goenpa. Zhabdrung was on his way to Punakha from Dremetse (Mongar). Reaching <i>Maedha gang</i> (below Yotongla), Zhabdrung saw a cave engulfed in fire at present Dho Zhom goenpa. The sign assured Zhabdrung the presence of an extraordinary yogi at the place. Halting the night at Trongsa dzong, the Zhabdrung left for Dho Zhom goenpa early next morning with just his horse. </div><div class="MsoNormal">On the other hand, lopen Tsheltrum Tharchin, with his supernatural power knew about the coming of the Zhabdrung and informed his attendants (a lay monk and a nun) to prepare the place and tea for the special guest. Having nothing in stock to prepare anything for the guest, the attendants were worried. but to their surprise, the containers were filled with everything required. This was the miracle performed by the Menmo of the place as gesture to lopen Tsheltrum Tharchin. </div><div class="MsoNormal">As the attendants prepared to receive the special guest, lopen waited outside with a khadar (silk scarf). Bowing down, lopen offered the khadar to the Zhabdrung who was surprised at the gesture. The Zhabdrung inquired how lopen knew about his coming. To this, the lopen is believed to have answered, "How wouldn't I know the approaching of <i>Pal Drukpa Rinpoche</i> (Zhabdrung)". They exchanged talks on various topics related to religion. Some believe that the Zhabdrung even spent a night there. </div><div class="MsoNormal">As the Zhabdrung readied himself to leave, he requested lopen Tsheltrum Tharchin to accompany him to Punakha. However, lopen kindly refused the offer. He informed the Zhabdrung that there isn't much time left for him (It is believed that lopen was slightly bent due to old age. He was said to be about 77 years old at the time) but promised to meet the Zhabdrung in his next life. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--kaZRW9P_B8/XvY0pivDIlI/AAAAAAAAAZg/9zt-vHVTiE0trYyWNDnzvILEhK_EndV_wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0920.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--kaZRW9P_B8/XvY0pivDIlI/AAAAAAAAAZg/9zt-vHVTiE0trYyWNDnzvILEhK_EndV_wCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/IMG_0920.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A pug mark of a Bengal Tiger<br />
near the Lhakhang.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div class="MsoNormal">Not satisfied, the Zhabdrung requested lopen a gift to be taken as a relic from him. Since lopen didn't have anything worth that could be offered as a gift, he tore a piece of ship skin that he was using as the mat while meditating. The Zhabdrung is said to have used the sheep skin on top of throne-mattress as blessing. </div><div class="MsoNormal">But according to another oral history, it was <i>Je </i>Yonten Gyeltshen and not the Zhabdrung who paid a visit to lopen. The <i>Je </i>was on his way back from pilgrimage to <i>Phari </i>(Tibet). The <i>Je </i>saw the cave on fire from Yotongla, and sensed the presence of an extraordinary yogi. The <i>Je </i>then ordered his attendants that they shall halt the night at the cave. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Lopen's clairvoyance skills can be further authenticated with Dungkar Agay (who, by then have resigned from the post of Trongsa Penlop and lived in Ta Dzong). Dunkar Agay was sick as he was attacked by the local deity (<b><u><i>Gyalp</i></u></b>) of Lawshong (Village above the Trongsa Dzong). Having known lopen Tsheltrum Tharchin's clairvoyance and power, Dungkar Agay sent one of his attendants every morning to get <b><i>ngagchu </i></b>(blessed water) from lopen. He had the ngagchu everyday to cure his sickness. One morning, when the attendant reached Tashi Poktor with the ngagchu, a strong wind disturbed his balance and fell down thus spilling the ngagchu on the ground. Fearing his master's anger, the attendant filled the container with drupchu (holy water) from nearby. The next day, when the attendant went to get ngagchu, lopen is said to have been furious with him. Lopen narrated the whole incident that happened to the attendant the previous morning. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Lopen planned to tame and subdue the <i>Gyalp </i>of Lawshong. He commanded the <i>Gyalp </i>to make his presence at the lopen's cave. Undermining lopen's power, the <i>Gyalp </i>is said to have approached wrathfully riding an elephant threatening to destroy lopen's meditating hut. However, lopen crushed and killed both the deity and his riding elephant thus bringing peace to the area. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Lopen had an elder brother, Nima who was also a learned monk of Trongsa dratshang. The brother later resigned and went into strict meditation above their village in Tshangkha. Sadly, the brother passed away in his meditation and nobody knew about it. Lopen Tsheltrum Tharchin is said to have written a letter to his relatives back home to check on his brother whom they didn't attend even after 21 days of his death. Lopen knew about the death of his brother through his clairvoyance skills. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Lopen's fame, by now, spread like the wild fire. People from all walks of life came to seek his blessings and receive teachings. In one of the incidences, a group of villagers paid lopen a visit. They were enjoying the tea lopen gave and engrossed themselves in conversation with lopen. Meanwhile, lopen interrupted them and asked to them go home fast. Lopen informed them that the crows have scattered all their belongings and eaten the lunch that they have hidden on the way, which shocked them. </div><div class="MsoNormal">After his death, lopen was cremated behind the temple. During the cremation, his heart was floating on the flame and failed to be burnt. The heart was then offered as the inner relic (nangten) for the chorten which we can see inside the lhakhang today. Thus the cremation ground became blessed and famous among the locals. Today, the crematorium is being renovated with all the necessary facilities for the benefit of all.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">In 1878, an extraordinary boy was born at Tangsibi (Tshangkha) who was the reincarnation of lopen Tsheltrum Tharchin. He was lopen Moelam Rabzang. </div>
<br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b>Reference</b></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">1. Dzongpon (caretaker) of Dho Zhom Goenpa</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">2. Lopen Kuenga Tenzin, Taphay goenpa</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">3. དྲན་གཏམ་ཟླ་བའི་བདུད་རྩི། མཁས་གྲུབ་ཆེན་པོ་བླ་མ་སྨོན་རབ་བཟང་གི་མཛད་རྣམ། ༼རྡོ་རྫེ་རྒྱལ་མཚན༽</div>
haPpyGalaX's pAgEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12538818683032343739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-610179800276207609.post-32344991154763682752020-05-24T13:00:00.003-05:002021-10-06T12:56:45.873-05:00Tokjoung Lhakhang<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
Chogyal Drimed Kuenden was an Indian prince, who later became a great dharma king. After giving away the most valued wealth of his nation, his father sent him and his family to exile for 12 years to “Dhuring Harshang KemKem” or “Kemkem Rig’. The place is also known as ‘Harshang Rinag’ which is about three days walk from the village although no one can pinpoint the exact location.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dm14WyqLkvc/XsqwX9LXHqI/AAAAAAAAAXI/gs6L34SZNe85lkrMRlNDpYWhJFuvgs_ywCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_2320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="132" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dm14WyqLkvc/XsqwX9LXHqI/AAAAAAAAAXI/gs6L34SZNe85lkrMRlNDpYWhJFuvgs_ywCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/IMG_2320.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Beautiful Tokjoung Lhakhang</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As the prince and his family journeyed towards the north of his kingdom, which is Bhutan, he crossed many villages and one of the last village on his journey was the Dzongthang village which is pronounced more as Jongthang.<br />
According to oral history, there are two great plains about three hours walk from the village where the national animal of our country, takin, freely graze. Takin is called as “Droo Gyem Tse” in dzongkha, thus place came to be called as Drongthang. Dro is the takin and thang in dzongkha means plain. As time passed, the pronunciation has become to Dzongthang (Jongthang) from Drongthang.<br />
The village is under Nubi Gewog of Trongsa dzongkhag. One can reach the village by cars with four wheel options. The two hours’ drive takes you through pristine undisturbed forest and beautiful villages of Simphu, Gagar and Karshong.<br />
When Prince Drimed Kunden reached this place, his consort Menday Zangmo, is said to have blessed the place and initiated the construction of a small temple. Accordin<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Skmt8UddcTg/XsqxMC_AQKI/AAAAAAAAAXU/7vkKMsKWt4gECLURmc0Xgg39yC3UMOupgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_2335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Skmt8UddcTg/XsqxMC_AQKI/AAAAAAAAAXU/7vkKMsKWt4gECLURmc0Xgg39yC3UMOupgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_2335.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View from Karshong. The Jongthang village. The present</i><br />
<i> Lhakhang can be seen partially behind the cypress</i><br />
<i> tree on the right side of the village while the initial</i><br />
<i> lhakhang (a small temple) can be seen above the first </i><br />
<i>cluster of houses. </i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</tbody></table>
g to the present lam of the Lhakhang, the temple came to be known as Moen Togchung Lhakhang. During those days, Bhutan was called the Moenyul. According to another theory, since the construction of the temple was initiated by Mendey Zangmo, the consort of the prince, the Lhakhang was named as Mendrey Tochung Lhakhang. The lhakhnag was later blessed and enlarged by the great Lam Ngogpa aka Chokey lodrey. The present lam believes the Lhakhang to be 970 years old.<br />
The temple was initially built about 100 meters above the present location but had to be shifted to the present location as the place was marshy. The Lhakhang is located just above the farm road on a strategic location which looks like a hill. From the Lhakhang, one can enjoy the view of the village about 100 meters away and the villages of karshong and the beautiful Mangdey chu down the valley.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s2x8HYSDU7w/Xsqy4W7yR4I/AAAAAAAAAXk/EqAMkVuboQcyPwYD1LrxorEHxME1DzFxgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_0958%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s2x8HYSDU7w/Xsqy4W7yR4I/AAAAAAAAAXk/EqAMkVuboQcyPwYD1LrxorEHxME1DzFxgCPcBGAYYCw/s200/IMG_0958%255B1%255D.JPG" width="200" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The pristine Jongthang village.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
According to the lam of the Lhakhang, the present Lhakhang was built on top of a small lake where a golden fish couple resides. Although there were plans for the expansion the Lhakhang and building of hostel, guest house and other structures around the Lhakhang were planned, the plan had to put to halt as per the advice of the local oracle. The oracle, the lam said, has advised them never to think of building anything near or around the Lhakhang as the place is residence of gods, mermaid, Nagas and deities. Building anything around, the oracle advised, would disturb them and the lake which will bring disaster to the village. The outlet of the lake is believed to the drupchu which flows out of a <br />
rock about 80 meters below the Lhakhang.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7NLj8nz_aKQ/Xsq0S8UgL1I/AAAAAAAAAXs/cJpwK6YBFMUJ6fW_H20uKS73aE18oAq_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0990%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7NLj8nz_aKQ/Xsq0S8UgL1I/AAAAAAAAAXs/cJpwK6YBFMUJ6fW_H20uKS73aE18oAq_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/IMG_0990%255B1%255D.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The end of the lake. (Holy water)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The main statue of the Lhakhang is the Jowo (ornated Buddha) which the locals consider very old and precious but no one exactly can tell who and when it was built. The Jowo is a wishing fulling one and is till believed to be. Legend has it that, many years ago there was pandemic of Broum nyed (Leprosy) in the neighbouring villages which nearly wiped out the villages. However, on hearing the news of the pandemic, an elderly woman of the village approached the Jowo, offering fresh cow milk, requested the Jowo to save the village from the pandemic. Miraculously, not even a single person from the village was effected with the disease. It is believed that the Jowo has taken the disease and saved the village. Even today, people offer their first harvest of the season and fresh dairy products to the Jowo to pay respect. The villages believe that the village had produced many Dashos high officials as the result of Jowo’s blessing. The youths of the village always come to the Jowo to seek blessing the guidance in their life and they are always blessed with good result. The Lam of the Lhakhang proudly says that there are no youths of the village who are spoilt acknowledging Jowo’s blessing. There are many religious assets in the Lhakhang offered by the villagers as a tribute to <br />
<br />
Jowo’s blessings.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-bZtboc7mg/Xsq0ZO7MtjI/AAAAAAAAAXw/1X0nv2iKBz8DdSpRB5bVobTObrRqVcZmQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0989%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-bZtboc7mg/Xsq0ZO7MtjI/AAAAAAAAAXw/1X0nv2iKBz8DdSpRB5bVobTObrRqVcZmQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/IMG_0989%255B1%255D.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View from the Lhakhang; Karshong </i><br />
<i>village and beyond</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The other statues are of Guru Rinpoche’s with two consorts and Zambhala (Vaisravanna, the god of wealth). The villages offer the first milk of their cows to Zambhala and thus they are blessed with lot of cattle especially with Jathsams. There is also a statue of Chugchi Zhey (Avalokiteshvara with eleven heads) and Zhabdrung. The mural paintings are of the wrathful and the peaceful deities and eight manifestations of guru Rinpoche which was sponsored by HE Ganteng Trulku Rinpoche.<br />
Since HE the present Gangtey Trulku Rinpoche’s mother was from Pang Denmo, a village few kilometres reaching the Lhakhang, but later shifted to Mangdey Phu, a village about 5 kilometers away and the last village towards the Kemkem rig, Rinpoche consecrated the renovated Lhakhang in 2017.<br />
The journey Prince Drimed Kunden has taken through the places can be authenticated by the names of the places mentioned in his Namthar. The places like Lhasum pang, C<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N77Jgx8RO08/Xsq1fASMn0I/AAAAAAAAAYA/AVF8irGo5xockBIIkRlPXVU0djuglBR0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_2327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N77Jgx8RO08/Xsq1fASMn0I/AAAAAAAAAYA/AVF8irGo5xockBIIkRlPXVU0djuglBR0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/IMG_2327.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A lone new chorten stands</i><br />
<i>on the way to Jongthang.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
hubhar, Namsaypang the holy water of Mandey Zangmo bear testimony to the history. It is said that Yum Mendey Zangmo used her Tingkhab to pierce a hole in a rock and fresh water gushed out thus quenching her thirst.<br />
It is believed that, when Prince Drimed Kunden reached the present Chubhar, which is at the bank of the furious Mangdey Chu, the mermaid living in the river lake caused high waves to stop the prince from heading any further. The prince, with his compassion requested the mermaid to allow him and not to stop him from fulfilling his religious journey. The mermaid then made let a small path through the cliff on the banks of the river just enough for a person to walk. The path is still visible and the place came to be known as Chubhar.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bBRNQtVDDZA/Xsq18EZZEQI/AAAAAAAAAYI/S578yHGLivQf8cxUo5iBrDYT0VJcXPCeACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_2315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bBRNQtVDDZA/Xsq18EZZEQI/AAAAAAAAAYI/S578yHGLivQf8cxUo5iBrDYT0VJcXPCeACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/IMG_2315.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The cheerful kids of the village</i>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The ground floor of the temple is used for social purposes during rituals in the Lhakhang. The annual rituals conducted are Nyungne during the first and the 12th month of the Bhutanese calendar and Zhingdrup. The Lhakhang also recite Kanjur every year but since the village lacks monks or layperson who can recite the text, they hire monks from Gantey Goenpa in Wangdue, Kharchu <br />
Dratshng in Bumthang.<br />
Since the Lhakhang is far from town, not many people know or visit it although it has a rich history and significance in the history of Buddhism and our country. Visiting the Lhakhang and the beautiful village, one will be taken back to the times of Prince Drimed Kunden and be blessed.<br />
<br />
<b>NOTE</b>: I have not read any literature on the Lhakhang nor done any research. My writing is based solely on the interview with the lam of the Lhakhang.<br />
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haPpyGalaX's pAgEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12538818683032343739noreply@blogger.com0