Losar

Tibetbet in the days of yore has valleys flooded with frozen water and peaks hidden by snows. The birds were merely the inhabitant of the untamed land. As soon as the water receded and bushwoods increased in size, an avatar of Avalokiteshvara appeared as a monkey and copulated with the mountain ogress, and from then on resulted to human-monkey hybrid. The monkey was thought to be the forefather of the modern day Tibetans. The human fossil located at the roof of world has a say that Tibet was settled in by human 0.16 million years ago, and as per the hearsay, Bon was put into practice 18,000 years ago in Tibet, but they breathed without a good written record of their lives. Nevertheless, the manuscript on about Tibetan civilization can be hunt down 127 years Before the Common Era (BCE), from the time when the first emperor of Tibet was crowned. Nyatri Tsenpo, the foremost emperor who had the eyelids and fingers of the same kind to water bird, was believed by many that he came down from realm of gods, while a number of people say he was the Prince from Bihar, India, who was in exiled at Yarlung, Tibet. However, without regard to draw backs of whereabouts he came from, the Tibetan history thereafter records the forty one golden age of Tibetan emperor counting the heroic age of King Songtsen Gampo, Trisong Detsen and Tri Ralpachen, and for that reason the year of enthronement of first emperor marks the first year of the Tibetan calendar; today it is the 2148th anniversary of his enthronement, and the 2148 Tibetan Royal Official New Year. The way of life and astrological art resulted in many dissimilar beginnings of the year; the Bonpos in Tibet were first to reckon wax and wane of the moon and observed new year on 11th month of Tibetan datebook which overlaps winter solstice, the planetary calculators (astrologers) marked their new year on the 3rd month to make merry of the get together of sun with planet Mars, the Bhutanese started in on marking their new year 383 years ago on the 12th month to commemorate the consecration of Punakha Dzong by bringing offerings to Palden Druk Thamche Khenpo Rinpoche, and during the reign of Genghis Khan the Mongolians celebrated their victory in battle against China on the 1st month. When Kublai Khan by sheer force of arms completed the conquer of China started sixty eight years ago before him by Genghis Khan, and ruled whole China for ages, China picked up the tradition of celebriting new year from Mongol. The Mongol military also intruded to put stop to the civil war of Tibet and reinstated the emperor system which collapsed during the reign of Dharma Bull, the 42nd king of Tibet, whereafter the courtiers of the fifth Dalai Lama adopted Mongolian New Year in Tibet. The Tibetan months therefore is sometime referred to as Hor-zla, Where ‘Hor’ means Mongolia and ‘Zla’ means month. Sixty names of year were formed with twelve animals and five elements; today it 17th sexagenary cycle (Rabjung), and we have 25 years from now to reach into the 18th same cycle. The 2148 is the metal ox year but the Bonpos say it’s the metal elephant, the element however remains unchanged. No matter what animals are assigned to year, their weakness and strength depend on the element that governs their life-force. The elements are associated with male and female characteristic, the first year of sixty year cycle started with male wood, the animal being rat, and thereon gender changed every other year. Therefore, the year 2148 has female aspect of the element, and we refer it as ‘Female metal ox’. I assume this may have countered the questioning on about the ‘ox’ being referred female by the astrology science. If not, allow me to give added example: the Maha Rakta (Tshog gi dagpo, popularly known as lord Ganesha), rides on a mouse only to crush the useless thoughts we possess, or otherwise why not question an elephant riding a tinny mouse? And in the same way, if country is referred to as ‘she’ then why not a year be she and he? Female is related to the year and element, and not with ‘ox’ but if any association be found then let me ring a bell that we are to avoid the ontological dualism, a theory that considers reality to consist of two irreducible elements. Keep Maha Rakta in mind, and let our useless thoughts be crushed, happy 2148 Tibetan year. HAPPY NEW YEAR

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RAHU & SOLAR ECLIPSE

Rahu is planetary demon king who has home at the northern base of Mount Sumeru, the axis of rotation of celestial sphere. He was born with nine heads, nine hearts, four arms, a frog body with wide open mouth at the belly, and a serpent tail. He was born so giant with height more than one hundred twenty three thousand kilometers that when he stands the deepest ocean reach only up to his knees, and with one finger he can hide the sun or moon. When Rahu ascended to mount Sumeru from underneath the ocean to catch a glimpse of sky maidens, not able to see, he covers the sun with his right hand causing the solar eclipse.

During the time of Sakyamuni Buddha, Surya, the god of sun, took refuge in Buddha so as to save from Rahu. Buddha had to extend his size to overpower Rahu, for the latter was stubborn to comply the command. Rahu then fled for not being able to confront the magical strength of Buddha.

When Rahu hides the sun or moon, when earthquake happens, or during solstices or when year ends, we are advised to visualize Samantabhadra and recite aspiration prayer from the Tantra of the Great Perfection that Reveals the All-Penetrating Wisdom Mind of Samantabhadra.
Link for the aspiration prayer: https://www.lotsawahouse.org/tibetan-masters/rigdzin-godem/prayer-of-kuntuzangpo

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Two Faced Society Kills Man Before Actual Suicide

Not long ago, I have read writings on about fighting depression. Talk on value of life, certainty of highs and lows in life, suicide not being an option, and a lot more; all about do's and don'ts for suicidal person no matter who writes. The repeats of these age old advice were made recently after untimely dismise of Sushant Singh Rajput. Are the writers assuming that a physics olympiad winner was not aware of the nature of life? sometime ago, a man hung on to the rope and passed comment, saying, "I cannot even think of such act in my dream also". This past year, the same person self slaughtered, the very same. Why? Giving a talk is easy but difficult to walk miles in someone's shoe. The lows in the life of suicidal person is not same as the trauma of ordinary people; feeling sad is natural reaction, depression is not.

Some depressed person cannot be identified, for it wears two face. What if a patient is clinically silent? Having shown no symptoms he may possibly die if not given required medical care on time, and same boat is pooled by some mentally exhausted persons. A person may share a smile and spread laughter, not necessarily should the signs and symptoms manifest in one to identify him as depressed. Its like a clown behind the mask who may have different story to narrate. But after making many observations, mental health writes the other way around. My question is, "Should we wait for noticeable symptoms to put a stop to suicide?"

The asymptomatic suicidal person may not broadcast his state to world but close ones get to see or hear him battling difficult time. One should pay attention if he look for help. A problem seem small but are actually big. When consoling, some give hope by saying, "let know if you need help" but the help is not received when in need.

Pointing compass to navigate decision of the person that is being discussed but failing to uproot the cause of his condition is like cutting grass in summer. Rather the enlightening suicidal person with life's value in writing, why not start behavior change in the society. A helping hand outweighs the writing finger.

Forget the help, some people don't care even to say in response when asked but after death write pages of tribute, and this is hypocrisy. Many celebrities started to put a question on why Sushant Singh Rajput took away his life as if they are going to solve the problem and bring him back. Why is the hotshot of a person acknowledged only after his death?

This is for all two faced people who knew somebody is in trouble, gave no time to even text a message but later writes that he was my good friend, RIP, RIP, RIP....

Who am I to write? I am one of those strong warriors who survived the same experience many years ago, and today, I know to battle no matter how tough situation is.

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Why Not to Sign ‘Let’s Bring Sonam Home’

The Bhutan Employment Overseas (BEO) which was renewed by the government in the year 2018 was unlawfully as per the Anti-Corruption Commission’s finding. The Bhutanese wrote that BEO’s so called ‘Learn and Earn’ resulted in 2 deaths, 2 paralysis, 2 mental breakdowns, 30 TB cases and 1 coma (Sonam Tamang) beside monetary fraudulence. 593 students and their parents hired a lawyer named Ngawang Tobgay whose investigation leads to arrest of 2 owners of BEO. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs even asked the Labour Ministry for a clarification on about the Director General’s letter to Honorary Consul in Japan regarding Sonam Tamang’s case. The BEO’s ‘Learn and Earn’ turn out to be one of the widely discussed topics on social media.

27 year old Sonam Tamang who graduated Business Studies from Gedu College in 2016, the same year when BEO was established, is in Coma as a result of ‘Learn and Earn’ program. As per her brother’s statement she was kept inside an intensive care unit of hospital at Fukuoka from the time when she suffered from TB and Meningitis. Since government decided to pay Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) for only 20 days to the mother and brother of Sonam Tamang, Namgay Zam, the Executive Director of Journalist Association of Bhutan (JAB), successfully collected Nu. 1.8 million and 2475 AUD after launching a fund drive in social media to support the spending of patient’s family while in Japan. On reaching to Japan, the story had an ugly twist when the victim’s mother and brother were under the surveillance of Support for New Departure (SND), the partner agent of BEO.

More to be worried is not how Sonam Tamang’s mother is in Japan, but the recent online petition ‘Let’s Bring Sonam Home’ targeting 5000 signatures. As of now (11:46 AM BST, 07/08/19) 2984 people signed and the count is climbing ever hour. Bhutan annually refers about 700-800 patients to Kolkata and about 300-400 to Vellore due to lack of specialized care center (Kidu Foundation, 2019). So, how can one think of flying her back home when 99.9% of her brain cell was declared to be dead? Do we have required medical technology and professionals to save her? If not, why sign a petition? Forget about the advance technology, JDWNRH, the country’s only National Referral Hospital is in short of bed and space. And do you still want to bring Sonam home? As per Kuensel, a man evacuated from Japan to India paid USD 170,000 (nearly equal to 11.85 million), and image how much Bhutan has to pay. The money for hiring air ambulance can be used to pay the spending of patient’s family in Japan. For the fund drive, Namgay Zam consulted Sonam’s mother and how come without even knowing the wills of her family signed a petition to bring Sonam home under such medical condition?  “I wish to bring her back home like how she came to Japan without any sickness. I would be happy to bring back Sonam fully recovered,” is what Sonam’s mother said to The Bhutanese over the phone.

Having read the petition, Ngawang Tobgay, the parent’s committee lawyer has written to the one who started the petition on why not bring Sonam back home but from thereon the former gets dragged on social media. But more disturbing is the Facebook post by the petition signer which reads “A newspaper has reported that Dhan Maya’s wish is to treat Sonam Tamang in Japan. Cheers. The petition will stand and be submitted to the government for other aspects of the petition.” Really? There is a word 'compassion' which if applied in wrong place at the wrong time will bring grave result. What is compassion? Who is compassionate, Namgay Zam for fund raising or she for ongoing a petition even after knowing the wishes of the patient’s mother. Let the compassion not be of sheep’s horn. Japan is best for Sonam than Bhutan, so please don’t support and sign such petition to bring her back home. I pray for the quick recovery of Sonam.

link of the petition for kind reference

https://www.change.org/p/government-of-bhutan-let-s-bring-sonam-home?recruiter=159647289&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=share_petition&utm_term=share_petition&recruited_by_id=f622bda9-11f1-4d93-b163-56fc515aae51&utm_content=starter_fb_share_content_en-us%3Av7&fbclid=IwAR2rgceBvv7upyas-z5_UtB6ftVyEafHlnLVV88G6Oox-OUtsZs1_qtAT9Q&use_react=false

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World Ranger’s Day

They climbed through deep snow & reached high in the mountains,

Where airs are thin & grounds are freezing.

One was making the rounds for caterpillar fungus & the other was counting the big snow cat.

But the two heroes of the woods couldn’t make their way back home, for they were consumed by the mountains.

No more to be seen or heard, the most beautiful souls gave away their lives to guard riches of the nature.

They drove through the heavy rain & reached low in the foothills,

Where rivers are swelling & grounds are scorching.

One squad of ten men was returning to their base & other of six was making the regular rounds.

But ten heroes of the woods couldn’t make their way back home, for the Guerrillas took them by surprise with a booby trap & bullets.

No more to be seen or heard, the bravest hearts fought until their last breath to guard riches of the nature.

They hiked through the thick cloud & reached in the center of dense woods

Where cliffs stand thousand feet tall & the sky is darkening.

One was looking for the safest route & others were reading the signal

But one hero of the woods couldn’t make his way back home, for he went tumbling down the cliff.

No more to be seen or heard, the dedicated leader of the squad was buried when guarding the wild riches.

No matter in which cardinal directions they dwell, the stories of fallen & standing heroes of woods are of sad and subdued genre.

Being outnumbered sometimes they were pelted with stones & threatened with knives by poachers & loggers.

Being not equipped well sometime their lives are taken away by the wild animals they protect.

However, they have no time to look back into the lowliness of past.

For the glory of future they have to guard the garden of wilds

Footnote: In the year 2019, Department of Forest & Park Services detected 1911 numbers of offences of which illegal logging was the highest with 795 cases. In so doing, Rangers, the front-line conservation heroes faces life threatening challenges from harsh environments, wild animals and the poachers, smugglers & illegal loggers. In the past two decades, about 21 Rangers died and 11 were injured in line of duty. 

According to Ranger Federation of Asia, over the past nine years, 871 Rangers were killed around the globe when protecting the nature. So, I being a member of Ranger family pay a tribute to all the fallen and standing heroes of wildlife on  ‘World Rangers Day’ which is marked annually on 31st of July.

Fig: Patrolling across the country

Fig: Wildlife rescue & medication

Fig: Some of the forestry  related offences 

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Drametse Lhakhang

Drametse, the peak with no enemy has a monastery resting on the shoulder of steep slope, and is eighteen Kilometers ride from the junction of Monggar-Trashigang highway. The sixteenth century monastery houses the relic stupa (Kudung) of Jetsun Ratna Dharma alias Ani Chorten Zangmo who is to the date acknowledged as the essence of hundred thousand sky-walkers. She was also known by the name ‘Ache Rinchen’ in the writings of Terton Padma Lingpa. The Ruby Rosary; activities of three incarnation lines of Padma Lingpa, which was published in the year 2011 reads that Ani Chorten Zangmo was born to Dungsey Tenzin Choegyal, the son of Gyalsey Sangdak, and so unquestionably was the great granddaughter of Terton Padma Lingpa. The famed hagiographical works of 3^rd Pema Lingpa, Kunkhyen Tsultim Dorje, and the wooden block entreaty of Ani Chorten Zangmo also support the claim. 

She was married to Yeshe Gyalpo from Sumthrang Choeje but having been sick and tired of the cyclic existence, she renounced her family whom she thought were the obstacle to the enlightenment. The other version says that she fled from Bumthang to escape the repeated marriage proposal from the son of Chhokhor Deb (chieftain) Kunthhub. Her brother Chung Kunga Nyingpo and a small number of attendants escorted her during the escape to eastern region of Bhutan. On reaching at Aja-Nye the shell trumpet when blown gave a trifling sound and thereafter the place was named as ‘Dungkhar Choeling’.  The caravan of aforesaid travelers then reached at Brahmitse, the peak which shelters the tribal community of Tawang. In line to the predestination, it was at Brahmitse, the present-day hermitage at Drupchhu where the shell trumpet produced melodious sound. The place from then on became to be known as ‘Drametse’, which literally means the peak with no enemy; a state of total freedom of distraction to pursue dharma.

After a decade and three years of mediation at Drupchu Goenpa, Ani Chorten Zangmo and Chung Kunga Nyingpo established Thechog Namdrol Ugyen Choeling Lhakhang at Drametse in 1511 AD. The oral history says that during the groundwork of the Lhakhang, Ani Chorten Zangmo through her wisdom eye saw a human size caterpillar under a big stone. After eons of suffering under such hell and due to ripening of good Karma, Ani Chorten Zangmo liberated the worm by conducting bonfire ritual. The Lhakhang having been consecrated became the place of worship where thousand petals of Peling tradition blossomed. During the late 16^th century, Chung Kunga Nyingpo’s son Tenzin Jurmey Dorje and grandson Kencho Tenzin extended it into three storey monastery representing three bodies of a Buddha; Dharmakaya, Sambhogakaya and Nirmanakaya. The upmost floor has the chapel of Pekar, the chief spirit all the Gyalpo class, and in a different chamber has the five sisters of long life. The middle floor has shrine of Palden Lhamo, Tsuimar, Hayagriva, Zhabdrung, and a room of Sutra & Tantra. The ground floor has Guru Rinpoche’s statue and snow lion throne of His Holiness Lhalung Sungtrul Rinpoche, the 11^th Padma Lingpa.

The riches of the monastery include relic stupa (Kudung) of Ani Chorten Zangmo, horn of a horse, the crystal bottle with water said to calculate apocalypse, golden vajra, sacred oyster, Astadasahasrika-prajnaparamita (Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines) inscribed with golden ink,  and skull (kapala) of Dakini with self-arisen syllables ‘Om Ah Hung’, etc. History of the Dakini kapala dates back to the eighth century. The queen mother had her last breath during the labour but the child was found alive when about to cremate. She was raised by the monkeys, and even developed webbed hands and feet indicating the enlightened characteristic. She was known by the name Sakya Devi and was Guru Rinpoche’s first consort from Nepal. After having received the secret and sacred initiations from Guru Rinpoche at Pharping, she remained as yogini until her nirvana. Her Kapala (skull) was at that time concealed as a treasure at Samye only to be unearthed by Terton Padma Lingpa. This treasure Kapala was later received by Ani Chorten Zangmo as a share of birthright from Tamzhing Choeje and was carried to Drametse during her escape.  

After Ani Chorten Zangmo passed away into small rainbow body, her son (from the marriage with Yeshe Gyalpo at early age) Dhungsey Choewang Dargay started ‘Drametse Choeje’ which blessed with the birth of two successive incarnations of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel; Zhabdrung Jigme Norbu (1831-1861) and Zhabdrung Jigme Chogyal (1862-1904). Prior to the two incarnations, Zhabdrung Jigme Drakpa (1791-1830) was also said to be born at Drametse but his lineage from Drametse Choeje is yet to be known. The Choeje however was ended with Choeje Tenzin as the last heir.

The monastery is also renowned for the origin of twenty one chaptered drum dance of Drametse (Drametse Ngacham), one of the UNESCO’s ‘Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible World Heritage of Humanity’. The orchestra of this mask dance is made of sixteen dancers wearing different masks of real and mythical animals; snow lion, garuda, dragon, yak, leopard, goat, snake, raven, horse, owl, stag, pig, dog, bear, tiger, and ox. In one of the visions of Chung Kunga Nyingpo, the drum dance was initially performed by celestial beings to welcome him at ‘Copper-Coloured Palace’ of Guru Rinpoche. Chung Kunga Nyingpo passed down the choreography of this drum dance at Drametse and in so doing gave it the name ‘Drametse Ngacham’.

There are countless riches, colours, and legends at Drametse which if put on paper would take days and months, so why not stopover at Drametse and walk around to experience its richness? The 5^th, 6^th and 10^th lunar months are the Grade ‘A’ holiday time for you will be able to witness Trelda Tshechu (honouring ceremony of Guru Rinpoche’s Birthday), Tordok (The burning of evil effigy for good harvest and wellbeing of the community), and Kangso Chhenmo (bonfire rituals during the festival eve)  respectively. 

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Rahula and the Meeting of Nine Evils

Fig: Rahula (PC: Tibetan Spirit)

Many aeons ago (longer than the age taken to wear a mountain by brushing with eagle’s wing), Drangsong (Rishi) Zamita and his consort Trulmo Poding had a son named Lalar Chuzhi who took monastic vows and dogged an ascetic life in the woods of Shing Laksha until Prajna Kulu, the maid of King Ratna Siddha caught a glimpse of him. The son of great sage was at that time invited in the palace as the royal priest by the king. From then on Prajna Kulu became the fourth crowned head as recognition from the king. But the green-eyed ministers falsely accused Lalar Chuzhi of having affair with Queen Prajna Kulu, and the king had him burned alive in the mountain of sandalwoods. Before he had his last breathe, he cursed to hit back the king and ministers in seven days by reawakening as a monster. He also made an aspiration statement that the four queens shall labor under his order to tame the wrongdoers during the degenerating Kalpa. Seeing the insanity of the king, the four queens could not stop throwing themselves into the pyre of sandalwoods.

In accordance to ‘The Unprecedented Explanation of a Mere Portion of the Liberation Stories of the Ocean of Oath-Bound Dharma Protectors’, the collected works of the 5^th Lelung Zhepai Dorje’s (1697-1740), Lalar Chuzhi was reborn at the base of gigantic Mt Sumeru as a horrifying son called Khyab’jug Chenpo (Rahula) to Sinpo (male cannibal earth spirit) Raksha Lokgi Trengwa and Lumo (serpent spirit) Belgo Trakmikma. He was born with nine heads, nine hearts, four arms, a frog body with wide open mouth at the belly, and a serpent tail. He was born so giant that when he stands the deepest ocean reach only up to his knees. Due to karmic connection, the four queens of King Ratna Siddha were reborn as sisters of Rahula; Droksin Chusingyi Dongchen (crocodile faced rakshi), Tak-Sinzorwe Dongchen (tiger faced rakshi), Kongsin Ba Langi Dongchen (cow faced rakshi), and Bamsin Drekyi Dongchen (bear faced rakshi). The settling of scores with King Ratna Siddha and ministers by Rahula is not the subject matter of this article; rather it would give weight to Rahula and the origins of Ngyenpa Guzom.

As per Baidurya Karpo, the 17^th century astrological writing of 6^th Desi Sangye Gyatso (regent of 5^th Dalai Lama), Rahula is known by the name Nyima Nagchen. He was born as a union of non-dual mind of Yadud Dorje Lokthreng and Sasin Barma. Nyima Nagchen and his siblings took separate routes during their journey around Mt Sumeru. On 7th day of 11th month, he met his youngest sister Bamsin Drekyi Dongchen (bear faced rakshi) and they had an incestuous relationship without recognizing each other. As a consequence, the four elements (earth, water, fire, and air) of the universe were contaminated and disturbed making the day the most inauspicious one in the lunar datebook. The day was from then on called as ‘Ngyenpa Guzom’ (meeting of nine evils). According to the tradition, the term ‘nine’ signifies the sheer size of inauspiciousness rather than representing the figure itself. 

However, the secret tantra of ‘Zago Nyimatro’ (Ferocious Planet called Wrathful Sun) has not the same story to tell. Shinje Dope Gyelpo (Yama, the lord of desire) and Sinmo (female cannibal earth spirit) Lokcham Barma had a son called Zago Nyima (Rahula). He lived at the side of Yugandhara (Nyashingzin, one of the seven golden mountains surrounding Mt. Sumeru) and Goddess Remati (Queen of desire realm) to the northeast of Mt Sumeru. They were both drunk of lust for love and agreed to meet in the north of Mt Sumeru. But, Goddess Remati conspired to send Yakshi (Nature spirit) called Phaknadong (pig snout), the daughter of Phakpa Dza (planet of pig) in disguise. At the time of departure, Phaknadong revealed her true ugly face and Zago Nyima was angry for the by mistake sexual intercourse. He called the assembly of eight classes of gods and demons (Mara, Mamo, Naga, Ging, Rahula, Tsen, Raksha, and Yaksha) for aiding him to put an end to the Goddess Remati. The malicious spirits meet every twelve months on the same time i.e. on 7^th day of 11^th month, and destroy the harvests and life force of the all God's creatures, and the day of such get-together is known as Ngyenpa Guzom (Meeting of nine evils).

In this day and age, no such harm may befall during Ngyenpa Guzom for the reason that Rahula was converted to an oath bound dharma protector after having been subdued by Heruka and Maha Guru. Nevertheless, the day was inauspicious one from the time when the elements of the universe were disturbed. However, the say that no good action shall bear fruit of merits is a myth; any conducts shall be rewarded based on its drive. The day may only barricade the practice not the result, it only cautions the initiation of significant assignments. For example, if one begins meditation on the said day, he or she may go through the troubles like ill health or laziness, and cannot fruitfully reach to closing stage of meditation. On the other hand, he or she will be deposited with good merits for the meditation done on the very same day. So, one is advised not to make important decisions of our life which have long term impact like start of husbandry, marriage, construction of house, beginning of meditation, inaugural ceremonies and other celebrations. The actions of bigheartedness, praying, saving lives, etc. can still be practiced during Ngyenpa Guzom. You are requested to break the myth and continue the thirty seven ways of Bodhisattva on Ngyenpa Guzom.

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The Secret & Sacred Lives of Orygen Pema Lingpa

In the dark age of past, Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of compassion, at the feet of the Buddha Amitabha made an enlightened pledge to liberate all the beings of lower realms. The lord of compassion wept the minute he thought that it was not possible for him to free all beings from the deep of misery. Due to prayer of the lord, his two teardrops incarnated as the two daughters of King Indra. One of the daughters called Goddess Apurna on one occasion stole some blossoms, and as a price for disrespecting the law of the heaven of the Thirty-Three, she was reborn as a poultry woman named Jadzima in the region of Maguta of Nepal.

Jadzima and her four sons, helped by an elephant and a donkey began to construct Boudhanath stupa in the 5^th century. After consecration of the stupa, the sons of the deceased Jadzima made prayers of aspiration for the benefit of the beings. The firstborn son, prayed to be reborn as a patron of Buddha's doctrine, the next eldest aspired to be reborn as a sage who will ordain the monks, the third aspired to be reborn from the pistil of a lotus to safeguard the doctrine, and the youngest aspired to be reborn as a minister who will arrange the dharma goings-on of the crowned head. During the event, an insect stung the firstborn son's neck and was killed by accident. He then and there prayed for the dead insect to be reborn as his heir practicing Dharma.

In the 8^th century, as per the aspiration prayers, the eldest son of Jadzima was reborn as King Trisong Deutsen to the northern snow land of red faced barbarians, the second as the abbot Zhi-ba-tsho of Nalanda Mahavihara, the third as Guru Padmakara of Oddiyana, and the youngest as the minister, Ba Trisher. The insect that had been killed was reborn as Princess Lacham Pemasel (clear lotus), the daughter of King Trisong Deutsen and Jomo Changchub Drolma. The princess was trained in the lore of Buddha by Guru Padmasambhava at the age of five. However, she died prematurely at age of eight due to karmic effect of murdering the son of a junior queen during one of her previous life as the queen of King Bhimakutra of Makuta kingdom. The Maha-Guru drew a red syllable ‘NRI’ on her heart, and miraculously summoned her consciousness back into her body. On her last legs, the Guru entrusted lineage of the Great Perfection known as ‘The Heart-Drops of the Sky farers’ (Khandro Nyingthig) and foretold that she would reveal 108 hidden termas (treasure-texts) in her one of the next lives.

After passing away, she experienced seven pure lives before recognizing as Orygen Pema Lingpa. She was reborn as two successive nuns known as Rikma Sanggye Khyi and Jomo Pema Drolma, a consort of Nyangrel Nyima Ozer (1st of the five Terton kings) and Guru Chowang (2nd of the five Terton kings) respectively. In her third rebirth she was Ngakchang Rinchendrakpa, the heartson of Terton Ugyenlingpa. Pema Lendreltsel was 4th  in line to her rebirth who discovered Khandro Nyingthig as per the prophecy of MahaGuru and gave its empowerment to 3^rd Karmapa Rangjung Dorje. Longchenpa, the lord of all doctrine knower was the most revered master all the seven. The next incarnation was short lived; Thokar, a child in Bumthang Tharpaling who was killed at the age of seven with a stone while stealing peas from other’s garden.  Thereafter he stayed  twenty five years at copper coloured mountain of glory before taking rebirth as Pema Lingpa . Orygen Pema Lingpa is therefore referred to as the direct incarnation of the omniscient Longchenpa.  

Orygen Pema Lingpa was born among many miraculous sign in the iron horse year (1450 AD) , on 15th day of tiger month at Tang Chel, Bumthang, to Dondrup Zangpo and Drogmo Pema Drolma. On the tenth day of seventh month, fire monkey year (1476 AD), Guru Rinpoche appeared as a ragged monk and presented a scroll of prophecy which guided him to discover his first treasure text known as ‘The Essence of Secret’ (Klong-gsal gSang-ba yang-bcud) from the Naringdrak during the full moon night. Using the scroll of prophecy as the eyes to the riddle he then transcribed the treasure script into Tibetan letters. During the twenty one days of initiation and empowerment of the treasure to the community of Dechen Pelrithang, he was visited in dreams by Khandro Yeshe Tshogyal to train him on how to perform the rites and dances of the mentioned treasure. The second treasure hunt on the twenty fourth day of the same month from the unchanged place, the Naringdrak, was one of his well-known revelations where he arose from the riverine lake with a Buddha’s statue and a treasure box of joined skulls placed under one arm, and the butter lamp still burning in the other. The lake thereafter was known as Mebartsho.  

He revealed countless treasures of which these are few; ‘Three black teaching’ (nagpo skor gsum) from Tselung Lhakhang in Bumthang, ‘The attainment of Longevity, combining Jewel with the path’ (Tse sgrub norbu lam Khyer) from Kurje Drakmar Dorje Tsekpaidrak, ‘The Unsurpassed Mind’ (dGongs-pa bla-med) and ‘Mahakaruna, the Lamp which Dispels Darkness’ (Thugs-rje chen-po mun-sel sgron-me) from Tang Rimochen, and ‘Hayagriva, the Single Hero’ (rTa-mgrin dpa'-bo gcig-pa) from Sengye Namdzongdrak, and ‘Gathering of Samantabhadra’s Intention’ (Kun Bzang dgongs ‘dus) from Samye Chimphu.

He discovered numerous treasures from Lhodark Mendo Drak Sengye Dongchen; ‘The Lama Jewel Ocean’ (bla ma norbu rgya mtsho), ‘Kīla, the Utterly Secret Vital Razor’ (phur ba yang gsang srog go spu gri), ‘Indestructible Garland of Long-life Instructions’ (tshe khrid rdo rje'i phreng ba), Red Hayagriva that Defeats Arrogance (rta mgrin dmar po dregs pa zil gnon), ‘The Protector Maning’ (mgon po ma ning), and Vajrapāṇi the Tamer of Spirits (phyag rdor dregs pa kun 'dul). Besides treasure texts, Orygen Pema Lingpa also unearthed Paro Kyichu Lhakhang and opened the door to hidden valley of Khampa Lung. At the age of seventy two, in the third day of first lunar month, Iron snake year (1521 AD), the great Orygen Pema Lingpa passed away into a state of peace with miraculous signs.

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Green Vibes; The First Fresh Juice Bar

An up-and-coming young entrepreneur, Kinley Wangdi from Wangduephodrang has in fact broken new ground in Thimphu with his most recent company called Green Vibes. Located to the left of Zombala restaurant in Hongkong market, the Green Vibes is a juice bar set on the ground floor of Kelwang building with simple but contemporary interior looks.

If you are someone who is health conscious, Green Vibes is the place you are assured of mouth watering smoothie. His smoothies are blend together of fresh fruits and vegetables bought from local farmers. At all times the drinks are organic and sugar free with no other preservatives, and in that way making it more juicy and nourishing. A sip of these rich textured smoothies is a beautiful means to get fruits and vegetables in your diet.

Initially he started a home based delivery business as a prototype which later shaped into a beverage company with financial support from Loden Foundation. Today, he not only provides employment opportunities, but also promotes organic fruits and vegetables grown by our farmers. Beside indoor customers, he also carters his smoothies to UN house, DHI, RMA, and many more.

Down the line, he wishes to see the outspread of his smoothie outlets in other Districts too. The set of choices will also be twofold after launching of cold place juice and sugar free biscuits. Nevertheless, to fulfill his dream there need to be the whole time supply of raw materials which is one of his major business challenges. It’s not easy for him to locate organic fruits like water melon and pineapple even during the season. He has a plan to establish nurseries in his village (Dangchhu) as an answer to the existing challenge. Despite few obstacles, Green Vibes is on the rise and will get the better set in the business.

To me Green Vibes gave a first-rate service and hope that it will go on with the same spirit to fulfill expectation of every customer. And I also welcome Green Vibes as a board member of Jangsem Monday; a meatless Monday campaign. The Jangsemian wearing T-shirt, wristband or badge will also be offered certain price cut, so do visit Green Vibes.   

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From Father to a Missing Angel

Like a heavenly star you appeared from the rainbow, weaving rich pattern in my life. Your form akin to an angle by no means gave chance to put up the shutters of my eye. There was no one other than your mom and me who may perhaps understood the cooing and gurgling words, and to this rhythm, for a moment or two, I used to move my head around, snap the fingers and let my toe tap on the floor to boogie in joy. I was never troubled by your late night cries for you greeted me with your lovely smile as and when I wake to pick you up in my knees. When you are unwrapped, you would hurriedly move your hands and legs like a bird freed from the cage, and I used to quietly laugh seeing my baby girl ready to fly.

When I say ‘fly’, I in no way thought you would fade away in the clouds and never turn your face back to see how unhappily your mom and dad are breathing without you. I never knew who may come as my new family member; you were my daughter by destiny and not by a choice. Now, repeated the same by not knowing when you would leave to the world of angels. I regret not to have you waited for a minute; given the chance I would have begged you not to go away or if not at least get a farewell kiss from you. Few days ago you were close to me wrapped by multicolored costumes, and few nights ago you were away from me somewhere roofed by a coffin. Today, standing on this peak of agony, I think what if you come back like a sun that resurfaces after having been covered by blanket of clouds. Sometime, I wait for someone to wake me up from the dream in which my daughter dies ahead of time, and before me. No matter to what extend my heart is broken I will cover my pain to wipe the tears of your mom. My angel, my late daughter, I pray to the peer of the realm that you be born very soon as a good human being in a family of noble, and let us be reunited when I breathe my last air if not in this life time. Only if I cut my heart half, the world will know how badly I miss you. My words will never have end and will not my tears, so  it would be good for myself if I stop here. Miss you my angel.

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Jangsem Monday; a meatless day campaign

Monday or the day of moon is a milestone in the datebook of different religion. The Jews read Torah, the foundational text in the morning of Monday while Hindus go for fasting to please Lord Shiva. It is said that the Orthodox Church observes it as an angel’s day where as the Theravada Buddhist celebrates it as a day of dispelling fear; Buddha’s relatives were disputing on the water rights which when he returned from heaven on the day of moon persuaded to compromise. So, keeping in mind on about the overlapping of such religious events on Monday and moreover being it the first day of week, we need to do something different than our normal routine. To begin the week with meat free meals would be interesting indeed.

History reads that during World War I, the US government received a word of honor signed by 13.0 million civilians in support of ‘Meatless Monday’ and ‘Wheat less Wednesday’ with a common target to aid the war by lessening the consumption of rations. This movement was revived in 2003 by Sid Lerner in association with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of public health after having found that to cut meat once in a week is worthwhile than reducing fats in every meal. As of now there are 44 registered countries supporting the meatless Monday campaign.

In Bhutan, Meatless Monday is known as ‘Jangsem Monday’ which literally is a day of awakening mind. Our main objective is to inspire a diet which helps in saving the animals from being slaughtered, a diet which save us from gaining weight, and a diet which pull out us from competing with starving people. More importantly we address damaging impact of animal agriculture to the global climate change.

Not only the animals are butchered but when breathing they are kept in unsanitary jam-packed condition, and the unwell ones are left with no one to look after. It was recorded that every year 55 billion farm animals are slaughtered to feed 7 billion people and the count will heighten with population on the rise. However, 1 in 8 people are starving in the view of fact that 33 % of global cropland is used to cultivate animal feed crops and 30% of agriculture harvest is not feed to people but to the farm animals so as to meet the requirement of meat. In so doing, the meat industry produces 1/5 of the man made green house gas which means going meatless once in a week is far better than taking 240 million cars off road annually.

Therefore, why wait before its too late? Take a pledge to meatless Monday, and be in board of ‘Jangsem Monday’. One day in a week can make difference.

Visit Us: https://www.facebook.com/JangsemMonday

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Dance of warriors in absence of local government

It is customary for Tshogpas, the community representatives of Drametse to play a part as warriors of the clan during their local festival. But with the dissolution of local government and ongoing primary ground election, finding the warriors for the festival which happens in every twelve month is in question. During the festival the nonelected village messengers (Chipon) are in all time engaged preparing feast for hundreds from long-age, and to pick and choose the acting militia from the farms will be easier said than done. It was then the civil servants under the headship of officiating Geog Administrative Officer decided to partake in it. From the time we made our minds to serve during the festival, we received good number of well wishers fully supporting our move.

After the training of what to do and what not, we dressed ourselves in the battle gears and marched into the chapel for blessing from the king of spirit warriors, Pekar Gyalpo, the peer of the realm. Having ourselves seated in a row, our duty was to roar load and clear before the effigy of the evils as and when the second commanding chief raises the victory flag. We the warriors then have joined the parade of monks and mask dancers so as to send-off the effigy to where they belong. After having the effigy burnt and roasted by the born fire, a couple of junior warriors followed the chief in dancing on the victory song. The most entertaining part was when the other warrior colleagues poked fun of the victory dancer who in crowd addresses of how great he was in his skills of battling. But such mocking act to one another during victory dance has to be avoided inside the courtyard as a respect to the monastic decorum. The victory dance was then followed by the dance of warriors where we chanted the victory song by raising our swords high in the heavens. It was out of the ordinary to learn that hundreds of farmers came to witness the festival solely to watch the performance of geog in-service persons and we were glad to see satisfaction in their eyes. It was tiring task but yes we enjoyed ourselves as warriors and we wait to serve again provided that we get the opportunity.

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A Come Back to Home after 23 Years; Farewell article to Dzongkhag Forestry

Dzongkhag Forestry Sector was born 23 years after the nationalization of forest in Bhutan and lived for another 23 years making ease to put decentralized forestry activities into practice most particularly in upholding the sustainable and participatory forest management. The sector made a giant step in 1997 by launching the country’s first community forest in Mongar under the guidance of Social Forestry & Extension Division (SFED), and thereafter about 600 communities received their right to manage the forest. 

Fig: Farewell Speech by Dasho Dzongdag to Dzongkhag Forestry

Had there not been Dzongkhag Forestry Sector then it would be easier said than done to shift from traditional tree orientated system to the current practice of balanced tree conservation and sustainable usage. The Sector supported not only the community forest but also gave equal weightage to improve the health of State Reserve Forest (SRF) by planting forest crops, bioengineering the critical landslide prone zones, protecting the water sources and many more. In so doing the private individuals also received helping hand from the Sector to own woods in their unproductive private lands and thereby adding more trees to the state.

Fig: Sharing of Gifts during farewell party 

Now the parent organization has made a homecoming call by merging the Dzongkhag Forestry Sector and Divisional Forest Office into one. It would be a shock to the communities to see forestry officials working under one umbrella but nothing to be worried for they shall continue to receive technical supports and forestry services as before. However the concern is not on about going back home to work but with regard to the working infrastructures. For time being the field staffs may function from the RNR-Extension Centre but one day or the other they deserve to be under a good shelter of their own. So, we are hopeful that the Department may have made arrangements to build the needed infrastructures. With this, I wish my workmates to serve with loyalty to protect our nation’s green property and also delivery the services to the people as before. Goodbye to Dzongkhag Forestry Sector.

Fig: First Day at Divisional office, Joint meeting at Mongar

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Facebook Like Button

Hundreds of likes wouldn’t be out of the blue if my Facebook post reads that I’m arranging alumni get-together or my wife is with young. One cannot put a stop to hit the like button after having seen eye-catching snapshot not caring whether you know the one who uploaded it or not. I accept as true that Mark Zuckerberg added such feature in his website so that the users can use it as a throwaway gestures for having liked the content.

But in this era of cyber culture, many of us have forgotten that there is inbuilt thinking machine in us which takes no second to make a judgment of what we see. What I mean is that many of us just hit like on no matter what the post is without actually analyzing whether it is appropriate to like it or not. For example, if someone notifies via Facebook that a big cheese passed away then in no minute the post will gain fat likes. Revisit the post and then put your mind in work, what do the likes mean? Does it stand for our happiness over the death of him/her? Yes, from hundred likes, there might be someone who is pleased to find out that the one he/she hates has taken the last breathe, but what about our likes? Or are we acknowledging the one who posted it for the timely information? Again, don’t you find it funny to see hundreds of like with no comment when someone writes, “I’m new to the place and have no friends so can anyone join me to get rid of my loneliness?” It’s akin to saying that we are sending you hundreds of likes, so enjoy the company. A recent post with scores of like on donation box robbery by a monk in Punakha serves a mere example of such foolishness. Are we happy that the monk is successful in robbery, or the temple was robbed, or the monk was caught? What are we trying to convey? I’m confused! Are you not? Haha my article is with more questions than answers mosh. It not necessarily means that all users are same; there are some who spare time to drop comments and some who read but do not partake in giving weightage to the post.

FIG: 2 Million likes for death of Paul Walker 

Few months back I being an administrator invited suggestion from the members on about whether to deactivate the group since it is dormant and served no purpose. It was bolt from the blue that I saw only likes and no single comment, only later a couple of members shared their view not to deactivate it. Are the rest pleased to read that the group will be permanently rub out from Facebook so that they could not stop themselves in giving thumbs-up to the post? I was confused whether to listen to those two members or to go with majority win basis since likes in the post spoke more words than the comments. For a moment or two I judge that many hits like to your post to let you know that they read it; it’s like saying that you will be not neglected for what on earth you post. But what’s the use when you press like to read that he/she is feeling pissed off, feels heartbreaking, under the weather, etc. Therefore, I request all the Facebookers to use the like button meaningfully, in no way playing with the emotion of others or otherwise what will happen to the cyber if brains of people who can shape the cyber depend on it to think for them. Think wisely, use wisely, happy Facebooking.

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Meat Free Monday

Monday or the day of moon is milestone in the datebook of different religion. The Jews read Torah, their foundational text in the morning of Monday while Hindus go for fasting to please Lord Shiva. It is said that the Orthodox Church observes it as an angel’s day. The Theravada Buddhist celebrates Monday as a day of dispelling fear. It was said that Buddha’s relatives were disputing on the water rights which when he returned from heaven on the day of moon persuaded them to compromise. So, keeping in mind on about the overlapping of such religious events on Monday and moreover being it the first day of week, we need to do something different than our normal routine. To begin the week with meat free meals would be interesting indeed.

History reads that during World War I, the US government received a word of honor signed by 13.0 million civilians in support of ‘Meatless Monday’ and ‘Wheat less Wednesday’ with a common target to aid the war by lessening the consumption of rations. This movement was revived in 2003 as public health awareness and is supported by 36 nations. In Bhutan, Meatless Monday is known as ‘Jangsem Monday’ which literally is a Bodhicitta day. In 2009, Meat Free Monday campaign was launched to address damaging impact of eating meat to the global climate change. As of now there are more than 0.8 million registered supporters from different walks of life.(To, be continued)

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World Naked Gardening Day 2016

“When you are out there with a gentle breeze on you, every last hair on your body feels it. You feel completely connected with natural world in way you just can’t in clothes,” the WNGD website reads.

This article of mine is on paper not with the meaning to uphold the nude event or to pass judgment on it but to share the happenings which some may not have seen or heard. World naked day is an annual worldwide nonpolitical event which happens after every twelve months on the first Saturday of May. It was founded as a project of Body Freedom Collaborative (BFC) on September, 2005 but later on the event timing was edited to May as to take temperature into account for the unclothed gardeners.

The day is in design to work with, rather than against the nature. More over it supports going nude in squares for guerrilla gardening but one can as well join the day by gardening nude in private property if they feel uncomfortable in public soils. One of the naturists wrote that the day is not about revealing body to others but to accept one’s body and live with nature on your own. Claire on her 200^th videotaping anniversary which also overlaps with the 10th world naked gardening day says that she wore nothing than a smile on her face. 

The book of Genesis or the creation myth reads that in the times gone by, a nude couple Adam and Eve lived in the Garden of Eden. Their desire for the fruit resulted in cursing them to go back into the dust of their origin, and also opened the eyes to their own nakedness. They from then were no more the nature’s offspring and began to cover themselves with leaves and loincloths. So, the founders of the gardening day may have thought that they or we shall only be linked to nature if not against what and how god made us; have down pat that no man was born with the garments. But in countries like Bhutan, such program of going naked for gardening shall be tagged as taboo. But if we carefully reflect for a second time, where is the forbidden mores when its comes to our naked festivals (read here) or what about the great Indian Kumbh Mela. 

There are critiques saying that myth of Adam and Eve is a depiction to rise of moral society rather than of fall from desire and deception. So akin to what critiques say, to support nude program could also mean that one is going back to ones origin of ape, and that is how degenerating or the dark age begins. If asked to think of nature, your third eye will take you into the peaks, see the pouring brooks, feel the breezing winds, and hear the chirping birds but the entire mental picture gets ruined when a mother ape is forced by her grownup offspring to do what we term as nature’s act. So, its not always wise to follow whatever the patterns nature weave.

Nevertheless, no matter what it may be, best wishes for the upcoming 12^th annual world naked gardening (7th May, 2016) to the entire naturist for their efforts, after all it’s the inner contentment one seeks at the closing stages of every deeds. 

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Earth hour; Will you join Bhutan?

P.C: UNDP Bhutan, 2014

It is very good to see many of the Facebook profile pictures being changed to shore up ‘earth hour event’. But more important is to tag on to the collective action to address global climate change rather than just beautifying your profile pictures with trendy logo and catchphrase designed by World Wildlife Fund (WWF). A number of Facebook users may have assumed that it’s a scam as like those sharing pornographic videos and price winning messages, but no its not. ‘Earth hour’ is a global light off event organized by WWF to unify individuals from poles apart in protecting our planet. This global episode shall be put into action on 30^th March, 2019 from 8:30 PM (local time). It is however not a blackout event for the reason that not all the lights will go off but only those non-essential lights shall be put off on voluntary basis. In so doing, we are helping to lessen the impacts of climate change since electricity and heat production gives out 25% of the total green house gas (IPCC, 2014).

The earth hour event is more relevant to Bhutan. Our country became spotlight for intercontinental press with Tendrel Plantation of 108, 0000 seedlings in welcoming the crown prince and the speech by Prime Minister on about Bhutan being not only carbon neutral but also carbon negative. Moreover, having already ratified United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Bhutan is moving forward for the REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation & Forest Degradation, and Conservation, Sustainable Management of Forest & Enhancement of Forest carbon Stocks). So, when government is going REDD+ for GREEN Bhutan, why not we the citizen with this pride agree to the light off event to fight against global climate change.

Video courtesy: earthhour.org

SO BHUTAN, I AM JOINING THE GLOBE IN PUTTING OFF THE NON-ESSENTIAL LIGHTS TOMORROW FROM 8:30 PM TO 9:30 PM, ARE YOU? LIKE, COMMENT, VOTE & SHARE FOR GLOBAL CAUSE

Will You Join Earth Hour on 19/03/16?

Yes, for full time (8;30 PM to 9:30 PM)

Yes, but just for few minutes

No, I don't care

Do Quizzes

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