Of Bum Fights in Shingkhar

Bum Fight in 2014

For the folks of Shingkhar, the fourth or the second last day of the Rabney is special in its own way. It is on this day the dance of our most  revered and worshiped local deity, Meme Drangsong, "affectionately called Meme or grandpa by the locals take place". "Drangsong is one of the three main deities of the Dzogchen tradition and is said to have served Longchenpa during the latter’s sojourn in Shingkhar. People across the country, (mostly the stroke patients) come to pay homage and receive blessing. I don't know how science can explain this but I have often seen some of them get better after the blessings.

Prayer to Longchenpa on his anniversary

PHA JETSÜN LAMA RINPOCHE

Beloved master, precious one, father of mine,

KHYÉ SANGYÉ KUN DANG YERME PÉ

You are forever one with all the Buddhas,

DENG MÖPÉ BU LA TUK TSEWÉ

Now show your kindness and love to your devoted child.

TRAL GYALSÉ CHOK GI TSUL ZUNG NÉ

You who took birth intentionally

LAR SAM SHYING KYEWA SHYÉ DZEPÉ

Of Chankgkor in Shingkhar.

In his essay titled "Blessings of Shingkhar" Dr. Karma Phuntsho has written extensively about Shingkhar Rabney. He even wrote about the most coveted topic that I wanted to write. (Of rubbing Foreheads, Chankgkor and Bum Fights in Shingkhar) In his five page essay, he has captured Shingkhar Rabney form start to end. After reading his essay for about ten times or even more, I feel enlightened all the more. I have no doubt that any reader will feel the same. Through his writing, I am able to unearth more mysteries about the very village I was born and raised. I feel so happy. I am sure any reader who reads it will feel the aura and blessings of Shingkhar Ranbey themselves. As for me, its an honor and privilege to read his write-ups. So thank you Acho Dr.

Faces From Shingkhar

I bought my nikon D90 some three years ago and I was never able to put it to use. So this year in Shingkhar, that too during the Rabney, I was able to use it to the fullest. I tried to capture the images using various modes. I think i got some good images. But sadly of the thousand shots that I took, only few images are of good quality. Please bear with me. 

Reminiscences of Shingkhar Rabney 2014

Last week, against the wishes of my bosses here in Paro, I had to take a long leave to go to my village. Forgoing a very important official occasion here in Paro (International Customs Day) I had to rush home to be a part of our local event there. Its called Shingkhar Rabney. You can read about Rabney here in bits and pieces.

This years Rabney has been the grandest Rabney ever and it will go down in the history of Shingkhar as the most memorable Rabney.