March 2014 Post

For the first time I am closing a month with just one post. I feel terrible. Although series of events have unfolded around the world  I did not have the time and energy at my disposal to share my thoughts on it. And few days a ago, I got a comment from a very disheartened reader. She said she is angry with me for keeping the blog empty. So today I write this post for her and to rest to show that I am still alive.

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.

Of Lochoes, Juvenile Monks and Economics

In 2011 

Couple of days ago, I was in my wife's place. I was there to attend an annual offering ritual popularly known among Bhutanese folks as Lochoe. Having missed two such Lochoes while I was away for my studies, it was my father-in-law's intention to have a grand one this year. To do that, he was willing to spend his entire two months pension income for the same. And expected nothing less from me and my wife. It is understandable because Lochoe to an ex-monk, I think means somethings that transcends mundane description. So to make him happy I think we did our best. We have no savings but as a civil servant, we took our salary in advance.

Pictures From Lemjakha

Here are some pictures I captured in Lemjakha. Lemjakha is actually my wife's place. It is under Toeb Gewog of Punakha. For slow walkers, it takes little over 30 min from Thinleygang town. It is connected with Thinleygang town by a farm road, that looks more like a drain. But when the weather is dry, it takes little over 10 min for average car to make there.

Happy New Year 2014

Well what can I say now? 2013 is gone for good. All I can see around are few crazy people, seemingly busy with their mobile phones sending each other an endless new year wishes. some too lazy to type their own, are seen forwarding the very messages they received from others. I think some people are welcoming the new year with anything but with a plagiarism without a guilt.

Reflection and Contemplation Day

Today is 21/12/2013 and I take it as a very special day of my life. This is because one year ago, for no apparent reason, I decided to make 21st December(s) as my reflection and contemplation day. I remember writing a post that day. I think wrote a post thanking few beautiful people including my Kings. I also remember making a wow to write about some more people who have played a role in making my life beautiful, meaningful and memorable.

FIFA World Cup Trophy arrives in Bhutan

Bhutanese Officials receiving the FIFA World Cup Trophy.

 20/12/2013 will be a very memorable day, not only for football fans but also for those people who have come all the way around the red aircraft (as shown in the picture).
Look at the picture above!. Almost all the people working in Paro airport are out to have a glimpse of the most coveted sports trophy landing in Bhutan.  I am surprised because some of the biggest Rimpoches' and lamas' did not have that many people to receive them! 

FIFA Trophy

Although there was no display of the trophy, the overwhelming crowd refused to leave the craft side. To some of my friends, I had to tell them that the trophy is hidden in three identical boxes and its safely locked and cleared already by the security officials. But most of them wouldn't listen.

As a Customs official, I had the privilege of inspecting the boxes from outside. They all look so good and secured. I didn't  know which box contained the gold cup. Along with me was my other colleague doing the inspection. And both of us made sure that we at least touched the boxes. Later, while we were inspecting the podium and other shipments, I told him to touch them as well and we both laughed.

106th National Day post

In celebrating our national day on 17/12/2012, (i.e one year ago) I posted our national anthem and the picture of our beloved Kings on my blog. It was our 105th national day then. Now that its 17/12/2013, we are celebrating 106 years of progress and happiness one more time. 

Some Similarities Between the Korean and Bhutanese Architecture

I took the pictures below in Suwon, another city in South Korea south of Seoul city. All the pictures are in the vicinity of King Jungjio's palace. By the way King Jungjio was the 22nd King of the Joseon Dynasty. The guide told me that King has been the most powerful and popular king of all time. However he lived a troubled personal life because of his political rivals. Surprisingly, the rival was his own grandmother, who was just 16 yrs old that time. The place is full of history.   

Most of the structures, I was told were rebuilt after being destroyed. Once in Korean war one by the invading forces of Japan. It is now UNESCO heritage site. 

Nelson Mandela and Korean Beauty

Nelson Mandela

Yesterday, the hot news in the main stream media was the death of a man who, I believe, lived his life in service to the humanity. Former President of South Africa, Mr. Nelson Rolihlahla "Madiba" Mandela, was a known freedom fighter. The way he rose from his humble background to fight against the discriminatory policies based on the skin colour of his countrymen is all the more admirable. Many leaders around the world think that his death is a great loss to this entire humanity. Therefore, he will be missed dearly everywhere. And on this sad occasion, I would like to join the world community in remembering and paying respect to this great soul. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

And here is another thing I would like to write:

When I was planning my travel to South Korea, besides the low temperature and importance of having warm cloths, there was another thing that my friends talked to me; -Beautiful South Korean People. Yes, I was told that I would have the opportunity to feel like the ugliest person on the planet. I think they must have meant beauty externally. But I took it otherwise. I have known South Korean people to be not only beautiful form outside, but from inside too. Perhaps that is why I presume many youngsters in Bhutan are trying to copy the looks of Korean people. 

But when I actually reached Seoul, I came to know from a guide as to how much Korean people care to look beautiful Externally! He told me that to compete in a job, the first thing one need is to look beautiful. He calls it as a first impression. Now it seems that there is a competition among Korean youngsters not only for jobs, but also in their looks. By looking at the numbers of plastic surgery clinic around, it says it all.

Anyways, plastic surgery or rubber surgery, its up to every individuals to decide. Go for it if you have the means. In Korea, I was told that it would cost USD 5500/- to just to lower the nose by an inch.

But for me, three night stay was enough for me to fall in love with that beautiful country. Seoul, the capital city is wonderful. Everything is so so beautiful there, The streets are beautiful. Food is beautiful and yummy (although little expensive) cars are beautiful (and unlike Gujarat,cars never honk) and so are girls and ladies, Kids are beautiful andeven men are looking beautiful too. 

Update From Seoul, South Korea

I went to Seoul, South Korea representing Bhutan Customs administration to I attended a seminar on "Fight Against Cross-Border Crimes in Asia Pacific region". As a panelist, I also gave a short presentation on Tobacco free policies and administrative outcomes in Bhutan. I think the presentation went well. I spoke little bit on our recent Tobacco control law. I tried my best to convince the floor as to why Bhutan Government is justified in passing a 'harsh' and 'unmerited' law.  

Plight of Building Wall in Punakha. Part One

Our House in Punakha

As I said in my earlier post, I had the most busiest weeks of my life in my recent past. I found my self engaged hundred percent; both officially and personally. I told my wife about how much rest I deserve (after my masters course in Economics) but the irony is that I found myself engaged even on the weekends.

November is Here

First up, I would like to wish our beloved king a very happy coronation day. May his Majesty live long and continue to guide us and bless us. Secondly, I feel sorry for not being able to tend my blog for so many days. Believe me, each day I look at my blog, it broke my heart.. It pained my heart to see my blog become like a haunted house.

Transfer Time!

After eight long years in Paro, I am finally planning my maiden transfer to a Place other than Paro. In eight years of my service, I had the opportunity of serving my office to the best of my ability. It was pleasure working in, what many people say a "sensitive place". In terms of work knowledge, I have profited immensely under various Regional Directors. I had the pleasure of working with some of the most dedicated and resourceful officers and inspectors alike. Some day I would like to write a separate post on this. 

But for now, let me write as to why I have to move from this beautiful place. I have both official and personal reasons. Le me keep my personal inconveniences aside.

Thanks to Typhoon Phailin

Thanks to typhoon Phailin in Odhisa, it was rain for three consecutive days in Paro. Downpour was ferocious; lot bigger than the ones we normally get to see in monsoon. The cold wave was bitter. It engulfed the entire valley in no time and sent many people rushing for jackets and heaters!

Longchen Thongdrel Consecrated

Final Thongdrol of Longchenapa

Models

His eminence the Namkhai Nyingpo Rimpoche consecrated the Thongdorl of Kuenkhen Longchen on 12th Oct 2013 inThimphu. The Thongdrol worth more than million Nu was built by the people of Shingkhar village along with the support of other Longchen devotees across the country. My cousin monk who took active part in the process told me that it is to purely to bring harmony and happiness not only in Shingkhar, but also in Bhutan and world at large. Thongdrol will be soon taken to Shingkhar and will be unfurled once in a year coinciding with the annual Shingkhar Rabney.