Whatshot
Through my eyes
Through my eyes
Date: 2019-06-07
"If you put yourselves on the path to success by cultivating the right bearing and conduct, and make it a habit to work hard and yearn for knowledge, you will be able to serve your parents and your country in a remarkable manner." HM the King JKNW.
One of my big time dreams is to travel to Bhutan. I dream about it a lot and I know that one day I will do it because the dream is so vivid, in the meantime I am connecting with Bhutanese people via Facebook and Instagram and I follow the entire cast of the Bhutanese royal family as well as their government ministers.
I am so intrigued by a culture that values gross domestic happiness higher then Gross domestic product. In fact they even have a minister who handles only that aspect, within the Bhutanese government.
A recent posting, from one of my Bhutanese 'friends' Namchung Bhu, whom I don't really know much, however what I do know is that he is from Mongar. He lives in Phuntsholing and he went to Mongar Higher Secondary School, but I follow him because he gives me a little glimpse into the life that I so desperately want to visit.
Namchung Bhu's posting is one of the reasons why I want to visit Bhutan. Imagine the strength of ones conviction when you believe that a five-year journey, prostrating yourself on the ground through some of the toughest terrain on the planet, will wash away bad karma and attain enlightenment in the next life.
"Just now, while coming from Changgangkha temple, I came across a young man prostrating on a road near YDF. I went near him and ask about and also offer some cash and drinks to him. His name was Sonam Phuntsho from Gomchu village at Khaling, Trashigang. He graduated from Sherubtse College in 2016. He started prostrating from Khaling and hopes to end the journey at one of Bhutan's sacred temples, Taktshang, in Paro, to wash away bad karma and attain enlightenment in the next life.
He took 2 years and 5 months to reached Thimphu, facing a lot of difficulties along the highway covering 5 great passes and mountains. He didn't put on any facemask, only attached animal hide strapped on both his legs and wooden hand-shields for his prostrations on the road. He carries one small bag with water and something edible. With every step forward, he drags the trolley and then prostates flat on his belly." wrote C@ Sonam Tashigangpa
Life in Bhutan it seems, possess magic, a real magic and devotion, something so badly missing from our western lifestyleHere's to Bhutan and the dream that wont die.
"Life need not necessarily be long, life should be meaningful even though it is short" Namchung Bhu.