A beer for Fun

A friend of mine from Hyderabad has been insisting me to accompany him to drinks since I told him that as a matter of fact I also drink, of course not too often. It has been so many times that he insisted me to go with him, one was just before the exam, then in weekend in the midst of examinations and my silly excuse was that I shouldn't really screw my exams. I told him:"You know I owe my Government everything for this education and the least I can do is to take a laudable result at the end of day" Every time I declined his request, his response was: "what the F**k man, have fun sometimes" And my immediate reaction was but smile.

But yesterday was different! The day was very hectic as well. Although my semester exams were over, I had some silly but necessary unfinished business like to submit my semester Project report, submit tutorial assignment of one subject and submit the library books. So from the time I woke up in the morning I was like running here and there, the worst of it all was when we had to wait for our project mentor (the director of the college) to lend us his signature. After waiting for about three long hours outside his office, we were summoned to his office and gave us his signature and by that time it was almost dinner time (8:00 PM). I directly walked to the mess, exhausted, there again, something seemed unusual! I couldn't swallow more than four spoons of chowal and Alu sabjee. I was frustrated then, came to the room and started to watch the latest episode of the English series titled 'How I met your mother'

Then out of nowhere came the bang on my rooms door and this: "Hey lets go Beer dude" It was the voice of my friend. For a moment the sentence was very pleasing, perfect and timely, as if I have wanted to hear for ages. I suddenly dragged my coat and and surprised him: "Lets go, get drunk today". He was elated as I was, for it was the first time I accepted his request. We went nearby restaurant cum bar called Mikhana, the favorite party place around the college premises. The bar was almost full, most of the customers were our fellow friends (students). We ordered a bottle of kingfisher each and started drinking till it was closed time! (11 PM). By that time, three of us were up to the mark of being called HIGH. In the midst of drinks, we talked of all those silly stuffs and I tell you it was fun. I even learnt so many new expensive kinda drinks that I would definitely taste in the times to come.

We walked along the highway which was almost empty by then, reached the college and went directly to our respective rooms to sleep. And the strangest and boldest thing I ever did was something which I can't tell. I can't stop laughing myself. You know it was really silly,funny and serious at the same time. If we learn anything out of drinks, it is the revelation of our true nature. We become the 'real us' when we are under the influence of alcohol. As long as we don't cross the limit to the extend of hurting our self, I think life without such small enjoyment and fun only make it more regretful,tiring and exhaustive.

After a hectic and exhaustive day, a bottle of beer really is a saver for the time being, after all life is so short and complex to define and unfold all the mysteries and beauties. Why not experience once in a blue moon in our own way?

Seven Over, One More to Go

Life is always a test if we look into it carefully; every moment, from the time we get off the bed in the morning to the time when we go to the bed again at night (perhaps we are tested even during our  peaceful sleep, who knows with guarantee that we will see the next morning sun?..:P)  If we are unhappy or sad, it is the test of our emotions as to how strong we are, if something is not alright and we are unsatisfied  it is a test of our patience and perseverance,  if we are happy with everything going just as wished, then also it is a test of how much we are overwhelmed and taken by that and to what extend we go with that. However, such little usual things are far from considering it as a test. Only things like academic examinations where one is made to write or speak, followed by a result or a bench mark to differentiate means a test to most of us. How far do we pass the life's test is a question we might consider to ask our self as we live this life.

Well, finally after a rigorous duration of about six months, the seventh semester is over now, the final exam of the semester was done today. As soon as I reached my room after writing exam at around 5:00 PM, I opened my laptop and updated the status of Facebook as"7/8..:)" That was when I knew myself how much we are tensed and bogged down by so-called examinations and how much examinations mean to us as a student. For now I am free, I feel free and fresh; my head is light and clear. All the more I am happy, just because the tensions are over(for now) no matter how badly I wrote some papers.

Looking back to this very semester, I find it to be most productive and memorable of all. Productive, because for the first time it offered me some leisure time (final year is lenient!) which I made  good use of it by starting to blog and obviously through blogging, just within a short span of time, I have learnt a lot. Even if i don't write, I enjoyed reading others and that has only encouraged me. I say it memorable for the simple and silly reason, now that the torturous nights with so many tutorial sheets and practicals to write was finally over. I also took keen interest in playing soccer for the very first time in my life this semester and it has been pretty much full of fun. I also visited Bodh Gaya for the second time. This time I was able to visit almost all the near by Nyes which I consider myself to be lucky. I personally consider that trip to be most unforgettable (for some personal reasons) and I am very much thankful to my friends for making that trip a wonderful one.

And lastly (not the least one!..:P) after this very semester I am planning to go home after almost three long years. I have only been meeting my parents only through phone calls. I can't wait to get together with my parents soon although I have very short break.

Youth unemployment at 7.2 percent

It wasn't surprising at all to know that the Youth unemployment in Bhutan is 7.2 percent as of November 27 (by BBS), which I believe has been stagnant or even increasing for sometime. I am rather concerned like what if it continues to beat at this rate? Every one talks of Youth being the future flag bearers, that future of the state lies in the hands of the youths, but I really doubt of a good future of the state, if the future of youths themselves are at stake at the first hand and their problems are not addressed in the second.

I was watching BBS program, the interview by Namgay Zam with the Director of Labor Ministry and the Executive Director of ABTO. It was a refreshing one, although with that same old slogans of a blame game. Our Labor Ministry seems to have so many plans at hand; only challenge being unable to meet the gap of an understanding to change the mind set of youth towards Jobs irrespective of the colors.Tourism Industry seems to be a good resort; where they talk more of the attitude and the skills against the academic knowledge. However at the end my basic questions weren't answered.

Externally every Bhutanese talk of Bhutan being a country of equity and Justice, that everyone enjoys the equal right to express, that everyone is entitled to equal opportunities, but if we take a closer look, I am sorry to say that it is far from truth in reality. Any survey in Bhutan would reveal that rich are always rich and the poor the poorest, that upper ones are always flying while the lower ones on the verge  losing visibility(ས་ཁར་འཛུལ་སག་ས) because things like nepotism and favoritism still exist although these things might be out of any Bhutanese laws.
It was in the year 2011 summer, I was to do do my month long internship(as required by college), I was interested to do at Druk Air, I also had my cousin brother at paro where I would accommodate during my stay, I finished all my proceedings from the Scholarship Division and approached Druk Air. There I was very much surprised that the HR section didn't even look at my documents. Straight away I was said that I can't do my intern there for the simple reason that the organization is busy.  I just wanted to learn something that is all. I could have been a little help to them while learning myself in the mean time, but that was just the waste, I finally did my intern at Bhutan Telecom.

Well, I am yet to join that pack (in fact very soon enough) of so-called 'job seekers' and walk those streets of capital, hear the people say like "He is still jobless and useless" etc, I don't know how much pairs of shoe will be gone, or how much time I would have to starve or walk hiding my face, before I get one.
It is encouraging to know that the concerned Ministries are doing their best to match the mismatched gap. The number of graduates are increasing every year and the competition is becoming tough. As a youth I think it is high time for the government to stop whining and start barking, see where the real problems lies and ask basic questions apart from education systems like:

• Is Rural Urban Migration Problem still addressed?
• Are the Industries and other job creating sources evenly scattered around the country?
• Are things like Nepotism and discrimination completely vanished in the country?

Sometimes it might turn out that it is not always the youth who is at fault.

The Social Network..

Today's world is sophisticated and advanced with all kinds of developments and accessories in front of us. We have the fastest mode of communication on our desk and in our Pocket, the fastest mode of transportation in the door step, least strength requirement gadgets and super computers that performs mega times better and faster. The humans have managed to conquer the apex of everything and may be this is the very beauty of this human era- the privilege to be the part of this whole evolution.

How ever with all this sophistication and merits,if we are unable to use it wisely and intelligently, it is nuisance too. As good as we enjoy the fruits of all the developments, the world is equally into the state of turmoil and chaos, into constant threat with constant fear of terrors; the world has the dangerous nuclear weapon that will destroy everything in seconds. Physically this world seems to be so peaceful and calm; yet a deeper look makes us think if we are safe at all?

Source: Google

The communication field has gone into dramatic evolution within short span of time. The social networks in particular has grown and expanded so rapidly that we are aware of anything that is happening around the world, just in one click. For no doubts, the social networks have done tremendous good things to mankind. Thanks to the ordinary men with extraordinary minds.. The common social networking sites like Facebook, Myspace and twitter has attracted so many users and it is only on the verge of advancement. On the other hand, the sad thing though is that good has not left the bad and the darker sides behind. It has invited along with it so many chaos and cries, law suits, divorces(The paper in England reported that 75% of the divorce case of 2012 was related to social network!), confrontations and bad repercussions

The most obvious changes that has brought to the modern people can be described in a word 'CONFINEMENT'. Yes we do interact with so many people through such platforms, but from the four confined corners of  our room. It has therefore depreciated the very beauty and charm of the real interaction and socialization. We seem to have lost that energizing handshakes, the mesmerizing laughs in the midst of funny conversations. The more we get closer with such facilities, the more we seemed to be deviated and distanced from the real world.

Yet we can't resist from using the very facility and take advantage when it comes to us. For a week (the past week), I have been away from these social interactions (I mean from internet) I can't believe my self how much such facilities have impact on me in this information world. I really missed and I don't know how people of this age will ever survive without such facilities.

Last Saturday, I took my Laptop for some maintenance and since then for a week, I was cut off from the internet world. The college LAN connection was also very slow, which was lucky for me in a way...:). Random thoughts like; what would be notifications in the Facebook and tweets in twitter? Who would have drop me message? Who would have written new post in my blogger dashboard? what would be the news in BBS or kuensel?... etc started to bother me. Every time I opened a Book to study, such thoughts came and disturbed me. It was all the more torture so to say.

Any way my point is we (Me in particular) seemed to be governed by such facilities and  motives in this present world. Such platforms are inevitable and indispensable in this modern information age. Walk one step backward and it seems like you are ages Behind!  Such is the importance of Social networks; provided we use it wisely.

Witnessing the Week

Life is a big mystery and full of paradoxes. Life unfolds both beautiful and ugly, both good and bad, but the nature of human is such that we are too much blinded by that mere darkness, the ugly and negative parts; we often fail to see the better and brighter part; we tend to forget to see the other side of the coin.

This is backed by the fact that for me, most of the time I am clouded by the miseries and sadness and hardly do I remember the wonderful and good things that have happened and are happening in my life. Maybe I am too shortsighted, but I feel the good things have very short life and that most of the time, such good incidents and memories, better and brighter ones are clouded and hidden deep inside somewhere.

Have you ever tired looking back, even for a day? Well, I normally write my diary every evening but the past week, I couldn't and today I was trying to go a week back! The following are the immediate series of events that clicked my mind:

• When the people of middle east countries were struggling and striving in civil wars with bloodshed and  bomb blasts, Millions of Hindus around the world were rejoicing the Diwali with families and loved ones, with crackers and lights, which was rather disturbing and irritating to me, (by the sudden crackers)

• When the United States of America in the west elected President Barack Obama for the second term and was preparing for his foreign Trip to Asia, the Republic of china in the east saw transition of the power, a new leadership under strict and tight security. 

• The media and the government of India was busy with the visit of Aung Suu Kyi, the pro-Democracy Leader of Myanmar(Burma) and Nobel laureate  who inspired millions around the globe for her non-violence fights and sacrifices towards changing the Myanmar into Democracy. 

• The week saw the decision of the government of Bhutan to do away with the observance of the pedestrian day weekly to every first Sunday of a month with the inclusion of world environment day i.e, 6th June as the Pedestrian day, which came as a good news for most Bhutanese. 

• The week also saw Indians celebrating the 123rd birth day of their first prime Minister (on 14th November), Jawaharlal Nehru, who has a special connection with Bhutan.  The day which is also observed as a Children's day in India as a celebration for Nehru's love for the children.

With all these around me, there I was idly; wondering and regretting if the past week wasn't a total waste. I couldn't update my blog, though I never missed to read the blogs I follow.I didn't open a page of my books for the semester exam which is nearing. I didn't attend even one class as well, so for whole week it was a kind of complete break for me. However, then I was reminded that I was witnessing all these earnestly and that the week wasn't waste after all...:)

What does Tear means to You?

To a biochemist, Tear is but composition of mineral salts, antibodies and lysozymes (bactericidal enzyme). It is the secretion of eyes that helps to moisten the eyes from drying or when ever the foreign matter enters the eye. It is the exocrine process in which a substances come out just like exhaling, urinating, defecating and sweating.

To an athlete, who has just won a medal, tear is but a joy, an intense happiness and  a sense of satisfaction and a reward for his passion and constant endeavor. It is but an enjoyment of his success, nothing more than that.

To a desperate Lover, tear is but Love; it is his expression of how much love means to him/her. The quantity of tears is exactly the intensity of the love, the care and what it means to be in love.

To a beggar at the street, tear is but an easy excuse, an excuse that drives the passerby to pity and lends them a coin or two. Tears lends them food, clothing and shelter, the basic necessities of life.

To a criminal in a court, tear is but an alibi, although it hardly serves its purpose at the court of law. But still it is a good alibi, it is a kind of redemption and  a regret that teaches them lessons.

To a mother who has just lost her child, tear is nothing but a Loss. Her love for the child, it is her deprivation, desperation and catastrophe.

To a little kid, tear says it all; the need, the hunger, the pain (although it is hardly tells the joy!). When ever something is wrong, the child cries and that tells us all.

With all these comes to me now; a big question for myself in fact. I am a young adult, and not a kid any more (by age definitely), which often gets shadowed, because some where I still feel like I am child! I am still searching and trying to understand what is the real meaning of Love. I am definitely not a criminal, neither am I biochemist by profession nor am I a medal winning athlete. I ain't beggar as well, although some times  I do doubt if I am but a beggar, trying to beg my own dock, my own priorities and aims in life, because life isn't perfect yet and at one point or the other we all seems to become a beggar.

Yesterday evening I couldn't sleep as usual ,Everything was fine, the day was busy and hectic though, until when I felt my cold cheeks, and soon after that I knew my eyes were shedding tears! I did not believe I was crying!  Ahhh!!..... feeling embarrassed now!..:P

And the mystery is I never knew what does a tear means to me?  Ask yourself what does a tear means to you?

The marijuana Factor

Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS) on 12th November 2012 reported the arrest of six men possessing ten sacks of dried  Marijuana weighing more than three hundred kilograms in Jomotsangkha, Samdrup Jongkhar. Well, I am not really surprised by that very news, rather I am saddened and I feel pity that the six innocent  men had to become the culprit or rather a criminal. Most of the people will see this as a crime, but I don't and I have a different feeling, not because such act isn't a crime but because there are reasons, loads of reasons towards resorting to such crimes. Because I am from the same place! I pretty much know what it takes and what it feels to become such culprit? Why and how all these happens?

Who would ever think as to why and how this happened in such remote part of the country? Why from an innocent people? Seriously who would like to carry about sixty to seventy kilograms of load on our back at night and get apprehended or be kept under detention the next morning? Who would actually like to commit crime after all? Nobody!

However, what choices do people like six of them (or we) have? When the people of other part of the country is being waken up by the expensive modern alarm clocks (or who at all cares about waking up so early?), we have the early cocks that cracks the dawn that awaits with so much burden and hardships. When children of other parts of the country studies under the bright tube-lights, ours have that old, almost ruptured  and smoked Lamp that lights the room. When people of other parts have cars to travel and trucks to carry loads, we have our own feet and our backs which has become so hard and sense less owing to constant use and of course the horses. For us the thick and cozy tulip beds and blankets are replaced by thin skins of dead animals; as thin as the blade. When other parts have the black topped roads that connects and avails all the modern facilities, we too have a road that began its construction since 2004 but the difference is keep aside the black tops, the road hasn't spanned more than 10 km in about eight years now! Besides, what do we have as a source of income? Even if we have how do we reach to the sale points with such road?The only source of income is but porter and that too through rugged and steep cliffs, mountains and valleys.

But, yes people have survived throughout the centuries despite all these! And as a part of it I have only been proud. We have now doctors, engineers, Doctors and even Parliamentarians. What does this mean? It only means we aren't that backward, we have the capability to arise. Even with little developments, even from such harsh environments. It only means we can do.

I do know about the Tobacco and tobacco product prohibitions in our country. I also know that consuming Tobacco and its product is injurious to health. The section 11, chapter three of the Tobacco Control Act of Bhutan 2010 says;No person in the country shall:

• Cultivate or harvest Tobacco
•  manufacture, supply or distribute tobacco and tobacco products
• Sell and buy tobacco and Tobacco products.

I also respect the fact that Bhutan is a religious country and that tobacco is a product of the evil, and that it does more harm than good not only during this life to our health but in the next as well. However I have never understood as to why knowingly people have to resort to such activities? And perhaps this is also a question that the ones who apprehended or largely the policy makers of the country, has to ask themselves. May be then both parties can have answers.

Of course we never cultivate or harvest Tobacco in our place. May be out of mercy, God has been kind enough to bless the Land with such plants in plentiful, that has been sole source of income so that every parents can send their children to Schools, so that every people will have new modern clothes and foods, so that everyone can have the taste of so called development as other parts of the country.

This doesn't mean the Royal government hasn't done anything to that community. Yes we have schools  for our children, we have NFEs spread throughout the villages and people have only been embracing with dedication and interest, but the question is if it has done enough? If the government has been fair enough? Or are we, the people are foolish enough to  have failed to embrace?

It is good that people are refrained from doing such crimes, that we are enforcing the laws of country, but as good as we try to implement such enforcement,  more important is to analyze the ground realities as why people, the innocents, resort into such crimes? How did the Engineers, Doctors, Drangpons, Teachers and Parliamentarians become? Ask any one of them, how was their journey towards becoming the one? As long as there are no modern facilities and modern developments  I fear there will only be more criminals like the recent case, because what choice do we have?

What makes you not a Buddhist?

What makes you not a Buddhist is a very provocative question especially to us people who claim ourselves to be Buddhist. A book by Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche, What makes you not a Buddhist is very lucid with simple language and interestingly a very influential guide for common people like me. But frankly speaking, even after reading it for second time, I have had very little insight of it and I can hardly make myself clear if I am really a Buddhist. May be that is because of the 'Jinlaab' the book and the Dharma at large have and my merits being unable to grasp. But all the more I enjoyed reading and I would love to read it again.

"You may not not have been born in Buddhist country or to a Buddhist family, you may not wear robes or shave your head, you may eat meat and idolize Eminem and Paris Hilton. That doesn't mean you can't be a Buddhist." is very inspiring and stimulating lines in the introduction of the book by Rinpoche.

Rinpoche illustrates with the life of Buddha and the modern practical approach towards relating the concepts like emptiness,Enlightenment, heaven and hell. With unusual force and originality,  Rinpoche explains and expresses the essence of Buddhism in four main parts, the four truths, which if we accept makes us Buddhists: Rinpoche challenges us with the following four main questions:

• Can you accept that all things are impermanent and that there is no essential substance or concept that is permanent?
• Can you accept that all emotions bring pain and suffering and there is no emotion that is purely pleasurable?
• Can you accept that all phenomena are illusory and empty?
• Can you accept that enlightenment is beyond concepts; that it's not a perfect blissful heaven, but instead a release from delusion?

Only if we are able to answer the above questions with unequivocal "yes" can we be truly consider our self a Buddhist according to Rinpoche. That was when I asked myself, if I was really a Buddhist? I feel everyone should read the book and see our self we are really Buddhist.

PS: I would like to Thank a friend of mine, Mr. Phuntsho Tashi, a monk at Mindrolling College, Dehradun, India for lending me this Book.

I ain't a good liar!

Lying is a sin from Buddhist point of view. It may be rewarded with all the praise and good image at the first instance until the other is aware of the reality, but once it is known and revealed, it disintegrates the social harmony and peaceful existence. It lessons the tight bond of trust, which is the very heart of any peaceful coexistence. It depreciates self authenticity and credibility.

Well, even after knowing all the bad qualities of lying, sometimes we can't refrain from lying! There are situations and circumstances in life where a LIE is necessary and inevitable. White lie, as it is commonly known does exist  in the society. Sometimes we lie to safe another's face from embarrassment, we lie out of ignorance, we say everything is good and fine, despite the fact that all isn't well. These are but the simple and basic situations where we lie which seems perfectly normal.

My situation is bit different here though. On 8th November evening, along with few of my friends, I went for blood test, particularly to do Dengue test. I had in my earlier pots written about the dengue case in Allahabad  which claimed a life one of the students of my college, but unfortunately the post is deleted by accident.
Any way, a friend of mine recently told me that even if we don't have the obvious symptoms of Dengue, the test results were sometimes positive. So thinking that it is always better safe than sorry, I decided to check myself, even though I have had no symptoms of dengue. Also the checking was done in the college premises free of cost, which came into existence as result of one day protest by the students on 31st October. Besides, I also wanted to know my blood pressure, the RBC and WBC counts.

"What are your signs and symptoms? What are you suffering from?" asked the man who was going to take the sample of my blood. "I had fever since today morning; I am also feeling uneasy and..............." I was stammered then! I also felt the change in my appearance in front of him. May be he knew that I was lying. He told me to take medicine for the fever and that there was no need for blood test. But, I insisted again, "I will take medicine and I want to have my blood test too, because I am afraid that I might have caught dengue"After a moment of my insistence, he agreed to take my sample for the blood test and I am yet to get the results.
That was when I realized how poor Liar I am, (for white lie as well!) I prepared before hand what to say, yet at that very moment, all the words vanished and I was stammering like an idiot! May be that was a lesson I needed to assure that it is always good to tell truth.

I am afraid, I ain't a good Liar. ...:P..:)

"Four more years": Barack Obama

Yesterday as Bhutanese walked to various temples and monasteries coinciding the Lhabab Duchen and the Pedestrian day, (perhaps the holiest pedestrian day!) a few million Americans walked to exercise their voting franchise for the 45th president.
Mr. Obama, the current president and the democratic candidate was challenged by the Republican counterpart Mr. Mitt Romney- a Millionaire and the former Governor of Massachusetts.

"Four more years" (Facebook)

Both candidates were almost at tie, from various online polls, and the most 'hard to predict results' ever in presidential election history of America. But ultimately that was just an online, when the electoral results were out, Barack Obama had an easy won over his counterpart.

I watched all the three presidential debates held before the elections and for reasons I don't know, I silently liked only to hear what Mr. Obama was saying. May be that was because I am fan of him.  Mr. Mitt Romney, through out the debates seemed to have only one Point- The Economy of America. Everything he said all converged to Economy and Unemployment, which to me seemed unbalanced, and one sighted.

Well, I am nothing to judge, I am just the ardent fan of Obama, not just because he is the most powerful man on earth (as president) but, as an intellect, as a great orator and as a human being. The way he tackles every disasters, the way he accepts his responsibilities, the way he discharges his duties and follows his instinct, the the way he celebrates his victory and happiness, the way he vanished Osama Bin Laden in 2011....etc..

 "Four more years" on twitter was his immediate response to his victory and I personally feel there is so much meaning in there. Four more years should be enough time to finish his unfinished business both at home and outside the home, and I think it is not only the America that is in safe hands, but the rest of the world as well.

Congratulations Mr. Obama!...:)

Buddha walked as Bhutanese walks.

Today is a big day for all Buddhists around the earth, it is the descending day of Lord Buddha, Lhabab Duchen, one of the four major holiday on Buddhist calender. The day is celebrated on 22nd of the ninth lunar month of Bhutanese calender, and the day marks the Buddha's descent from the heaven of Thirty-Three Trayastrimsa (སུམ་བཅ་རྩ་སུམ) where he went to give teachings, to repay the kindness of his mother in particular who died a week after he was born in Lumbini, modern day Nepal and was reborn there. His descent from the Heaven takes place at Sankashya in modern Uttar Pradesh, India. Get more details from http://bhutanjournals.com/history-culture-tradition/buddhism/lhabab-duchen-the-day-buddha-descended-from-tushita-heavens/

Today is also the pedestrian day in Bhutan, a move that received a mixed response from public individuals. Bhutan government  passed a order declaring all Tuesdays as pedestrian day throughout the country, starting June 5- The World Environmental Day.
Perhaps today is the only Pedestrian day liked  and received with a sense of smile by the mass Bhutanese unlike the other pedestrian days.(Tuesdays) as they walk from home to temples and monasteries to offer prayers. Or perhaps only Lhabab Duchen day, when the temples and monasteries receive less number of  devotees than usual, by the mere fact that people have to walk.

As a student away from the motherland, although it is holiday (due to some college functions) today, neither did I walk nor is there temple around to visit and pray. As usual, I woke up at 7:00 PM (IST) offered Choeopa (water offering) and recited some prayers. I am also into the end of the book by Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche titled "What makes you not Buddhist"

Money Factor

Sometimes I like to argue if money isn't everything after all? If it is not the Money that rules everything in this monetary era? Of course money can't bring back the dead to life again, but who on this very earth realizes the fact that he/she will die at any time soon? Who doesn't strive hard to acquiring wealth during this so-called living? Hardly few!
There are Politicians in the name of serving the people at the grass root,whose actual motives are making lump-sum  because everyone knows what politics is. There are so many religious personalities who in the name of their religion or the guru cheats and loots the commoners. Why is everyone hungry for promotions and higher qualification? Because of the status, standard of living, and ultimately wealth (money) again.

I often ask my self: Why do I spent whole night reading and revising again and again those shit theories of some one I never even saw or know? Why do I try hard to pass the exams? Why do I struggle so hard to obtain that sheet of paper called certificate? The answer is simple: That white sheet called certificate will help me make living, it will help me earn and get employed. It will bring in exchange all the necessary credentials of life. Ultimately it all boils down to making money! Making a money is after all making a living.

Last week I went to town in Auto (three wheeler taxi). The fare was twelve rupees and I had no change of one rupee; for that I had to go to near by shop, get change and pay. Those Indians does not spare even a cent you know, and that explains the very value of money and its importance!
And yesterday I was watching Kaun Banega Croepati season six of first November episode, hosted by Indian Mega-star Amitabh Bachchan and I was both sad and happy at the end of show. All the contestants were commoners, from disadvantaged family. I was particularly saddened by the story of a guy named Manish from Rajasthan who got married but his wife left him, because he just had one compartment living room  and that too along with his parents. He tried hard for KBC so that he can make a good home and bring his love back. That was his spirit. Likewise every other's stories were heart breaking. And at last when they were able to take home a good amount  which they can't make even with  a life long savings, in just fifteen to twenty minutes, I felt a sense of satisfaction too.

May be that is why money is called "Kuenga Doendrup" ..:P.:P

Money is also a necessary evil; it drives people to madness. As good as it heals the worst wound of deprivation and unsatisfactory  it also create another row of wanting and desires. As fast as it compensates one debts, it also makes another fresh one! For want of money people to resort to so many kinds of gambling, crimes and professions! And that is the sad part and that is when  money becomes the master. It really is good servant but a bad master!

I was surfing the internet after the dinner yesterday, when I suddenly heard the loud conversation of my adjacent room mate friend with his father: "Dad, send me some cash, I have to buy this, that, and those........." went on with reasons. For a moment, I wasn't feeling good. May be I was feeling alone that when they have, why don't I? May be I was feeling unfortunate. Maybe I was feeling small and inferior.

But instantly I was angry and felt sorry at my self. I was wrong! Why on earth do I need to think of all these? Am I mad?  Why do I need to get swayed by these?  When in reality I have everything I need. I may not have a wealthy parents, but I have parents who loves me more than anything, I have parents who sacrificed everything and struggled so much for me and my education, despite the deprivation, making the man I am right now. And then a broad smile came to my face!...:)..:)
That is when I went with " Money isn't everything".

When you have to impatiently Wait

When you have to impatiently wait
Time seems to stand still
And  life ceases its usual flow
Thats when you are exhausted and ill
That is when you are betrayed by own brow
Days are dreadfully long and irregular
All the silly thoughts throngs your mind
All sort of musics do more harm to ear
Blurred visions often make you blind
Storms of nightmares often haunts your sleep
As if controlled by invisible sets of hand
As if the world is waiting to turn over a slip
A little hope is but a strong breath
A little Love, an antidote for worst wound
An unwelcome smile is gesture of warmth

But still I am here waiting impatiently!.:(

The Transition.

The Kingdom of Bhutan is known for its rich culture and tradition. It's isolation and domestic polices have helped protect its culture and natural beauty. These are among the reasons it is referred to as the Last Shangri-la, the crown jewel of Himalayas.

With recent transition to the democracy, which did not come through struggle and hardships like other countries of the world,but as a gift from the Throne is valuable and unique.  Bhutan's step to the international community since a decade ago has also brought so many good changes back at home. There has been drastic economic development, the standard of the people has dramatically improved. But the ugly truth is the price that comes along with all these improvements and changes which  are way beyond the imagination sometimes. It seems there are more questions than answers, more problems than solutions.

Adversity, precursor to imbalance and Aberration?

Go back to history when Bhutanese people enjoyed the constant peace in mind (at least), although there were physical hardships. People hardly thought of the competition, the inferiority complexes, the drugs or that fancy fashions. People were least concerned about the external comforts, but with developments and changes, the people has become more greedy- The self sufficiency is replaced by the stock of savings, the early clothes from raw animal skins are being replaced by those fancy dress, which rather seems to bring more ugliness. And not every one of us are fortunate enough to walk that path. We may be born as an equal human being, but some aren't that lucky to have fancy dresses, some aren't that fortunate to have luxurious life as others, or eat in the five star hotels as others. By then a huge gap is being created.

Well, that is when people resort to any kind of crimes to cloud their smallness and backwardness, to fill that gap, or as a compensation for not being able to reach that par.
That is when they resort to things which are more ugly to safe their faces.  That is when the youths resort to drugs and fights, because it is the only rescue for them. That is when prostitution becomes the best resort for the women. Who wants to lose, or be intimidated, or be embarrassed by the society or the surrounding? Who doesn't want be loved or cared after all?
At the end of day, everyone of us are human being, governed by the same emotions, in the small corner of heart, everyone is same and desires the same.

And now whose fault is it? Is it just the youth for drug and fights? Or is it just  the women herself for the prostitution? Does not everyone, the government, the policy, the organizations and an individual responsible? Is it not a combined problem? Rather than playing the blame games upon one another, is  it not high time to curb such problems, before it is too late?

As a child, who would want their mother to resort into such circumstances? But now having already been the water under the bridge, is it not everyone's responsibilities to think back, as to where we went wrong, where such incidents will lead us?

In a country where sanctity is valued  very much, in a land where it is very much difficult even to watch those normal Bollywood and Hollywood kissing scenes with family, such news (Paro Incident) is shocking though. But at the same time, it is but a very good lesson for all of us.Perhaps it is the best time to think if it is but time to legalize such profession or if not how to make sure that such things don't occur in the future. Or is it just the tip of an iceberg?

Some questions will never have answers though!...

Secrets Of College Life

College life is one biggest thing I am going to miss in my life. Every day of a college life is but a blessing, although some comes at the cost of other things that is unfortunate. However, the blessings always exceeds the curse, the good exceeds bad, the joy and pleasure exceeds sad and gloominess, strength exceeds the weakness, good memories exceeds the bitter and bad ones. May be that is why everyone says college life is a golden life.

Team Varanasi and Inkrri Team

 Every moments spent is but a memory. The hardships and struggles we take to pass that academics exams may be very important and the ultimate thing, but when we get through so-called the college life what we actually go is with the memories.Things like late nigh drinks among friends in the hostel although once in blue moon (of course that is when purse is thick!) and the crazy moments after that, the dry and wilt-y times when we are broke (which is the case most often),  the share and talk of non sense with friends,  the late night chats and flirts with girls in social networking sites all makes it even more marvelous.

Get together; Bhutanese from Varanasi and MNNIT

The past few days have been the most wonderful. On Saturday 20th October, fifteen fellow Bhutanese studying in Banaras Hindu University and Sanskrit university came to our college (MNNIT) to play football. They spent a night with us and twelve of us, the MNNITians did our best to be the best host. Get together it self was very wonderful.

Having the lunch we prepared!

Coinciding with Dasara, yesterday night (23rd october) we twelve of us had a blast! It may seem bad and unhealthy from one point of view, but this doesn't dilute the purpose we have, we do know the roles and responsibilities we as a student! I think it is OK once in a blue moon, after all life is uncertain, we never know what is in store for us. I have been drunk just once in my Life (till now) and yesterday was the second time!

The funny thing about the yesterday's night was that even in the drunken state, we went to the play ground to play football and that too for two long hours at night under the street Light! (from 12:00 to 02:00 AM). Yes, the apple flavored Vodka (two bottles) did energize all that strength to play! It was really an interesting Night!

Dasara Moments

Of course it is the college Life that has taught me so many things; to drink, play, even to Love and the fact that a successful life is but a journey and never a destination.

It is Eleven PM Now

It is Eleven PM now,
The room is as usual- Silent and Alone
The big old fan is spinning hard to keep away heat
But today it is awkward and uneasy
The sound of fan is disturbing me!
It is all of a sudden a Noise today

My Mobile is dead silent

No Musics, No SMS, no call

May be one  justice after all to the gadget

My laptop isn't shutdown as usual

It has become hot because of heat

Yesterday I felt warm and cozy

But today, I feel cold and crazy

My diary page is still a big blank
And my head filled with things I don't know
I can't frame it into meaningful words
Yesterday, we talked, we laughed and even made vow
we smiled, we murmured and  enjoyed silence
But today, it is gone and  I am missing it all
 
From the time I wrote you in diary of my life
To the time we shared both Laughs and smiles
From the time we fought and hurt each other
To the time we departed with an ugly face (once)
From the time we talked and complained of silence
Till we comprehend and acknowledge the fact
I am reminiscing it all and it cheers me in fact

Eleven PM is precious and special to me
The time I first expressed my Love
The time that defines the love of my life
The time that begins my immense joy and hope
Time that also commence the worst fights and disputes
Time that exposes my strength and weakness
And the time that keeps me agile and active

But it is different today
I am all alone and you are missing
I miss you and I am looking at the clock
The clock seems so slow and sluggish
Yet I am waiting here like that old times
Come fast, I know you will.

Teacher, Student and Punishment

I often ask myself: where I would be at this very instant of time, If I wasn't at the first hand admitted  to school?  If I hadn't meet the teachers I met? Of course I can also frame the answers. Parents have given me two legs to walk, taught me to crawl and step on the floor, but teachers have not only shown me the right path but also how to reach that path. Parents have given me two eyes, but it is the teacher who taught me what is but a real beauty.
All in all, if  it is the parents who brings seed of a flowering plant in the open field; it is the teacher, who actually makes it grow to a beautiful flowering plant.

Most of our life is also spent with teachers. It is only in the early age and during the breaks that we spent our life with our parents. As a little kid, parents admit us to school, and for me particularly, I was admitted to school at the age of 6 and from class II (aged eight) I was kept as hosteler. So, I pretty well know what a life really is as a teacher, who apart from teachings (their job), and their family at home ends up becoming another to huge number of untrained and raw (so to say) students in the hostel.

At the same time, as a student, I  (we all though!) also know what it means to be away from our little home, from our beloved parents. No matter how much good teachers are, we always find reasons to blame them. And even more bitter is when we knowingly bunk the school for the parents at home and as a consequence, get punishments from teachers.

It is one thing to get punished due to our mischievous acts, failure to do home assignments, or as a result of indiscipline, but another to punish because of the failure to understand the concepts taught in the class, although hardly are the students being punished for not knowing what is taught (bookish knowledge) in the class.

I did get punishments ranging from tiny push ups to as severe as oozing blood from my forehead because of a hit with a bell ringer by a teacher. The later one was though way back at primary school. I don;t exactly remember why I was being hit with. I only remember the kind of funny cry I made and how vehemently complained my parents, only to know now, that they didn't dare! May be it was the reason behind all the escapes of punishment since then, because after that I hardly remember myself getting punished either because of mischievous acts or owing to studies.

Well, I personally feel it is always a good thing to have some kind of punishment in schools, as long as it is accepted by the social norms and ethics, after all what we learn most is through mistakes  and the if there aren't certain things to guide and control, we never know where we headed. I am, as a matter of fact proud for what I came through.

However, I feel the recent news  by 'The Bhutanese paper' http://www.thebhutanese.bt/teacher-plays-doctor-injects-students-with-unsterilized-syringe-as-punishment/ if ever true is beyond the social acceptance. There are so many other ways and means to grooming a student, to instill a discipline in students and to make student more proactive. Such kind of punishment will only instill a fear and a sense of inferiority in the young budding minds which will only do more harm than good. For a moment, or day or two, the teacher may be satisfied  by the students obedience, yet in the long run, I feel it won't serve the purpose. It is rather torture to the students, which will only hamper their growth, and which is contrary to the very concept of  Teaching- Learning.
It will only lead us to so many questions without answers.

At the same time our teachers should never be discouraged with such incidents. It should rather come as an extra lesson. It is just one out of thousand. All our teachers are human too and they know what is right or wrong, The incident is unfortunate.

(PS: The post is never to criticize all the teachers of our country. I am indebted to my teachers for their valuable job, more than as a mere teacher.)

The Paradox!

Not every one of us get in to what we once dreamed of in life. Not every one of us has liberty to decide what is in store for us, not in all the circumstances.  It is most of the time, that unfortunate or fortunate luck and the twist of fate that changes the course of our life and decides what we are in life. Of course the passion, the will and determination are essential deciding factors too. The force of so called fate is unwavering and we can never go against it. Some thing in life is never under our control.

I never thought that I would land up into engineering profession. I am almost 7/8 engineer now. I doubted if I am going to be a good one. I was afraid if justice was at all done.  But  now I have accepted the fact and I think somehow I am tuned to this.  I am OK now.

Source: Facebook

First impressions are not always the last. My first impressions about the profession was that it would be more of a practical based and less theory. But that is far from true! Yes it is not that easy as we think it is.

•  A 500 to 600 hundred pages of text is covered in just one subject within  not even four months duration!.
• Most of the practical classes are left to our self, may be that's to instill a sense of creativity and independence.
• Every students burns mid night oils, but at the very last moment! The biggest headache is collecting all the master copies to xerox just before the exams.
• Proxies are very common. Most of the students hardly attends the classes, unless the professors are strict enough.
•  Mugged up of even a whole book hardly helps! 

Eventually at the end of a day; every bad has good; every weakness have a strength behind, there are always hidden meanings behind every displays. Life was hard at some point of time though, when I look back three years; when everything seemed hard, impossible and unreachable, when the work load was too much and I neglect it instead; I realize now that a patient heart is what it all requires. Time heals everything!

Lines Of Encouragement

"The most beautiful thing in the world is to see the parents smiling and the next beautiful thing is to know that you are the reason behind that smile"

Well this is a beautiful, inspiring and encouraging line. It reminds me of my Mom who once said when we spent together during the Vacation sometime in the summer of 2010: "སྐྱིད་པོ་ཨ་ནི་ཆོ་ལས་་་ནན་ཐུར་གཡོག་ནོང་ཏེན་གེ་ལ" which literally means: "Life wouldn't be that hard  after you get employed, I will stay peacefully". This was the response when I said my parents not to toil and worry too much about me and the normal field works and hardships they have to go through to make ends meet. Since then it was an extra lesson I learned, more of how much I am to them; as a responsible son. It was another big step that life gave me to leap up on, that will always remind me in the days to come. It makes me more cautious so to say.

  As an innocent and uneducated, who never got chance themselves, they have realized the very importance of it and have enrolled to educating me, toiling day and night. And being the eldest one in a family to get education,  makes me a more responsible.

• What if I am unable to fulfill their wishes?
• What if I am obstructed by the mistaken paths?

But not even in the wildest of my dreams had I been discouraged to serve my purpose. Every time I remember them and their conditions, a strong gush of encouragement and the will that says 'you can do and you must do' echoes and wakes me from the slumber I might be into. Every time I step over a bar, I stand still for a moment thinking if that will not jeopardize my very purpose. And I am happy because that is what I want; to become a responsible and loyal son, and may be sometime later a good husband, and ultimately a good father!..:)

Nostalgic Feelings

After having a good time among us, the Bhutanese MNNITians with a delicious dinner prepared our self in the hostel and a bottle of Vodka yesterday, and then of course a phone call with my Love, it was almost 3:00 AM when I went to sleep. It was almost Noon today when I woke up. As usual, after a mild shower I went on with the normal business- in to the internet world. I read the blog of 17th Karmapa, the article about how His holiness the 17th Karmapa recognized the 4th Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche at the age of 12 by giving all the specific locations and alphabets of the parent's name. Go for this http://the17thkarmapa.blogspot.in/2012/08/a-brief-account-of-how-he-fourth-jamgon.html

Then I was Face-booking, perhaps the only platform where we share every thing- the frustrations, pleasures and sadness, the tensions and all kind of news through so called the status updates.It is also a platform where we get to see every kind of photos uploaded by our friends. I suddenly captured the glimpse of the Photo (the below) which was uploaded by my cousin brother Wangchuk, who is a monk at Mindrolling in dehradun.

My Little Home

And for some moment I was completely taken aback, as early as a little naughty kid who would refuse to go school if he was not given a note of five or ten Ngultrums by the parents, to those windy nights in winter in the bright moon light, when we kept the traditional theme of 'Night Hunting' alive, for other times we were at boarding school, to those days when I finished bottles of brewed Ara with my dad and  my mother controlling us by lying that there is no Ara at times. All of a sudden, I wanted to go there, be with my parents. I want to be where I was once; free from all the nagging of modern technology. I once again wanted to feel that excitement as a cattle herder both in sun and rains with long leaches measuring my body.

 I realized how much I have missed them. It has almost three years since I last visited the home. This winter break I am planning to go Home, but the questions are:

•  Will I feel the same as I felt once as a little Kid?
• What change awaits for me? (which I can make out by the photo itself though).
•  Will I still be treated as a little kid? (which I exactly know though:).)

However, more than anything else, it is my parents whom I miss so much. The hardships they have taken, the sweat they shed, the sacrifice they made just to feed and educate me through all the times are more then being just a parents. They are everything to me. The kind of encouragement I get from them is unwavering and that has what kept me going no matter what.They have done their work now- making me a real man. It is now my turn to be a real son. It may be a long way to go, but nothing will shatter my hope and aspirations. One fine day I will make them Proud.

HaPpY AnNiVeRsArY

Last year at this time; not only was Bhutan and Bhutanese people  into a celebration mood and enjoyed the joyous moment, it was also the international community that was abuzz with the news of His Majesty the fifth King's marriage to  her Majesty the Queen Azhi Jetsun Pema. The historic wedding caught the attention of every major newspaper in the world.

 Although I missed all those moments of celebrations and togetherness as the whole nation came together back at home; I was equally happy and excited in foreign Land. I may not have seen, and hear  the joyful cries of their majesties and the public at large,  I could still feel that exuberance.


 I can still feel that excitement and exhilaration. 

His majesty the king walked hand-in-hand with the Queen and turned his romantic self inside out, publicly kissing the Queen not once but thrice, throwing the people at the wedding reception into a rapturous frenzy.

So in this light I would like offer my purest of prayers and wishes for the first anniversary of the Royal wedding. May the eternal sun of happiness always shine on the Land of Thunder Dragon under the dynamic and visionary guidance of their Majesties.

Religion entirely above Politics in Bhutan?

The Constitution of Bhutan says: "for the political system in Bhutan to be secular where religion was elevated to the higher pedestal through the declaration, ‘religion shall remain above politics"

Well,  Religion ought to be above the politics not only in Bhutan, but any where in the world.

Source: Google

• Religion is a spiritual thing and must maintain its sanctity.

• Politics is hurly-burly thing that happens on the ground with all kind of both truth and lies and deceptions to fill the vote bank, all the promises that may be both false and true, both good and bad. 

• There can't be a good harmony, effective system and a just society without certain distinction between them,as their main motto is entirely different.   

• Both must be allowed to operate independently for the betterment of men and society.

However looking into the scenario of Bhutanese political system specially in rural Bhutan, I don't really feel there is a distinction between the two. A religious community comprises not only of monks but also the Gomchens, Tshampas, and Nuns. And most of the educated ones in the rural areas, who are a little better than the mass (so called labshay ngenshay people),  are but Gomchens and Tshampas and they are also the only ones who participate in the electoral process. For this they have to give away their religious identity by cutting their hairs short ( for the tshampas) to availing the voter cards by changing their occupation in their citizen identity card. This was what I noticed in the first ever democratic election process in Bhutan 2008. And that I think it is out of religious ethics and codes. But still that is how it worked in rural Bhutan and will do the same in the future too. Without this there can't be good people in decision making process, and so is the question: Is Religion entirely above politics in Bhutan?

Strange Feelings, Unlucky Week..

Sometimes we just know we aren't well, but not why? We know something is wrong but not what and why is it so, we know emotions are playing game with us but not how and why? Life isn't always smooth as we wish it could be. A moment of happiness is suddenly clouded by the torrents of roughness and friction. Sometimes a sudden gush of  anger with anguish of grief ruins every thing!

Source: Facebook

Is it really true of this: "Anything is highly valued and considered before we get hold of it and then right after we lose it; in between when you have it, the value depreciates and the bar comes down until it is lost again" I personally think it isn't the case with everyone.

I wondered as to where I was going this week with all those rambles of thoughts, ranging from personal life to family, to complexities of love life, to difficulties of college life as bad off one, to all those unwanted current and future situations that should be least concerned with.
May be the week wasn't that fortunate and lucky. In every steps I took; there was some lapse and a kind of failure. Although the week was just after a wonderful trip to Bodh Gaya, the days that followed wasn't that productive and worth mentioning. Even the cell phone that gave me an impressive service past one year ceased to function properly with me this week!

When every other friends have their demand drafts (from DAHE) in their accounts, I still doesn't know where mine has really reached. And each time I tried to contact the concerned people, it was always encountered with unfortunate excuses. The first semester project presentation is just a week ahead and I still don't know if I will be able to do it well; because I still am not aware of what it is all about, not because I give less damn, but because I have but no other option for it is the price we get to pay if we are unable to talk freely and confidently with one's mates and the worst being with intrusive ones and of of different sex and race.

 However, everything is in fleeting motion and there was some rays of merriment and exuberance towards the end of week. We MNNITians  (Bhutanese) went to play football for fun with Bhutanese students of Sam Higginbotttom Institute of Agricultural Technology and Science (SHAITS), Allahabad. it was an interesting and rejuvenating one where we once again shared  a common laugh, smile and a sense of harmony..

So it is just the matter of time; time is a great healer and Some answers to questions just need a silence!

Fate and Unanswered Questions

Ten years ago or before, there wasn't much stress and worries. It was that usual and regular 'school thing'. Back then the thing that bothered much was if  my belly would be filled from the common hostel mess of black spotted rice and potato curry, if ever pretty girls look and think of me, when will be the break, and so on. The regular morning and evening study was but the perfect moment to gossip about what not things. Of course there was also a kind of fear, perhaps the biggest fear that time- 'if i will pass the exams to the next higher class'. And it was quite easy to pass too. Nothing like carrier or Job bothered, in fact such things were but an alien. Even if such thing crossed our mind, there was always an excuse; it isn't time, there is long way to go!

But with exciting journey called the learning period,  from schools  to the golden college life almost coming to end, a strange feelings  often bothers me. A stream of question runs through my gut like; Will I get Job? (This is my immediate question now!) Did more than dozen of so called learning trained and groomed me good enough to pay back? Am I capable to compete with others? Do I have that  potential to serve or stand on my own? What if I am unable and fail to do so? How am I going to repay the Government and the Parents who have tirelessly expended everything on making me stand this very moment amongst others? Like wise the questions are just numerous.

And at such times, even a news about our friends being able to do their part (if not yourself ) is but a great comfort. Today I heard one of my seniors who just passed out a couple of months got job in a corporation. And for reasons unknown, all of a sudden the gloomy face of mind was gradually clouded by a jolly one with broad smile and for a moment every bothering questions were gone. Even more was I happy for him; because unfortunately he didn't get through Preliminary Examination, held sometime in August. Maybe that was for a reason and today as I think back I realized how the fate seems to play games sometime and twist around unexpectedly. I guess fate never plays fool, it does its part impartially. We just need to accept and answer to its callings.

Then when I posted in the group; Bhutanese students Association MNNIT in Facebook, the following:
"Hearty congratulations to Engineer Tashi Nima for getting employed. Join me to wish him Luck , cheers..:)
PS: Don't forget the promised Party!..:P"

Eventually  I think it is a good thing to be tensed by such emotions sometimes, because we never know what is in store for us. It help us stay focused in our own track and make us look both back and forward with more clearer and broader view.

National Dress: A sense of Pride in Foreign Land!

There are certain things in life that makes us special, unique and proud, certain things that make us feel loved and certain things that quenches our thirst. Well, I never realized I had one such thing until a recent trip to Bodh Gaya.I have always been proud to be a BHUTANESE; but I never thought a mere national dress would draw such attention and make me feel different. Even a total stranger seems to know us so well in Bhutanese Dress, comes to us and say: 'hello! Can we have a photo'. Bhutan may be too small, but to the outside world I think we are considered very unique and different and I think every one of us must be proud of that and live up to their expectations, at the least by loving and accepting who we are.

Chinese Pilgrims

Most of Bhutanese youth (may be adults too) are influenced by those fancy western dresses and that is obvious. We have so many youths who are Korean fanatics. However as a matter of fact I have never been carried away by those dress codes, no matter how much it looked good or fancy it is although there are situations where we can't escape; because when we are in Rome we have to be Romans.I always liked our national dress and  I enjoy wearing it. This college life has only made me like more!


And that was when we decided to wear our national dress at least while we are on excursion and yes it was worth wearing!We were proudly walking the streets of Bodh Gaya and it was surprising to notice that within no time we were but the center of attention to the surrounding people. Everyone, both young and old, both Indians and foreigners, both men and women were staring at us. That was when we realized how it feels to be real. Although there was also a moment when those local people tried to take advantage of us, but that never deterred (me at least) to be refrained from wearing our dress in foreign land.

Taiwanese Women

We had some memorable photos with complete strangers. However the point is never to brag of such photo sessions and moments, but a sense of pride and satisfaction we derive as a people from Bhutan; which a Chinese on pilgrimage called the happiest nation in the world!

I am proud to wear my dress (Gho) and shout to the world that I have the biggest pocket in the world!...:) Everyone should give it a try, maybe you will notice the difference!..:)

The stories Behind..(Gaya Trip)

There are so many stories that makes Bodh Gaya a precious and very sacred place of all other places on earth. Lopen Khandu who is the Umzey of the Royal Bhutanese Monastery narrates the stories behind all the sites as follow:
1. The story of Statue in the main Chorten:
It is said that the statue is self created. There was once a mother of Brahmin caste and three sons.  The two elders were ardent follower of Hindu and they built the biggest Hindu temple that stands some where in Bihar today. The third and youngest son was also interested to do something in life and once asked his mother what he should do in his life. The mother asked him to built the statue of Buddha (སྟོན་པའི་སྐུ) which was the first time that he heard of the word 'Buddha'. He asked mother what that means and what is required to built that. His mother wasn't sure as well, but she said that she saw Buddha when she was eight years old
One night the third son had a Dream about the statue; someone told him that to construct a statue of Buddha, you need to have golds and he was asked to collect the prerequisites and keep inside a locked room (it is the present days statue site!!) and was asked to see after six days. After collection all the materials and six days when he opened the door, to his utter surprise he found the present day statue was self emanated with just fingers and toes incomplete. So the third son is believed to have made the fingers and toes himself. During the time of Muslim's uprising it is said that the king of srilanka Dharmapala covered the statue with mud and the statue remained unaffected.
That is one reason why Dorji Dhen is so sacred apart from Buddha's enlightenment and the statue is very precursor to other statues in the world. Every other statues are copied from this statue.

2.Sung joen Drolma (the talking Taras):
It is believed that there are seven Tara (sung joen Drolma) in and around the temple.The one which is attached to the right side of main chorten is believed to have talked to Nagarjuna (Goenpo Ludrup) while making the immediate surrounding fence around the chorten.Is is said to have told Nagarjuna to keep the statue of hers attached to the chorten for the well being of sentient beings. Nagarjuna is also believed to have put on the Sertok of the Temple. There is also one Tara who spoke to the King Ashoka who built the modern main chorten. Inside the Druphu,which lies adjacent to the main chorten, there is also the statue of Tara who spoke once.

3. The Nalanda University:

The Nalanda University was once the home of learning to five hundred panditas. The most famous one is the story behind the pandita Shantideva (རྒྱལ་སྲས་ཞི་ཝ་ལྷ) Shantideva studied all the teachings on his own, in private, and within himself, focusing on the meaning of the teachings and practice. He remained in Nalanda without doing anything outwardly. To the other panditas, he seemed to be the laziest person. There was turn by turn teachings among the Panditas and once it was shatideva's turn. Other panditas were finding ways to embarrass him. Shantideva asked if the other Panditas wanted to hear a teaching that was heard or one that was never heard, On others request to teach the unknown, so that they could embarrass him.T he place (adjacent picture) is where he taught Bodhicharyavatara (སྤྱོད་འཇུག) containing ten chapters for the first time. It is said that when he reached ninth chapter he  levitated off the ground, and rose up higher and higher into the air until he was disappeared. 


4.The Vulture Peak (བྱ་་རྒོད་ཕུང་པའི་རིས):

 Buddha delivered his first teaching at Sarnath, Varanasi to his five main disciples (འཁོར་ལྔ་སྡེ་བཟང་པོ) on Four Noble Truths. Then Buddha delivered his teaching for the second time to five hundred Panditas at the Vulture's park on Prajnaparamita ( ཤེས་རབ་ཀྱི་ཕ་རོ་ཏུ་ཕྱིན་པ་). Behind the peak also lies the meditation cave of Sariputra and Moggalana.


4. Saptaparni stone house (རྒྱལ་པོའི་ཁབ):
This is a place in Rajgir where the first Buddhist council took place among the Panditas with regards to the  continuity of Buddha's teachings. It is said that the teachings of Buddha are sealed in a rock so that when the time for revival comes in future it can be easily assessed. 



5. Hsing ta Khorlo (ཤིང་རྟ་འཁོར་ལོ):

It is believed that  Buddha has taken the five hundred good births and five hundred bad births before enlightenment (དག་པའི་སྐྱེས་བ་ལྔ་བརྒྱ་དང་མ་དག་པའི་སྐྱེས་བ་ལྔ་བརྒྱ) and this hsing ta Khorlo is when Buddha was born as a horse. When his partner wasn't doing the work sincerely and when the owner was striking with stick, the Buddha (in horse body) couldn't resist out of compassion and therefore is said to have told the owner that he was the one who wasn't obeying him. So the owner is then said to have freed the partner and stroked the Buddha violently and made him carry the rest of work. It is said that Buddha Felt the first Compassion in this place.We can still see the prints of the wheel today in Rajgir.