19oct24
Happy Blessed Rainy Day (Thrue Bab) is a traditional holiday in Bhutan, celebrated to mark the end of the monsoon season and the cleansing of all physical and spiritual impurities. On this day, it is believed that the rain is sanctified, and bathing during this time purifies the body, mind, and soul. Bhutanese people wake up early to bathe, offer prayers, and spend the day with family, enjoying traditional meals and engaging in cultural activities. It’s a time for reflection, renewal, and appreciation of blessings.
Here’s a small prayer in its honor:
“On this sacred day of cleansing rain,
May the waters purify our hearts and souls.
May we be blessed with peace, wisdom, and compassion,
As we honor the earth, the skies, and all beings.
Let the blessings of Thrue Bab wash away our fears,
And guide us toward a path of love and harmony.”
23sep24
Disillusionment. Floating aimlessly, the only direction is when I’m teaching. Other than that, outside of my passion for my work, I am only partially a being. “I don’t know,” is the only answer I’m comfortable giving to almost every question I get. I keep waiting for a sign, a reason, for being. And nothing ever comes. Will I die, still waiting? Is life sometimes a thing that never gets figured out?
The mountains are green with growth, vitality, hope, and light. I sit in this café, as in so many others, alone. Whether there are people around or not. Flags of belonging wave in the wind, reminding the souls who don’t question, not to worry, they’re a part of something. How many flags will it take to convince me?
September 2024
I look at my name and I don’t recognize it anymore. Is separation from self a thing?
On plane from New Delhi to Kathmandhu to my final destination, Paro.
Landing in Paro, like no other landing in the world.
The clouds lay on the mountaintops.
Very first picture taken from the college’s library window: Buddha (Point) in the far distance.
Every morning before entering the faculty hall, I glance at Buddha…
This is from one morning when I sat on the canteen patio and worked. It was hard to focus. Couldn’t stop staring at this view.
July/August 2024
You can see this story depicted in murals all over Bhutan 🇧🇹- on walls, on the back of trucks, as monuments…
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The story of the Four Harmonious Friends is derived from the Jataka Tales of the Buddha. It tells of how the four animals work together to grow a seed into a tree that produces fruit they can all enjoy:
The bird finds a seed and plants it
The rabbit waters it
The monkey fertilizes it
The elephant protects it
The friends work together to reach the fruit
The image is said to represent interdependence and the importance of helping each other. It’s believed that displaying the image can increase harmony among people, and prevent discord and separation between family and friends. It can also serve as a reminder that people’s different strengths and weaknesses can complement each other, allowing them to achieve things they couldn’t accomplish alone.
August 2024
It was an overcast, rainy day, but as I waited for the bus to pick me up at the stadium, I saw the face of Buddha between the trees, so with plenty of time to spare, I headed across the street to the park to get a better look…
A 45 feet tall statue of a Buddha walking was inaugurated on 13 April 2012. It actually symbolized the celebration of the 84th Birth Anniversary of Thailand’s King, in addition to the wedding anniversary of His Majesty the King of Bhutan. It is also believed to have been constructed for all people to pursue happiness.
It is located in The Coronation and Centenary Park, which was built to honor the new king, Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck, after his father abdicated the throne. Its inauguration was in September 2006.
7august2024
An excerpt from “Daily Readings from the Buddha’s Words of Wisdom”:
