“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.”
Thimphu, Bhutan 🇧🇹
28nov24
THIMPHU, BHUTAN: WALKING BUDDHA AMONGST THE TREES
“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.”
Thimphu, Bhutan 🇧🇹
28nov24
Tag: Buddha
“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.”
Thimphu, Bhutan 🇧🇹
28nov24
THIMPHU, BHUTAN: ZANGDO PELRI LHAKHANG
Zangdo Pelri Lhakhang in Thimphu stands as a serene embodiment of Guru Rinpoche’s celestial paradise. Tucked away in the heart of the city, its vibrant murals and intricate carvings breathe life into Bhutanese spiritual heritage. Each corner tells a story—of compassion, enlightenment, and the eternal dance between the earthly and the divine. It’s more than a temple; it’s a journey into the soul of Bhutan’s Buddhist identity.
Zangto Pelri Lhakhang was built in 1990 by Dasho Aku Tongmi. He is the musician who composed Bhutan’s national anthem.
Free Admission
26nov24
THIMPHU, BHUTAN ART: GURU RINPOCHE’S CELESTIAL REALM AT ZANGDO PELRI LHAKHANG
Finally, a mural I could take pictures of at a monastery. Usually, they are very strict.
These murals in Zangdo Pelri Lhakhang depict the celestial realm of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), symbolizing his spiritual paradise. They show various manifestations of Guru Rinpoche, bodhisattvas, and deities, reflecting Bhutanese Buddhist cosmology and spiritual teachings. The intricate art portrays the journey towards enlightenment, emphasizing devotion, compassion, and wisdom, central themes in Bhutanese Buddhism. These beautiful murals tell elaborate stories.
prayer wheel in the center.
Thimphu, Bhutan 🇧🇹
26nov24
THIMPHU, BHUTAN ART: A DHARMA WHEEL
I was moved by the swirls and unassuming, yet evocative, colors. It spoke to me for some reason.
It’s a “Dharma Wheel” (Dharmachakra), a common and sacred symbol in Bhutanese Buddhism. This intricate design represents the Buddhist teachings and the path to enlightenment.
Symbolism of the Dharma Wheel:
1. The Three Spirals in the Center: • The spirals symbolize the Three Jewels of Buddhism: the Buddha (the teacher), the Dharma (the teachings), and the Sangha (the spiritual community). These are central to Buddhist practice. • The swirling design suggests movement and the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth (samsara), which Buddhism aims to transcend. The feeling of movement is real… 2. The Outer Rim and Petals: • The circular rim represents the perfection of the Buddha’s teachings, which are unending and universal. • The petals signify lotus blossoms, which in Buddhist symbolism stand for purity, spiritual awakening, and enlightenment. 3. Color Significance: • The use of gold and earthy tones reflects Bhutanese artistic traditions, with gold representing divinity and enlightenment. • The soft red, green, and yellow hues emphasize harmony and balance, core values of Bhutanese culture.Cultural Context in Bhutan:
These symbols serve as a reminder of the Buddhist path, encouraging mindfulness and respect for the teachings of the Buddha.
Thimphu, Bhutan 🇧🇹
17nov24
THIMPHU, BHUTAN: MURAL OF CULTURAL IDENTITY
Bhutanese murals are an important part of Bhutan’s spiritual and cultural identity. They’re often found in monasteries, temples, dzongs, on public walls, and chortens. These murals are richly symbolic, blending artistry and craftsmanship with religious devotion, and they serve as both decorative and educational elements of Bhutanese Buddhist practice.
This mural begins with a depiction of one of the most famous Bhutanese fables, “The Four Friends.”
Clock Tower Square
Thimphu, Bhutan 🇧🇹
17nov24
THIMPHU, BHUTAN: SACRED BUDDHIST MONUMENT (A CHORTEN)
When there are no prayer wheels, (because usually there are, if it’s a bigger chorten) the focus shifts entirely to the spiritual energy emanating from the structure itself, particularly through the imagery of Buddhas or deities. So, the artwork is very important.
These smaller chortens often feature:
• Painted or carved Buddhas representing different aspects of enlightenment. • Directional symbolism, as the sides often correspond to the cardinal directions, each associated with a Buddha or element.These small chortens are commonly found in urban areas, like Thimphu, (like this one!) and serve as spaces for quiet prayer or meditation, emphasizing stillness and reflection over interactive practices like spinning prayer wheels. However, I can’t imagine how peaceful this one is, as it is located right beside a busy road.
Thimphu, Bhutan 🇧🇹
17nov24
THIMPHU, BHUTAN: BHUTANESE CRAFTSMANSHIP AT THE BUDDHA DORDENMA
At the site of the Buddha Dordenma, traditonal Bhutanese art and iconography are highlighted. They feature intricate designs, often with religious themes, such as depictions of deities, mandalas, and other Buddhist symbols. These designs are typically hand-painted or carved onto the surfaces, showcasing the skill and artistry of Bhutanese craftsmen. And the Druk, (the dragon, of course.)
10Nov24
THIMPHU, BHUTAN: BUDDHA DORDENMA STATUE
Atop a mountain overlooking Thimphu, the Buddha Dordenma Statue stands serene, golden and watchful, like a guardian of the valley. Towering at 169 feet, (some say 177 feet) this is one of the largest Buddha statues in the world, radiating peace across the mountains. Inside, 125,000 smaller Buddhas rest—each a symbol of compassion, each a reminder to find stillness within. Unfortunately, you aren’t allowed to take ANY photos inside! 😞
Beneath its gaze, one feels the weight of silence. The plaza around it is vast, allowing for your own singular contemplation with him. The Buddha’s face is calm, and he reminds me of the beauty in simply being.
The Buddha Dordenma Statue སྟོན་པ་རྡོར་གདན་མ། was built to fulfill an ancient prophecy that said once built on this specific site, it would spread an aura of peace and happiness across the entire world. Hasn’t quite happened yet, unfortunately.
Constructed from 2006-2015. Free Admission.
I took a taxi to it, but walked down the mountain afterwards. On the way down, I stopped at Durga Mandir, Thimphu’s first Hindu Temple, and Bhutan Hydroponics, where I got a Papaya Green Smoothie for the equivalent of $1.94.
10nov24
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THIMPHU, BHUTAN ART: BUDDHA IN MIDNIGHT BLUE
In Bhutan, I have found that the depiction of Buddha in art holds profound spiritual and cultural significance, reflecting the country’s deep-rooted Buddhist heritage. Buddhism is central to Bhutanese identity, and images of Buddha in various art forms—such as paintings like this—are more than mere representations. They serve as visual guides to spiritual enlightenment, reminding the Bhutanese of the Buddha’s teachings on compassion, wisdom, and mindfulness.
The mindfulness aspect of Buddhism is the most alluring for me. This is my favorite quote about mindfulness from the great Buddha:
“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.”
This quote captures for me the essence of mindfulness by urging me to release my attachment to what has already happened in my life, and to resist the urge to anxiously anticipate my future. Instead, Buddha emphasizes focusing fully on the present, the only moment where life unfolds and where true awareness can be cultivated. I find this teaching to be foundational in Buddhism, encouraging me to have a clear, calm, and compassionate state of mind. When a feeling of overwhelm begins to take over my mental state, I breathe and return to this beautiful advice.
Artist unknown. Wall painting in Pemako Thimphu Hotel. October 2024.
THIMPHU, BHUTAN: HAPPY BLESSED RAINY DAY
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