My Parents have always been my greatest source of inspiration. Though we are separated by miles, our conversations about spirituality, simplicity, happiness, impermanence, contentment, and detachment keep me deeply connected to them. I am forever grateful for their wisdom and guidance.
I am reminded of a profound quote by the great yogi Milarepa: "The affairs of the world will go on forever. Do not delay the practice of meditation." This wisdom resonates deeply with me, especially now.
Dear Apa,
I am profoundly moved by your genuine compassion and your journey toward forgiveness through the noble path of humility. It feels like the right moment for this transformative action, and I believe that with time, it will bring you greater peace of mind. As you delve more into prayer and gradually step away from the mundane tasks of farming, I reflect on the incredible struggles you've shared with me through your stories.
I recall the challenges you faced—leaving your spiritual practice at Bumdra, marrying Aum Lhadey, raising eight children, and building and renovating a grand traditional house. I remember you laboriously fetching wooden shingles from Choechoetse, transporting mithuns from Tsento and bulls from Haa, and crossing Sagala and Chelela on foot for paddy transplantation. Your dedication to managing our large ancestral home and caring for the elderly was unmatched.
You journeyed to Phari for blue pants and HMT watches, braving rivers, mountains, and sleeping in caves or under trees, enduring snow and the threat of army patrols. Despite these hardships, you never once complained. Your strength, bravery, and unwavering commitment have always been a source of admiration for me.
I pray for your continued good health, happiness, and profound inner peace. May your retreat be successful and fulfilling. I love you deeply!
A heartfelt thank you to Brother Karma Chogyal and all our siblings for helping to make this humble dream a reality!
With all my love and gratitude,
Tashi
Her role as an ambassador was to present gifts and the best food to the local mermaid, a tradition believed to bring peace, prosperity, and bountiful harvests to the village. Alongside her, three other girls competed, each showcasing their unique attributes. The village oracle, known for performing rituals, crafted colorful tormas (ritual cakes) to impress the mermaid. Dressed in a willow crown and her finest attire, my grandmother would join in the choir around the lake, where incense and music would make the waters dance. The event drew many spectators, reflecting the harmony between the villagers and nature.
In the months leading up to Paro Tshechu, young girls like my Angay would meticulously prepare for the celebration. The festival was not only a time to receive blessings but also a means of cleansing past sins. Each mask dance had its own significance, helping attendees overcome their fears and gain deeper understanding.
Angay Bou would climb the highest hill to gather the best resin from pine trees, ensuring she also collected bean sticks for her firewood. The resin would be used for a traditional makeup that she applied to her face, hands, and feet, maintaining this routine for three months. Her favorite ornament was a reddish coral necklace complemented by a cat's eye, adding a radiant glow to her skin. Her gold-carved betelnut box and Kushuthara kira gave her a distinct, butterfly-like appearance. On the full moon day, the resin would naturally peel off, revealing her refreshed face as she splashed it with clear spring water.
With family and relatives, she would prepare a delightful picnic featuring local delicacies like dried pork, seasoned red chilies, turnip leaves, and gashamos (laughing mushrooms), making it a memorable feast.
These memories, vividly shared by my grandmother, stand out as some of her most treasured moments from her youth. For me, Paro Tshechu was also a special time, filled with childhood joys such as watergun play, gambling games, and various festive activities. It’s a significant event for Parops and people across Bhutan, who come together to seek blessings, especially on the Thongdrol day.
As we continue to embrace the blessings of happiness, peace, prosperity, and unity, I hope that future generations will cherish and uphold these rich traditions. They represent a vital connection to our heritage and the immeasurable wealth of our country.
Happy Paro Tshechu to all! May you receive blessings of joy and good health, And may you continue to embody kindness and humanity!
Dear Mum,
The room was enveloped in a profound, unshakable silence. In the blue-hued labor room, you lay on the edge of despair, your arms grasping at the brink of hope. This was your seventh battle between life and death. It was a treacherous ordeal, fraught with the uncertainty of time, with each moment threatening to sever the delicate thread of your existence.
Dad hurried down the hills to a monastery, seeking blessings from the local deities for a favorable outcome. Meanwhile, the eldest of my sisters kept you nourished with warm porridge, providing you with a bit of energy as you continued to bring me into the world. In the end, amidst all the hopes and prayers, the gods smiled upon us.
When I was born, a cry of joy echoed through the sterile hospital. "It's a son," my sister exclaimed with tears of happiness. At that moment, she placed a kiss of triumph on my tiny forehead and helped me open my eyes to the beauty of the world. I felt the same warmth and joy that you must have experienced, knowing that your seventh birth had succeeded.
That poignant moment transformed into a celebration, like witnessing cherry blossoms after a long winter. It was a time of hope and fulfillment.
Mum, you might not realize that your son is not a skilled writer, nor do you know that I jot down my thoughts here. But if you happen to read these words, I want you to know that you are the most perfect creation of the gods, now and always.
As I navigate through the busy pace of life, I regret that I cannot repay you fully for the warmth and love you gave me. The sacrifices and pain you endured, the labor you went through, and the years you spent raising me are etched in my heart and soul. I continually pray for your health, happiness, and inner peace.
My love for you will endure as long as the stars shine in the sky.
With all my love,
Tashi
A few months ago, I received a call from a childhood friend who had always been the standout student in our class. His name was frequently announced and celebrated during result days. Recently, he called me out of the blue, asking, “Hey, how’s it going?” I told him I was still holding on to the title and congratulated him, reminding him to avoid falling into bad habits. We chatted about life and shared some profound thoughts.
School and college days are behind us now. I used to eagerly await the end of my studies, feeling overwhelmed by assignments, weekly tests, projects, and lab work. The demands were so intense that I barely had time to relax with friends on weekends. However, those school years taught me much more than just academics. They provided lessons in leadership, managing a hostel, organizing events, public speaking, and even working with agriculture and caring for animals.
Reflecting on those challenging times, I realize that they shaped me into someone resilient and self-reliant. Tough experiences make you stronger and more courageous. As I sit back in my office chair and look back, I see that it wasn’t just my academic achievements that set the stage for a fulfilling life. It was the perseverance through every failure and challenge that led to personal growth. True success comes from having a passion for what you do and embracing the beauty of life.
The thrill of receiving my first paycheck was far more intense than juggling study schedules and activities during school and college. When I first started working, I had no ATM card, just a basic bank account. Receiving that first payment was a milestone. For years, I relied on my parents’ support, and standing on my own feet for the first time was not just an achievement but a relief after all the hard work and struggles.
That first paycheck was a moment of immense joy, a reason to celebrate with a small offering of thanks to the divine, appreciation for my parents, and gratitude to everyone who supported me. I spent some on gifts for family and friends, treated myself to new clothes and shoes, and sent money to my brother studying away from home. Despite ending the day with an empty wallet, the joy of living in the moment with loved ones made it all worthwhile.
