My reference to the Speaker’s
address has nothing to do with the sects or communities. I leave that to the
zealots. My observation was simply a natural instinct to a sense of change of
wind. Only time will tell the significance. Had the address been made by a
person without prior legislative experience, maybe the political nuances would
have escaped notice. However, a former Secretary of National Assembly is worthy
of attention when something out of normal context is said in his role as the Speaker.
It is not for me to judge the right or wrong of it but when I sense a possible
change in the wind, I do think aloud.
I am writing this 2nd
article as a result of a spark created by the way Migma a commenter in Kuensel
forum had structured his very informative comment. I just felt an elaboration
is warranted.
I do not personally know Namkhai
Ningpo and Jamyang Khentse but that is no surprise because I do not know many
other religious personalities. However, they are Buddhist Trulkus deeply revered
by Bhutanese including myself and other Buddhists. I have a photo of the father
of Jamyang Khentse in my home altar. I found it in a book given to me by a
pious person.
My reverence for Jamyang Khentse
is not based on his linguistic ability to speak the birth languages of his yab
and yum and the much commonly spoken English language nor his knowledge of the Old
Testament the origin of Islam, Judaism and Christianity etc.
I respect him for his well
thought out and very frank even bold views on every day happenings. He makes
Buddhism easy to understand. I listen to his BBS interviews. Very Profound! I
also want to take this opportunity to thank the Rinpochey for stating aloud for
all to hear that, “Education is more than just securing a job.” At this
juncture of time, it is necessary and beneficial for all Bhutanese parents and
youths to appreciate such profound outlook on education.
I have seen the enormous
establishment of Namkhai Ningpo at Bumthang. It is a huge investment of money,
time and religious sentiment. Also one cannot fail to notice the large number
of devotees and followers inside and outside Bhutan and elsewhere in the world.
He is undoubtedly a Buddhist Teacher of the highest order.
I do not really believe that Guru
Pema Juney visited Bhutan 3 times but I do revere the knowledge that the
saintly Lam Pemala imparted to us at Ugyen Wangchuck Academy that Guru visited
Bumthang and there are 8 manifestations and many holy places of Guru in Bhutan.
I often recite the Kathadhup of Guru.
As a born Buddhist of the general
kind, I simply hold in veneration all Lams, Rinpocheys and personalities of
other religions for their piousness and knowledge and not for dollars or wealth
that surround them. If dollar income generation is basis for veneration than
all Bhutanese Travel Agents should be awarded saffron robes and revered.
I just lead a general Buddhist life not a professional
occupation. To me Buddhism is a simple religion of Buddha and Guru but made
complex by crowds of assorted others including many conflicting claims of
reincarnations of the same personalities and the kind of hereditary type of
Trulkus often a product of inbred offspring or blood line of a former great
Buddhist Teacher. So I take a simple approach. I do not differentiate between
home grown or outside grown, incarnate or self-attained. As a Buddhist I bow
before a Buddhist Teacher and receive Blessings when occasion presents.
I hold His Holiness the JeKhenpo
and Zung Dratsang at the pinnacle of my respects for the simple reason of
tradition, faith and national sentiment. It is not just that the two are part
of the adopted constitution. The two represent the historical roles played by
the religious personalities and institutions in Bhutan. And I remain always
grateful and appreciative of the contributions that molded Bhutan which
provides my identity as that of all Bhutanese.
