Evolution of Kamni and Rachu the way I witnessed

In the 1950s and 1960s, kamni and rachu were scare possessions. In a village only few had them. Rachu for most was actually ' pangkhep ' used for carrying babies on the backs. Kamni was coarse or smooth  cotton cloth that few could afford.   People were, therefore,  quite innovative. The piece of cotton cloth wrapped around kira in the lower body of the women ( an apron in the Bhutanese style ) was used as rachu when occasion demanded. And even one's own tego was removed to serve as rachu. As for men the lush slender agile  stems weeping from the willow tree branches were handily used as make do kamni. And if you are on porterage duty carrying loads on one's back into the Dzong, you did not need a kamni / rachu. After depositing the burden  of porterage, one walked out using the rope that was used to carry the load in kamni/ rachu fashion. . Those days kamni/ rachu was representative symbolic reverence for the religious place and respected authority.

Now the meaning of national culture has changed. Ordinary kamni/ rachu is demoted as stigma of the commoner. That's why a uniform standard is being enforced. The authority that is said to be democratically elected has adopted a herd mentality towards the Bhutanese general populace. What could be the reason? Obedience through channel of degradation or discipline through culture whip. Respect takes time and good deeds to earn. But fear is easily spread through cultural discipline and detention or heavy monetary penalty. It seems 5 years power must be exercised in any how/ manner? Maybe, it is the Government's answer to women's cry for equality. Now this is an interesting angle for women who want to do everything like the men on equal terms.

A new posts of culture officer has been created in every Dzongkhag and it seems this is a prelude to snub out any sense of individuality of a Bhutanese citizen. At one time there was a official declaration " one nation one people " That was during pre-  democratic days. Now is it " One Master and one Slave category ?" If you kill individual pride you also kill national pride. Culture is not material goods. It is part of freedom of expression and desire also.

Pride is not personal selfish ego. It is national progressive spirit that guided Bhutanese national journey as a sovereign Country and Kingdom.

Gho, kira, kamni and rachu are traditionally a culture of national identity. Colour and pattern was secondary. In fact it was the great Triple Gem King His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck who introduced the half kira and even two piece gho. The two piece gho faded away.  The half kira caught on. In fact it caught the fascination of the young generation to such an extent that the National Assembly adopted it as formal dress like full kira. And half kira with styled tego and wongju beautified the already good looking Bhutanese fair sex. Kira, tego and wonju is here to stay for generations with joy and pride thanks to His Majesty 's innovative way. And gho though still quite the same way, are worn in all imaginable colours and patterns.

The Bhutanese national traditional dress both gho and kira have become fashionable and yet traditionally national identity. These are not uniforms of the armed forces but a cherished culture of an ancient nation. Why is Bhutan importing the essence and political philosophy of the cultural revolution of Chairman Mao when in foreign policy we kowtow Hindustan ?

It is necessary to preserve as exclusive the royal colour and royal embalm as well as the Dratsang colour and Dratsang embalm of the Kingdom of Bhutan. The Dratsang is our ancient heritage and the Monarchy our modern pride of leadership and salvation. The colour for both is golden yellow and the twin facing dragons the Druk Khathap is the royal embalm and the two crossed thunder bolts the Dorji Chedrum the embalm of the Dratsang. These are as symbolic and objects of reverence for a Bhutanese as the Wheel of Dharma for a Buddhist. On the other hand the eight auspicious symbols are of Dharma significance not limited to royal or Kagyu Teaching. These are auspicious to Buddhists of the whole world. And respectful display of affection and preference for these eight religious symbol is wonderfully appropriate. I always felt. It is an act of admiration and faith in the goodness of the Dharma. Not a democratic expression of equality. Why see ghost where there is no evil spirit ?

Foreign Policy of Donald Trump.

The American President hopeful Donald Trump gave his foreign policy Speech. This is my take.

An olive branch to all. No intervention or forceful regime changes. No threats but strong meaningful diplomacy that benefits America as well as others especially Russia and China. Like everyone else still banking on China to control North Korea ( the hidden or undeclared reason is of course America cannot directly declare war on North Korea. Its too close to China ).

No war for the sake of feeding greedy war industries. War will be last resort and that too to defend American security not ideals of democracy. For home consumption, he said Christians needed to be defended in better ways than that of Obama effort.  And foreign policies to suit international order of peace and prosperity for America. He will not succumb to the in house Washington out dated think tanks who will be tanked for good he confirmed ( this is the main fear of old Republican guards in Washington. Losing their ancient hold on Presidents).

He attacked Iran Nuclear Deal but stopped short of renegading upon it. So the Deal stands but emphasis on ensuring no nuclear weapon for Iran. He maybe against Muslim refugees entering America but he confirmed that he is against destroying Muslim Countries and their system of governance and beliefs. He is against ISIS that successive American Administrations both Republic and Democrat helped to create.

The East- West highway widening project said to complete soon.

Road Transport is the life line of Bhutan. It is the only transport system within the Kingdom. The completion of East- West national highway widening project will change  life in many different and progressive ways. This is one national foot print legacy of PDP Party from 2013-to- 2018 that will continue to make a better difference to social, economic and commerce status of the nation.

Sorry about the chaotic execution of the project but the end result will definitely result in sweeter travel time and safe convenience. The quality of road widening  under progress is also good going by what I recently saw whilst travelling along Thimphu- Messina widened road on my way to Punakha. Thank you.

Rangjung Khasapani thoughtful day.

The visit to Punakha to see the items related to great Zhabdrung went off O.K. So many faithfuls confirm the religious spirit of Bhutanese of different walks of life. All relics looks real and ancient. The Rangjung Khasapani I felt was a big Tease. Something white ( viewed from several feet away ) possibly noticed through a straight slit about 1 inch wide and few inched long. Rest of casing covered including the background. A faith of imagination necessary. But lot of lightining and two thunder showers to purify and bless all. A pleasant and satisfying day. May Tsangpa Jharey bless all believers irrespective of how the Rangjung Khasapani was displayed or not displayed..

The Grand Relic of Bhutan, "Rangjung Khasapani " spelt as I heard.

I was told through oral tale that this Relic is one of the 21 that are back bone remains of Tsangpa- Jhari. He is the Lama who is said to have founded Druk Ralung. The same great Kagyu Master who left a " " Will " directing Phajo Druk Guom to Lho Moen after receiving all teachings. Phajo arrived too late to Ralung and never met his Master in person.

This Relic is said to be the top most segment ( near the neck ) of the back bone. It is said these 21 bone segments were recovered after the cremation. The chenrezi statue is said to be naturally already formed on each bone segment.

Personally I believe that the bones may have remained unburnt and chenrezi statues carved upon them later. What is a fact is some body parts of very high Lamas do remain unburnt in the cremation fire. I remember meeting a Gelong at Taba. He was watering and grain feeding the horses. We exchanged few pleasantries but I had no idea who he was. Much later, I heard that Siu-la Lamchu had died at Shhodu  on his way to Lingshi. He was journeying to Chomolhari for meditation. And that he really loved horses. He was cremated at Dechenphudrong and I was told that his body part was left unburnt. It was the heart I believe. And at that time I learnt that such were signs of greatness of the Lama.

I heard of our national Relic when studying at Ugyen Wangchuk Academy, Paro Sartsam Chorten. But being told of its placement where only the King, Jhe Khenpo and  Machhen Lopen had access, I thought it was either a myth or any way out of sight forever. Then few decades later a person had the audacity to take it out of its sacred place and the nation had a glimpse of it ( courtesy BBS TV ) after its recovery ( I think the same person surrendered it back ).

I heard that His Holiness the present 70th Jhe Khenpo was furious when he found out that it was missing. A year later after it was recovered, I was blessed with an audience of His Holiness along with few members of Haa Chhundu Tsogpa at Punakha. In the course of audience, I submitted that I did not think the Relic was stolen. It simply took an outing to grant an audience to the nation and her people. His Holiness just smiled. He did not express his opinion but regarding the Jho Statue at Jho Lhakhang in Lhasa, His Holiness seemed to share my own thoughts. By the way the audience was about Haa Moelam Chhenpo. I just took the opportunity to probe His Holiness about my own thoughts and beliefs. I have not been to Lhass either.

Tomorrow is going to be a great day because finally I hope to get a real visual glimpse of the real Relic. I am told its placed few metres away from worshippers. It would not be possible to determine whether the chenrezi is natural or crafted. But for me just the opportunity to get blessed by Tsangpa Jhari after so many centuries of his passing away is a dream fulfilled. Somehow I have been always enchanted by the Master though I heard so little about him. And I am far removed from the average Bhutanese who have Lama craze or fascination. I am not Lama religious though of course the reverence is there as to all sage.

Tomorrow my only humble request to the great Master who actually revived the Kagyu Teaching will be to have the man who was induced to reveal the Relic to the nation and the people , released from the prison ( I am presuming that the man is still serving prison sentence for his legally deemed, " heinous " crime. Bhutanese laws and authorities have devilish intent when dealing with chorten / temple robbers ). He had stolen it with a different intent but that could be just the way of the Buddhas to lead him to the path of what Tertons did. The Tertons too were destined to lift Relics from their sacred placements so that same can be revealed to the Believers. I am certainly not equating other antique robbers to Tertons but this man seems different because of what followed later. Today I ask once again of myself ," would this opportunity to get a glimpse of the Relic be possible but for that audacious terton of a man ?".

His Holiness Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Cabinet in Exile at Dharamsala.

Recent events at Dharamsala indicates that not all is well in the governance of Tibetan affairs by their Government in Exile. Several years back His Holiness took an unprecedented decision to create a Prime Minister Post to head the Tibetan Cabinet ( introducing democratic process ). An election was held and in all probability the candidate who had the endorsement of the His Holiness got elected. That political leader was Lobsang Sangay. In the reelection of March this year, he won a second term.

The Prime Minister post is Sikyong. And the definition of this post versus that of HH Dalai Lama was that the Prime Minister was the Political Leader of Tibetans in Exile. His Holiness created this post to counter possible Chinese installation of his incarnation after his own death. Actually His Holiness is both the inborn Political and Spiritual Leader of Tibet. This new Sikyong system was introduced to strengthen Tibetan Government in Exile in the event China managed to install their own choice of Dalai Lama. It also indicates that there is a strong possibility of the next Dalai Lama being born in Chinese territory including Tibet. After all the Dalai Lama himself welconed the Chinese recognised Gyelwa Karmapa. And it is also said that incarnate Pachen Lama is in China.

The other beneficial side of such a system is for gaining more international  legitimacy. Democratic powerful Nations do not support autocratic Rulers. Such autocratic Rulers are tolerated for political conveniences by Western Powers. So a democratically elected leadership gains durable legitimacy in the eyes of the West though the person of His Holiness is well respected. The Dalai Lama is a very popular and respected world leader.

This new system would have functioned quite well if the elected Prime Minister had pretended to be the Political Leader but actually left political decisions to His Holiness and his private circle of councillors. But history is full of powerful people surrounded by manipulative behind the scene close aides whose survival inspiration and desperation is phenomenal. A Prime Minister would also have his own circle of loyals who feed on his success and power. And, therefore, desperate to increase the power turf of the Office of the Prime Minister.

Moreover, a person who gets elected as Sikyong even if initially with the help of endorsement from His Holiness has to be a person who has personal ambitions, influence  and ideas. He may submit to the direct wishes of His Holiness but may detest orders that he suspects are influenced by manipulators. An open and direct access for the Sikyong to His Holiness would have prevented miscommunication. But such open political corridor would have curtailed powers of those in between players.

Now there is a clash of who is more powerful between these two power houses. And unfortunately, it will be the Tibetans in Exile who will be the ultimate victims of on going political  power struggle. The Dalai Lama has declared that he will live past 113 years of age. Whether he lives for another 30 years or not, the essence of the political message is that His Holiness will out live the political influence/life of Lobsang Sangay. The unholy threat from the Holy man is real and destructively open.

Presently the Gelug International Foundation is in the process of mediating for a respectable solution between the Traditional and Democratic Camps under the guise of ," Apologising to His Holiness ". If this move fails, the 2nd term Sikyong may choose to resign and that will be end the  democracy facade for Tibetans in Exile. It will also weaken the legitimacy of His Holiness as the overall unified  representative  leader of Tibetans in Exile. If a temporary Truce is worked out this term, the next Election would be a kind of undeclared war. And big powers whether America, China or India would simply encourage such internal struggle because then both Parties would be begging for their support and thus far easier to control.

I feel sorry for those that already face incredible hardships of being refugees. Certainly the two houses of Tibetan authority in Exile could have acted less personalised and more broad based in their political goals. Looks like Lord Buddha and Guru Rimpoche will have to be invoked by the refugees themselves for earthly intervention.

My thoughts on the comprehensive Commentary on the Crown Prince by Lyonpo ( Dr.) Sonam Kinga the Chairman of National Council.

The Commentary is an absolute revelation. The honourable NC Chairman's in depth knowledge especially in religious connotation is admirable. I enjoyed reading it and learning from it. Hope some information will be retained in my memory as time passes. I would recommend for both Bhutanese and foreigners to read it to gain great insights.

However, I strongly disagree with one historical assumption that the honourable writer has made. To quote ,  " that Bhutan as a nation was eventually created in the 17th century by Zhabdrung Ngawang  Namgyel ". In fact the writer states that Bhutan did not exist as a Country before Zhabdrung came. This assumption needs to be countered because historical facts says otherwise.

1) I do not question the great contributions that Zhabdrung made to the consolidation of Bhutanese culture, tradition and administration. In fact it seems that the tradition of recording in writing rather than orally passing down historical events started during Zhabdrung's time. So better reference of Bhutanese history are available after several years of Zhabdrung's arrival to Bhutan.

2. Zhabdrung certainly did not create Bhutan as a nation or country. I am not a scholar like the writer or some other Bhutanese Khenpos but facts stand out that cannot be diluted by any learned scholars of both modern or even ancient times. 

Throughout history, political refugees took refuge in the sanctity of the next neighbouring country. Example Sindhu Raja came to Bhutan from India. Bhutanese political leaders sought refuge in Tibet and likewise Ngawang Namgyel came to Bhutan seeking refuge because his life was in danger in Tibet. Bhutan may not have been known as Bhutan or Drukyul at that time but it was nevertheless a separate sovereign entity. It was a Country.

In other words, Bhutan was a nation since time imemmorable. It was not created by Zhabdrung in the 17th century. He did not carve out the State of Bhutan from India or Tibet. Bhutan was there as a sovereign nation and that was why Zhabdrung was able to flee Tibet to the safe sanctuary of another sovereign nation. His plight was
just like that of Sindhu Raja who settled in Bumthang Valley many centuries before.  But unlike the refugee Raja from India, Zhabdrung could seek the allegiance of the Kagyu lineage clans of Phajo Druk Guom. There are many stories about this great Kagyu Lama but as characteristics of all Bhutanese history written much later, facts and fallacies are intertwined.

3. The two Portugal Priests who visited Bhutan during Zhabdrung's time also recorded that the writ of the Lama did not cover all parts of the country. In other words Zhabdrung was not in control of whole Bhutan. And that is in line with several following facts of history.

a) The Eastern Dzongkhags of Bhutan was consolidated under Trongsa Penlop rule by Chhoegyel Minjur Tempa when he was Trongsa Penlop. It is a matter of debate whether this happened before or after Zhabdrung died or went into meditation in 1651. The fact is that  it was Minjur Tempa who constructed Trongsa Dzong which was enlarged by others including by Jigme Namgyel.

b) In Bhutanese history, there is a short reference to five Lama Party that opposed Zhabdrung in Western Bhutan. The most prominent is Lama Lhakpa. The ruins of the fortress he built and successfully defended his rule against Zhabdrung can be still seen at Wanakha on the way to Haa. There is presently a school in the same location.

c) Until the mid reign of the Fourth King, Ap Chhundu was not  among the lists of  regional deities that the Central Monastic Body of Bhutan made offerings. Ap Chhundu is the main Deity of Haa the extreme Western Dzongkhag of Bhutan. Ap Chhundu originated from Tibet. In fact like people from Paro Dzongkhag,  Tibetans from Chumbi Valley used to come to Haa Jangkha-kha to pay annual tribute to Ap Chhundu. This stopped after the Sino Bhutan border was closed.

The Central Monastic Body is the legacy of Zhabdrung. And in Zhabdrung's time, he had no reason to make offering to Ap Chhundu since Haa was not under his rule. Thus Ap Chhundu was not in the list of regional deities that the Dratsang made offerings to. However, Haa Valley was always very much part of the Bhutanese nation. In fact it was Bhutan's main Trade Route to both Tibet and India.

d ) Bhutanese historians make much  of Tibetan invasions of Bhutan and  Zhabdrung's defense of Bhutan. Maybe it could be put in another perspective. Tibet invaded  Bhutan several times to capture Lama Ngawang Namgyel but his Bhutanese followers repealed all such attempts. Maybe then few historians would stop denying the existence of Bhutan as a sovereign nation even before Guru Rimpoche himself came to Bhutan. The highly venerated Lama Ngawang Namgyel came much, much later. True there were internal strife and major dissensions between regional leaders and Buddhist religious sects but as a sovereign entity, Bhutan always existed.

In my view Bhutan as a Country and nation existed for ages unknown. But maybe the dormant soul and spirit of the Bhutanese was kindled by visiting great Buddhist Teachers like Guru Rimpoche, Phajo Druk Goum, Thong Thang Gyalpo,  Drukpa Kuenlay and Ngawang Namgyel and also many other Bhutanese origin Lamas and Administrators. But none of them can claim that Bhutan exist because of them.

The Visit to Bhutan by their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, England.

This trip of all that is royal charm from England would definitely get warm and wide world exposure for Bhutan. And within Bhutan the royal couple,too, were roundly exposed to the Bhutanese ways including the royal jest in the form of archery chants by the fair ladies.  There was so much warmth and such open display of affection and friendship.

Bhutan is most fortunate to have such knowledgeable and confident Royal Families to handle any kind of situation to make possible such high calibre reception be it in rain, shine or wind. Led by their Majesties the King and Queen and so artistically managed and supported by Royal Members, in the eyes of the world, Bhutan stands tall and alluring like Paradise and Himalayan peaks.

Such a spectacular and warm welcome was reciprocated in equal enthusiasm and participation by the visiting Royal Couple.  The highlight for me was the genuine appreciation and enjoyment for Bhutanese sports by their Royal Highnesses. The Duchess sure demonstrated how fun archery can be. What merry laughter ! And now I believe that khuru can be such an attractive feminine sport if our ladies,too, showed such graceful style. The knack is to play it like a lady's game and not in the usual manner of women imitating men's aggression. Thank you most graceful and jovial Duchess. You really stole all hearts at Changlimithang with  such pure joyful mirth.

The trek to Takstang really seems to have culminated into a lovers sojourn without a care in the world. The weather too shined like lovers heart. It had to be an experience that defied all expectations. Very happy for the Royal Lovers who at times trekked arm in arm lost in their own time space. This must have been a total fresh side of ' Kate & William ' that the international media glimpsed for the first time. That's what Bhutan does to visitors. Be genuinely themselves !

Wishing their Royal Highnesses safe journey back home and great family life.

The Royals enthrall the Nation and perhaps the whole world today.

Finally the much awaited Meeting of the two famous royal couples of the West and the East takes place today in the Throne Room of the Kingdom of Bhutan. Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess( William and Kate ) from England receives the audience of Their Majesties the King and Queen of Bhutan. The Duke  bowed and the Duchess courtesied as they shook hands with His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Her Majesty Jetsun Pema Wangchuck. The scenes of the famous Royal Couples together surely would entrap the hearts and goodwill of all who witnessed in person or through various electronic channels.

The formal audience in the Throne Room of TashichhoDzong ( Great Fortress ) followed by the walk to the Great Buddha Hall to light the thousand lights of longevity and the short stroll cum ride to Garden Palace ( Lingkana ) with the King and Prince leading followed by the Queen and the Duchess are events of history so vividly captured through lenses.

May Britain and Bhutan enjoy continuous good relation and affection under the respective reigns of their beloved Monarchs of democratic spirits.

Druk Gyalpos' pilgrimage of labour.

Some 25 years ago, His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuk had got a Throne crafted for His Holiness the Cheri Monastery Jhe Khenpo Tenzin Dhendup. His Holiness the 68th Jhe Khenpo had retired to Cheri Monastery to guide the many young aspiring spiritual leaders of Kagyu Sect. And after it was crafted, the King carried the Throne on his back up to the Cheri Monastery from the Dhotena bridge. It is a very steep trail. Even ascending the Cheri hill without any load is quite a task. The Kingly labour has paid huge dividends. His Holiness now must be in his 90s and is still carrying out the dharma duties from this Throne. Such is the merit of a King's physical labour and spiritual offering.

Yesterday his son King Jigme Khesar  Namgyel Wangchuck was among the six pilgrims who had carried boxes made of sandal wood each weighing around 55kgs. on their back up to Cheri Monastery. The six boxes were offered by the 5th King to the Monastery for storage of religious artifacts. I do not know what the previous three Wangchuck Kings of Bhutan had carried to the Monasteries ( not necessarily Cheri ) as their offerings but there must be precedents. Perhaps unrecorded because Bhutanese people have short memories just like our media of modern era. 

Offerings of labour and products are part of Buddhist tradition. However, the impact of the pious deed would be dependent on the intensity and pureness of the offering not the monetary value. The material value is for the earthly mind to dissect. King Jigme Singye Wangchuck's pious deed resulted in so many learned spiritual leaders passing out from the Monastic University of Tangu/ Cheri under the overall guidance and blessings of His Holiness the 68th Jhe Khenpo. And His Holiness himself enjoys long life and good health.

The Kingdom and the people would vastly benefit from the 5th King's pious act. Religious artifacts are real national treasures. These are " termas " that must be preserved for continuous good fortune  of Bhutan and her people. The sandal wood boxes are also kind of termas in the religious significance attached to sandal wood. I hope these previous boxes with even more previous artifacts would be stored safe from fire. May Dharma flourish and the Kingdom be blessed.