K2

Whenever I meet lama in town at night, lama always told me not to carry a knife and to take it home. But I feel safer with a weapon. It gives me a feeling of strength. Please advise me more.

Rigzin, Thimphu      

WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO: The recitation of Buddhist sutras is a very ancient tradition. After the Buddha passed away, his teachings were passed down orally for about three centuries. The master would recite and transmit the teachings to the disciple who will memorise, recite and pass it down again. Such line of oral transmission from mouth to ear is called nyengyud and people who are very learned were also called mangduthoepa or those who have heard a lot.

COVER STORY: Every year at this time, men of Wang-Tshochengay (eight great clans of western Bhutan) transform themselves into pazaps (warriors) and reenact the war scenes from the times of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel.

It was 1999 when Dago first took part as a pazap or warriors at Punakha Dromchhoe. He was 19, shy and hesitant. But he was determined to wear the red pazap gho, the khamar kabney (scarf) and iron helmet of the traditional warriors. In tshoglham (traditional boots) and with a patang (sword), he really looked and felt like a warrior.

HEALTH AND FITNESS: I have recently joined a gym. It has just been over a week. What are the biggest mistakes that people make at the gym? What should I eat before going to the gym? And how should I prepare physically before going to the gym? 

Tashi, Thimphu

WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO: Tendrel literally means ‘dependent and connected’. It refers to Buddha’s theory of interdependence or dependent origination or law of causation. The Buddha explained that our life and existence are results of causes and conditions.

COVER STORY: The fields were vast and fertile, land was plenty, so was water, and farmers cultivated both paddy and winter crops.  They owned much of what today is Changzamtog.

At a time when the Thimphu valley is witnessing rapid urbanisation, with huge concrete buildings coming up everywhere, four traditional houses just above the expressway in Babesa stand as heritage sites.

YOUTH IN FOCUS:  I graduated college last year, and I am wondering whether to keep looking for work in Bhutan or to go overseas. What is your advice?

Zangpo, Thimphu

WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO: Phowa literally means transference. In phowa practice, the consciousness of a person is transferred to enlightenment or a higher state of being. It is often practiced or applied by spiritual people at the time of death. Phowa is generally associated with the transfer of consciousness to Sukhavati or Dewachen, the happy and peaceful realm of Buddha Amitabha or Yoepame, where it is believed to be easy to reach enlightenment.