A Humble Prayer for our Dharma Kings

We all should be proud and grateful for being a Bhutanese under the glorious reign of the Wangchuck Dynasty with continued peace and happiness. While year 2015 ended with grand celebration and longevity prayers on 60^th Birth Anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, 2016 had a grand beginning.

With the Royal Birth of His Royal Highness the Gyalsey, 2016 began with such an auspiciousness which only few are fortunate to witness. Happiness knew no bound for all citizens of Bhutan when they heard news of the Royal Birth on 5 February 2016, a historic day which will be remembered throughout by all. We all had the rare opportunity to share our prayer for the good health and longevity of His Majesty the King, Her Majesty the Gyaltsuen and His Royal Highness the Gyalsey.

We are so fortunate to have Bodhisattva and Dharma Kings of the past, present and the future amongst us. We are so lucky to be living among glorious lineages of Wangchuck dynasty in the form of Lord Buddha, Guru Padmasambhava and Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. I am sure that no other nations will be lucky enough to witness the three generations of Dharma Kings with unwavering love and compassion for the people of Bhutan.

We are ever grateful to our farsightedness of our Kings who led Bhutan to 21 century without compromising our unique culture, traditions and social values. We gained affections from all corners of globe for our unique development philosophy Gross National Happiness and efficient management and conservation of our rich natural heritage. We pray and wish for continuous peace, prosperity and happiness under leadership of Dharma Kings for all times to come.

Bhutanese Song-This heart of flesh and blood

Female:

This heart of flesh and blood,

Though resides inside me;

Its beats are just for you

This foolish heart's gonna break for you!

****

Male:

I am becoming totally restless,

When you aren't around

Please don’t go out of my sight

Please don’t go out of my sight.

****

Female:

In the peaceful altar of my heart-

A faithful heart of yours

Can now offer a golden cup,

I will keep filled with love-scented water

****

Male:

This highly skilled-in-seeing eyes;

Though live just on my face

Whatever they see is just you,

Your image flickers even when closed

****

Female:

Don't tell this to me darling,

You are very lovely girl,

Please let me lean on your lap

****

Male:

My mind truly loves you- Karsang

A faithful heart of yours,

Can now draw a circle of dragon,

So that milk of our love can be kept in it.

****

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Dzongkha Version. Click on the photo to make it more legible

Let's Pledge Today!

“We eat anything with legs except the table, and anything with wings except the plane.”

It is very difficult to obtain free and well-favored human realm, yet we are fortunate enough to be born in this realm. We have opportunities to realize and make good use of full human potential for best. If we miss the chance, we shouldn't expect to find this rare chance again.

Our life is as transient as clouds and like a flash of lightning. When we finally have to leave this world, neither friends nor wealth can defend us and no one can accompany us. We must be proud that we are not born in lower realms where there are endless sufferings. Why can’t we use this rare chance to do good things which is beneficial for both self and others?

Let us celebrate auspicious first lunar month that only comes once in a year. It is during the first month Lord Buddha taught many teachings to his disciples and to all sentient beings. Buddha himself said that if we do good things, we will accumulate tremendous merits. He also said if we do bad things intentionally, we accumulate negative Karma.

The Royal Government of Bhutan banned meat during auspicious months throughout the country. It is a move by the government and our central monastic body. Although there aren't any available statistics to prove its effectiveness, more people are completely refraining from eating meat during these auspicious months.

There is also section of society who store meat during these banned months. Even if we can’t be vegetarian for entire life, why can’t we refrain at least during these holy months? I too am not a vegetarian, but I refrain from eating meat during holy months.

As there is no single being who haven’t been our parents in our previous lives, all animals should be respected. They all desire love, care, affection and respect. The only difference between human and them is they can’t express their feelings. If you love your parents unconditionally, why can’t we for those helpless animals?

Let us pledge to completely refrain meat today, for at least a month. It is Valentine’s Day, a day when we express our love and affection. Let’s also express our love to our fellow beings who have been our own parents at one of time.

Thank you

Dear MOM

Did you know that your only child out of three turns 26 today? On February 5, 1990, when you presented me to the entire world, I might have cried out of some uneasy circumstances but you were the one with great smile looking at me, wished and dreamt about me and had great expectation from me. You carried me in your womb with care for nine months. After birth you protected me from cold and heat, fed me with delicious food and made me grow up. Mom, I am very sorry for I woke you up in the middle of night. I made you to breast-feed in the middle of your works and letting you to wash those old diapers for uncountable times. I made you to upset by crying without any reasons and above all, you had little peaceful moment.

When it is time for me to thank you, you are nowhere to be seen. You left us too early. Did you know when you passed away; we were left like a chicken in a coop waiting for the mother bird to come back with mouth full of worms? When morning star strokes the western horizons, our eyes were full of tears, seeking for your return but in vain. As the time passed by, your younger son and daughter had to follow you. I, your only son out of three, had to face in this earth alone, treading the path less trodden. Mom, I know you had trust and faith on me; believed in me and loved me. You said and wished I become a Doctor and cure all the ailing patients. You also wished that I become an architect, a great teacher who teach values and knowledge to students. Sorry, Mom, I could not fulfill those dreams. Nevertheless, I stand on my own feet with your great prayers and wishes.

I might have done mischievous things in my life, hurt others with harsh words, harmed other living beings unknowingly, and fought and quarreled due to my young blood that boils within a second. Today, I want to apologise my mom and promise that I won’t repeat any more. I am now a grown up and I will do whatever I encounter with the second thoughts. 

Lastly, to the Almighty, protector of sentient beings, I am neither learned nor experienced. I might make mistakes. I sing hymns at heaven’s gate with prayers to bless my Mom. Mom you are always in my heart. You would never cease to be my beloved Mom, even without your physical presence. I shall love you forever.