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Thuenpa Puen Zhi: The Four Harmonious Friends

The Four Harmonious Friends, Thuenpa Puen Zhi, is a popular symbol in the Buddhist iconography. One can find paintings of them in the form of murals decorating the walls of temples and monasteries. While some believe that it will bring them peace in the household, others believe that it ensures unity and harmony in the family. It is also a popular subject for thangka paintings. Many are familiar with the story of how the four friends tried to determine who amongst them was the eldest. The story of their respect, cooperation, unity and interdependence is a popular part of the Bhutanese folklore. However, many are not familiar with the subtle significance that the story holds. It is believed that the four friends were Buddha Shakyamuni (Bird), Shariputra or Sheri bu (Rabbit), Maugyalyana or Mon-Gelgi-bu (Monkey) and Kuengao or Ananda (Elephant) in one of their previous lives. Therefore, the enlightenment of Buddha, institution of Buddhism and the turning of the wheel of Dharma in harm

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The Story of Threngchenma Part 3

As narrated by Khenpo Nima Shar Translated by Rinchen Phuntsho Part III Meanwhile, Phagkaypo and his evil friend Rinchoey, had been very consistent with their plans of taking revenge on the people of Sercha for their disrespect and insult. In vicious anger, they planned to eradicate the whole race of people in Sercha. One day, they led a large army and advanced towards Sercha. The Buddha learnt about it through his clairvoyance and realised how grave a sin they were going to commit. Moreover, the people of Sercha were also robust people and skilled in the art of warfare. Hence, the unprovoked aggression on the people of Sercha by Phagkaypo only meant equal threat to himself and his people. In anyways, many precious lives were at stake and many people were on the threshold of committing heinous sins. Therefore, in order to avert the tragedy, but unknown to Phagkaypo’s force, the Buddha went ahead towards Sercha and choosing an old dried tree, sat beneath it. Though there were many