Skip to main content

Bangchung on Fire



We live today in a critical situation when modernization and urbanization have begun to get the better of our culture and tradition. Rapid development has brought about many changes which are suppressing our tradition and customs. We are thus deviating from our true identity. A westernized lifestyle has found its way into our precious tradition and customs and the younger generation is particularly influenced. An alien lifestyle makes us imposters and not innovators. The younger generation lives in a false world of make-believe. We believe things western are more advanced and better than home. We prefer shirts and trousers to Ghos and Kiras. The discotheque attracts more than the chanting of hymns. The language we use betrays our culture and even our melodious folk songs are getting defeated by the loud noises of drums and guitars. It’s as clear as crystal that our tradition and culture are fast fading away into the museums.

Everyone criticizes our culture on the ground that it is not modernized. What we urgently need is the inspiration from history which will make us proud to call ourselves Bhutanese; inspiration that reveals our true identity. Cultural dilution can result in changes of the old traditional ways and perceptions and the consequences can only be understood over time. It is alleged that as we lose our old roots and values, new branches cannot give proper fruit. We might also lose our values, unity, identity and peace. However, it is never too late to try.

In the present scenario, I feel that we have strong ties to our old traditional and cultural values and this is the right time for us to remove the veil that has been casted on our eyes by the glamour of modernization. Let’s unite ourselves and play our own little part in preserving these priceless gems of ours. Let’s begin this journey of a thousand mile with a single step. Let’s strive to preserve what we have rather than yearning for what we don’t have. Let us proudly say that we are Bhutanese not merely by birth but true Drukpas from the core of our hearts.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

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
Post a Comment
Read more

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
Post a Comment
Read more

PRAY for NEPAL

T he mighty ‘Mother Nature’ has unfolded its rage on the innocent unsuspecting people of Nepal. What remains now of this beautiful landscape is a massive mound of soil, a colossal mountain of debris and thousands of walking shadows. Even as I write this paragraph, I can see a soiled-child rummaging for his favourite toy amidst the mount of debris, his heart-broken mother calling for him beyond madness and a father hoping to find the familiar faces of his family amongst the unfamiliar faces through the clouds of dust. If it hurts us even just to imagine, lay your hands on these affected people. You might barely hear their heart beats. For many, these tremors took away everything they had; even the reason to breathe. One can only see the horror but not the pain Nepalese people are going through. What if we were one of them? The excruciating pain would have been enough to drive us insane. All beautiful monuments have faded into time. All visual splendour has bee
1 comment
Read more