Inward Reflection

The Evening with Cigarette and Druk 11000

2010-12-15T01:44:00.000-08:00

It was early summer and my windows were open to the evening. The warm breeze and the music of crickets drifted in. I closed my novel and walked towards the porch. The sky was clear inclining me to take a stroll towards my regular shop to feed on a Maggie. I resumed back to my room, opened the closet door and fretted for my Jeans pant. My Nokia phone began to ring, and I groped for my mobile phone on the bedside table.

“Wai boss, this is Namcha”

“O yea dude, anything” I replied

“Yea man, come to our place, Maddy, Psycho Penjor and Fatso are here”

‘’So, I guess you want to go to party”. I retorted

“Yea man”

“But dude, Maddy will drink again, Doctor has advised him to stop or it will be fatal this time”

“He has already consumed two eleven thousands, so just come man!” he said

“But dude, let’s not drink at the cost of his life and moreover he is a real nuisance once he is drunk, remember we are still paying for the 42inch television that he kicked in his drunken stupor” I said with concern.

“Cut the crap dude, he was already drinking when I came back from office, any ways you better turn up’’ and he hanged up the phone.

In the midst of this conversation I had forgotten to ask about my friend Penjor. He was working in Gelephu. I made up my mind that I should make it fast, after all, it’s rare for a friends to flock together once out of college. I strolled back to my closet, took my whether beaten Jean that has not felt the touch of water for couples of month, and unveiled the new shirt that my girl friend has gifted. As I was getting dressed up, the thoughts of my friends began to loom over me and I was taken back with reminiscences.

Namgay Wangdi alias Namcha was 5.8 feet tall, good looking, tough, burly and beefy who took pride in his look. May be because of this, in the 9^th standard after the history class, he named himself, “Namcha” meaning Iron from the sky. Though vaguely, I remember him publicising and requesting others to call him “Namcha”. We were together since 9^th Standard and went to complete the college together. I guess the long period of togetherness bonded us in some way or the other. He was a play boy by nature with an innate character to charm any woman from all walks of life.

Maddy, I met him in collage and was senior to me. We became close because of his heroic act to deliver me and Namcha from ragging. His heroic act thereafter was enough to bond us more than anything. It was until recently, when he conceded that saving us was not his intention but in his drunken state he has mistaken us for his friend’s brother. His Name was Karma Phuntsho and I still haven’t figured out why people call him Maddy. Some says he admired the charismatic role played by a Bollywood actor who drank too much in wooing a lady and got successful, so he decided to have it, and some says the name was bestowed by his friends during college days to mark his peculiar, bizarre and aberrant behaviour. But whatever he was a Maddy, with always a drink and a smile across his face.

I was taken back to my sense when my phone rang again.

“You coming man, we are waiting for you” it was Namcha again.

‘I will dude, don’t worry, but what about bucks man” I replied.

“Man I have few hundred but don’t worry Penjor is here on tour, so he has a fat wallet to cater us” he said chuckling.

“Well dude, I have few hundred too and when is Penjor going back”

“Cut the crap and come here fast, he will tell you once you are here” and hanged up the phone.

I switch off the light, and left the front door on latch since I couldn’t find the lock nor did it concerned me for there was nothing a burglar would be interested of. I hopped into a cab and after 7 minutes of drives I was there. As I entered the room, the cigarette smoke had engulfed every item in the house and there they were, seated on a couch with bottles of eleven thousands in front of them. They were watching an English Movie in their 14 inch television.

‘’hey guys” I said

Penjor stood up and gave me a hug and said, “Well dude, you have put on a weight, long time mosh”

“Yea man, how are you? Heard that you are married, who is that unfortunate one?’’ I said jokingly

“Yea dude, I am and stop that dude” he said

Penjor was an economic student and a real character. He was a silent man with few words. He was short and had a face as if every temper in him was stored there. During college days he hardly spoke with anyone. At first instance I thought he was a forlorn refugee in the college. But as time went by, I realised that was he. He used to love a woman, and I guess that was the only woman he spoke to and got turned down. Psycho was added to his name following an incident. He attended a class till the session was over. It was only when everyone walked out of class, he realised he was in a B.com Class. He was a heavy smoker who by now has spent a fortune on it.

As I turned my attention to Maddy, I could see him withering from a young man in college to an old man, though same age of ours.

“How are you feeling dude” I asked as I shook his hand.

“Jada what do you think” he said with the same smile across his face but this time it was vague.

“It was only last time, you had a detox” I said seriously.

“Yea so”

“What do you mean yea so? This is going to cost your life, and you guys ain’t telling him anything” I said as I turned to other three.

‘’If only he listens” said fatso

“Hey guys don’t worry, I am strong, the stupid doctors will say and do anything” said Maddy as he emptied the glass and filled it again.

“Why are you drinking too much? If this is because of the Yangchen, then damn you” I said sternly.

“Wai forget her man, Dhea it’s now three years, she is a mother of two now” Namcha added.

“You want to know the reason huh! Is there any smart guys amongst you who can guess it” retorted Maddy

“Yangchen tey wai” said Fatso

“Because you are addictive” said psycho Penjor as he blew the smoke rings out his mouth.

“Fuck you guys! I am drinking because eleven thousand is a Bhutanese product.” Maddy laughed as he poured more into his empty glass.

“Yea all in the name of Bhutanese product but the consequence is costly, look at your health and remember the 42 inch television, and yea remember the incident with the police” I said with a tone of anger.

“Jada that was the least you guys could do as a friend’’ said Maddy and I could sense he was hurt.

“Guys cool wai…it’s Saturday and we are here to have good time instead of brawling among our self”

The room was quite for a moment and everybody’s eye was glued to the television. Fatso took the remote in his hand and started browsing the channel. The BBS was broadcasting the news and he kept the remote on the table and beckoned Penjor to pass him the Cigarette. The news read, “The parliament had approved the Tobacco control bill and it states, anybody found selling will be charged under misdemeanour and those smuggling will be punished under felony of fourth degree.……”

Namcha broke the ice when he said, “why can’t the parliament ban alcohol too when it can go to the extent of banning tobacco, it would do a great justice to Maddy”

“Because parliamentarian needs to drink like me and you know drink is inevitable” Maddy said this time with the same vague smile.

“They don’t drink like you” said fatso

“Yea why can’t they, if at all it is from the religious point of view, it’s the alcohol that has to be banished, remember the story of a monk who after drinking marries the women and kills the goat” I said.

“And the monk would have smoked too, if there was a cigarette in the menu” added Fatso.

“Yea dude! Smoking causes Cancer so does alcohol but after smoking you don’t get wild and kick 42 inch television” said Penjor as he leaned back thoughtfully and blew a puff of smoke into the air.

Maddy shook his head, smiled, clucked his tongue and then said, “hahah Penjor, now it won’t be long before you are behind the bars. I know you need cigarettes in the toilets too”

Penjor’s face brightened as he said, “Dude that’s why I am in Gelephu, where I can have easy access to Cigarettes from the border town”

“All in the name of democracy” said Fatso.

“Alcohol is fine because it’s a tradition and Bhutan produces it, it is embedded deep in our culture and now it’s a mammoth task to root it out. But we don’t produce cigarette” said Maddy defensively.

“Hahahaha in the name of tradition, we have drunken drivers veering off the wheel, we have accidents in archery field, battery case, family problem, and of course youth problems” said Namcha as he took a sip of beer and continued, “I am happy that they are going to ban smoking but it doesn’t get into my brain why they are not banning the sale of alcohol or the least monopolise the sale of alcohol, that way I think I will be saving some too” he said with smile.

Fatso Added, “and alcohol is easily available like any other ordinary commodity in Bhutan”

I nodded in agreement. Fatso went into the kitchen, came back with a glass, filled it and offered me. As I clasped the glass, he uttered, “if they ban alcohol, you will miss this”.

Well Fatso was a man with good sense of humour. His name was Sonam Rabgay, a short and fat man. At times I have seen his colleagues refer to him as “Panda”. The name Panda was derived from the animated movie “Kungfu Panda’, for his structure especially his fat ass resembled that of the lead character Poo. Since three of them were working in the same office, they were putting up together under one roof.

Suddenly Fatso stood up and with a jerk zoomed to the door and dashed off. It was only after few minutes when he returned with a 2 eleven thousands clenched in his hands, I realised the bottles in front of us were empty. He placed the edge of the bottle cap in his doma stained teeth and with a pull, opened it.

“Before you guys ban the alcohol, I should gulp down as much as I can” he said as he filled his glass and passed on the other beer to me.

“Yangchen is in RICB mo” Penjor asked.

There was a deadly hush after he asked the question. We knew it was not a time to put up such a question especially when the self afflicted victim was amongst us. It was just like any other sad love story. They were in love. Maddy like Yangchen, Yangchen liked Maddy. After sometime, it didn’t work and they broke off. Well! For any other rational people, it must have taken guts to overcome the pain but here we are dealing with an extraordinary love story. From the corner of my eye I could see Maddy craning his head and listening with rapt attention.

“Yea she is, and hey Penjor where did you meet your wife, is she working?’’ I asked just to divert the conversation.

“in discotheque tey” joked Fatso

“Well I meet her in Thimphu, Man! She is the most beautiful girl, we dated for a couple of months and decided to marry” Penjor said cheerfully.

“You are a lucky man” said Maddy and we knew he envied him.

“Every one of us is lucky dude! You know old dictum that says, everything that happens, happens for a good cause’. I said

“Except for Good karma” said Penjor jokingly.

“Fuck you guys” said Maddy as he rose from his seat and staggered drunkenly towards the loo.

“Hey dude, any help” said Penjor. And for the courtesy of help offered, he got the door slammed at his face and all we could hear inside was the running tap water.

“Hey dude, let’s get changed and shake our ass in ACE’’ said Namcha. And as if our office boss has entered the room, everyone rose from their seat and went to their respective room to change. I was alone for a moment browsing the channels in the little box. I was engrossed watching a panel discussion in the BBS television, when suddenly Namcha said, “move your arse…lets go”

“Ok dude, but where is Maddy” I said and could still hear the running tap water in the toilet. It has almost been half an hour and that jerk was still in toilet. Everybody was alarmed and started banging the door, there was no reply.

“Fuck man, lets break open the door, dhea shit” shouted Fatso.

And before I could figure out anything, Namcha kick opened the door with a bang. For a moment he stood frozen and as I helped myself into the scene, Maddy was lying with his face down and soaked in the water. Namcha hurried and picked him up and bought him back to the room. He had blood oozing from his nose and mouth. We were shocked and sick.

“Call 113 and tell them to sent the ambulance” said Fatso

“Jada instead they will sent you the police van and take us for interrogation” said Penjor

“Call Jango” Namcha muttered.

“ok guys, I will call Jango” I said.

After five minutes Jango turned up. Namcha carried Maddy on his back and rushed off to put him in Jango’s Santro. I was given the task to lock their house. As I went to turn off the TV, BBS was broadcasting the 10 pm news, “the joint sitting of the parliament passed the Tobacco Control Bill”.

I was infuriated. I kicked the remote control, and said, “Why only tobacco why not passes the alcohol control bill too”. The remote was into pieces and the TV went off. I cursed myself for breaking the remote, for not being able to guide Maddy and finally I cursed the Parliament for taking care of Psycho Penjor’s heart and ignoring my friend Maddy’s liver. I switched off the night, locked the door and ran down, joined them and took Maddy to the Emergency ward.

The Journey Of My Ambition

2010-08-22T23:30:00.000-07:00

As a grade-schooler I vividly remember my class teacher asking me my ambition. I would poster my self ridiculously and then with a haughty voice I would say “when I grow up, I want to be an Army officer because I want to kill my enemy”. Now as I lay relax in my living room, it looks so obvious for child when he sees his father in the glamorous outfit with three stars and a belt worn around the waist to support the pistol, would naturally idolize his dad. I would spend most of my time contemplating when ever the Armies were on parade. I decided I would be a soldier.

Soldiers

After I left my grade school, I went to a boarding school in Trongsa. Life at boarding school taught me the hardship of life. Poor qualities of meal, disturbed slumber with hunger, home sick, washing stuffs etc.made me susceptible to diseases. I would admiringly watch those students who had their relative as a teacher. I dreamt of my comfortable life if I had my uncle or aunty there as a teacher. The next day I decided I would be a teacher and render my help to those of my relatives who would come to a boarding school

A teacher in the service of students

Now having done my common exam with splendid marks, I went to Jigme Sherubling High School. The school was very much reputed and as such we had students from all walks of life. There I met my friend Lekden. His father was a PFO in Khangma. So it was customary on his father’s part to pay visit with pack lunch every now and then. I would admiringly watch his father driving enticing land cruiser. Then I decided I would study hard, take up science and become a PFO.

After having done my class ten exam, there was long winter break. To do away with my monotonous break I decided to take up a temporary job in a company. The environment was completely new with fear among the employees as and when the general manager made his entry in the office. I thought I should be like him. As a very inquisitive boy I discovered that he was a commerce student before and I decided I would take up commerce and become a manager in a company.

Class ten results were declared and I opted for commerce, with the dream still alive to be a manager I strived very well and made it to Sherubtse. It was there I met my uncle; he was a planning officer in Trashigang. He was proud because he made it through RCSC exam and I could see the self respectful look in his eye. I wanted to be proud like him. I decided I will appear RCSC and become a planning officer.

The Civil Servants in the making

After graduating, I prepared well for my RCSC exam and got through. After a year long training in RIM, I was placed in one of the Government Agency. Today, though I am not a planning officer, I am a content civil servant and as I reflect back, with a smile on my face I just say to my self “Now I won’t quack like a duck….I will soar like an eagle”.

My Idea of Happiness

2010-08-22T22:36:00.000-07:00

His Holiness the Dalai Lama (as cited in Jirel, 2009) articulated:

The basic thing is that everyone wants happiness, no one wants suffering. And happiness mainly comes from our own attitude, rather than from external factors. If your own mental attitude is correct, even if you remain in a hostile atmosphere, you feel happy.

Happiness must come from within and for that to happen; it is essential that we start loving our selves first. If we do that, we will be filled with positive attitude since respecting ourself and accepting that fact that we are not perfect would lead us to focus on the positive path of the life rather than on negativity, anger and hatred.

Happiness is a broad term that cannot have an absolute definition. In the Buddhist teachings, happiness forms a central theme which focuses on obtaining freedom from suffering by following the eight fold path which talks about the ways to end suffering and achieve self-awakening. Different people have different concepts of happiness and different ways to attain it. A teacher may experience happiness by imparting knowledge to the students. A student may experience happiness by topping the class. For me, happiness is about living a good life.

Our mind is our friend but at times it could be our enemy. When under control, it is our friend. When it gets better of us, it is our enemy. Those who have control over their minds are at peace. They are truly happy. It is imperative that we master our mind because if we analyze ourself carefully, we will find that the mind is the source of all our difficulties. Sharma (2007) says,"some of them worry about failed relationships or financial problems. Others fret over their less-than-perfect childhoods. Still others brood over more trifling matter: the way a store clerk might have treated them or the comment of a co-worker that smacked of ill will.(p.37) Those of us who run our mind in this fashion are allowing worry to rob us of our life.

The way we think stems from habit. It is important for us to do regular disciplined practice to condition our mind. We should develop positive, serene and inspired attitude. The mind is a wonderful servant but a terrible master. If we have become a negative thinker, this is because we have not cared our mind and taken the time to train it to focus on the good. Through meditation, we strengthen the mind and do not allow it to be affected by outer things. His Holiness Sogyal Rinpoche (1992) articulated:

The pursuit of Happiness

The gift of learning to meditate is the greatest gift you give to yourself in this life. For it is only through meditation that you can undertake the journey to discover your true nature, and so find the stability and confidence you will need to live, and die, well. Meditation is the road to enlightenment (p.57)

The source of happiness lies in meditation. Meditation gifts us with a peace of mind enabling us to discover our true nature and ignore the negative thought that pops up now and then. If we achieve the task of mastering our mind through meditation, we will be filled with positive thoughts that will make our life wonderful.

After having mastered our mind to think positive, we should inculcate self-discipline. If we train ourself and our own conduct, for personal improvement, we would be filled with satisfaction and on the other end; our families and colleagues would hold us in high esteem. This would in turn make ourself important and a sense of respect and happiness would be bestowed upon us. The important pillar of self-discipline is willpower without which self-disciplining is futile.

There are some people who possess addiction or habit that they wish to overcome. Drinking, smoking, laziness, procrastination or lack of assertiveness is some of the habits that make their life miserable. They may have overcome it for a short while, but then they are back again because they lack inner power and persistence to change. To overcome it, one needs to have willpower. Self-discipline with willpower helps us to choose our behaviour and reaction, instead of being ruled by them. Their possession won't make our life dull or boring. On the contrary, we will feel more powerful, incharge of ourself and our surrounding. These instill in us a sense of responsibility and self-worth that lighten up our heart and fills it with joy.

There is a famous saying in English, "Time and tide waits for no man". This reminds us that time is the most precious commodity and it is non-renewable. It is very true that, by the time most of us figure out what we really want and how to go about attaining it, it is usually too late. Time management helps us to set our goal before hand which results in achieving our goals and objectives. This provides us with satisfaction, happiness and success that we want out of our life.

To lead a good life, we must be time conscious. We should plan our days and take the time to ensure that we are balanced in the use of time, if we could do so; we would be far productive and happier. Sharma (2007) says, "Time slips through our hands like a grains of sand, never to return back again.Those who use time wisely from an early age are rewarded with rich, productive and satisfying lives" (p.172). So, a person who values time from an early age is bestowed with the skill to set his goal and means to achieve it. This in turn would make him happier and content.

There is a saying in Chinese, "a little bit of fragrance always clings to the hand that gives you rose". This mean, when we work to improve the lives of others, we indirectly elevate our own life in the process. This gives us a sense of satisfaction as we go on helping others. Here, the sense of satisfaction that we derive is the fragrance that will cling to our hand and the help that we offer to improve the lives of others is the rose that we give. And we know that a content mind is always happy.

We should serve others because we genuinely want to. Our wish to use our life to serve others naturally ensures that we do not harm others. When we think of ourselves, we become tense and prolonged tension is stressful. Our tension is released, as soon as we stop thinking about ourself and become concerned about others. We should be a volunteer. It builds self-worth. The process of giving without having expectations or getting anything in return raises one's self-esteem. The giver derives good feeling and the receiver of the good deeds. As we help others, it will be a gift to ourself as we enjoy a boost in self esteem for making other's live better. We will feel more worthy of good deeds and it will reinforce our trust in the decency of people. This is inturn will make us feel more connceted to others and to ourself. When we practice the random acts of kindness daily, our life becomes far richer and more meaningful.

A famous saying in English goes, "Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why it's called the present." We should make the best of now and utilize the present to the fullest. If we utilize the present to its fullest, we are sowing the seeds for a better future. A good life is when we stop spending our time fretting over past events and learn to adapt the process called "living in the now". Since we do not have the power, past events cannot be changed and we need not worry about the things to come, since future is full of mystery, so we must live the present to the fullest with good attitude. This brings in us a sense of satisfaction for, truly joyful and rewarding life comes only through "living in the present."

Benjamin Franklin said, "Never leave till tomorrow, which you can do today." When people say, "I will do it one on these days," or "I will be more loving and giving husband when my organization takes on a few junior to ease my burden". We can be sure it means none of these days. We should build positive attitude, learn the phrase, "do it now" and stop the habit of procrastination. Khera (2002) says, "The saddest words in life are: 'it might have been.' 'I should have.' 'I could have.' 'I wish I had.' 'If only I had given little extra.' (p.22)

For me, happiness is all about being content in life, understanding that life is not ideal. Our happiness is our responsibility, we should not blame outside condition or other people if we are not happy. While things around us could change and go bad, it is we who decide how to respond to them. We can decide to be happy.

References

Jirel. L. (2009). Positive and Successful livestyle tips. Retrieved September 18, 2009, from

http://www.cultivatepositivity.com

Khera, S. (2002). You can win: A step by step tool for top achievers. New Delhi: Thompson

ltd.

Rahula, Y. (2008). The way to peace and happiness. Bangkok : Editions Duang Kamol

Rinpoche, S. (1999). The Tibetan Book of living and dying. HarperOne

Sharma, R. (2007). The monk who sold his Ferrari, a fable about fulfilling your dreams and

reaching your destiny. Mumbai: Jaico Publishing House.

Self-discipline. (n.d) in Answer website. Retrieved April 23 2009, from

http://www.answer.com

Zangpo, S. (2004). Releasing life: An ancient Buddhist practice in the modern world.

Taiwan: Buddha Education Foundation

My village- Tangsibji, Trongsa.

2010-08-20T04:26:00.000-07:00

The most magnificent and beautiful peaceful country “The Kingdom of Bhutan” lies between two giant countries, India in south and China in the north. Though land locked she has reasons to be proud for she is made up of many beautiful villages. The villages are mostly untouched by the invasion of pollution and disasters. Bubbling streams, evergreen forest, sweetened air and harmonious people are the general composition of the hamlets, together framing panoramic views for any visitors that instills into them the sense of fondness and memory abiding. For this reasons I shall touch upon my village called “Tangsibji”.

Tangsibji village is located in Trongsa District about 21 Kms short of Trongsa Dzong if coming from Thimphu towards Trongsa. It is one of the finest and splendidly located villages in the district if compared appropriately with the villages of other Districts in Bhutan; it may edge out other best villages in the country for there are many reasons that will unfold as I elaborate further .

The village has two main portions. The upper portions which yield crops like maize, potatoes and wheat is spread along the Thimphu-Trongsa highway. The lower portion which yields mainly rice is spread upward adjoining Mangdi Chu and Nika Chu. A panoramic view of the village can be seen from the village called Taktsi located at the other side of the Mangdi Chu. It has an area of about eighty one square kilometers and comprises of about hundred twenty households with a population of about one thousand two hundred. The villagers speak Mangdipa dialect and both men and women are generally tall and well built. This community believes in speaking less and working hard. If any one chance to visit any of the houses in the neighborhood, you will find them well stocked with adequate ration. But hard cash will be scarce since they are yet to be exposed to lucrative business. A daily chore of farming is their look out and they always remain busy in that.

(Tsheringma rock)

The Tsheringma Drupchu, which one will surely come across en-route Trongsa-Thimphu highway flows right through the village. Because of the blessed holy water it is believed that the good turnover of crop yield and melodious voice of this community owes much reverence. At the source of the Tsheringma Drupchu which is located just at hundred meters from the road head stands the Tsheringma Rock which is believed to be the abode of the local deity- Serchung Genzi. The communities of Tangsibji often gather to offer their prayers and celebration to the abode. People are generally happy go lucky type. When Guru Rimpoche visited Bumthang he is supposed to have made his journey from Nabji-Korphu to Bumthang through this village in the eighth century. His body prints and two sacred places where he had subdued two demons in the form of large snakes can still be seen there today.

The Tangsibji Lhakhang adds a unique touch and anchor to the religion and culture, binding them stronger even to this day. The lhakhang is located at the base of the village, which is unusual. A great Lama had prophesized the location of the lhakhang so that the village reaps happiness and evades the ill luck of overseeing the Mangdi Chu and Nika Chu confluence directly from the village. In the Lhakhang a Forty Eight inch statue of Jao is the main statue. It is believed that this statue has even envisioned the power of speech. When there was an onslaught of plague in the form of small pox disease which threatened to wipe out the whole community, the Jao took it on to himself and spared the villagers. Stories were passed down to this generation that on taking the dreaded disease on himself, the face and body of the statue were full of the smallpox marks. But regained to its actual composure soon after the plague was over. It is said that even today when crop yield is going to be bad, small pox marks become visible on the statue. Oral history passed down from generations reveal that this Jao statue was gifted by the third Desi Chugyel Minjur Tenpa as recognition for the loyalty and dedication rendered in times of need. There are two more lhakhangs. One named Dubji Lhakhang and the other Ugyenling Lhakhang. The main statue in Dubji Lkahang is “Chugchi Shey”which has a height of two storeys. It belongs to Meonling sect of Ngingmapa teachings. The other houses a statue of Guru Rimpoche seated on the same seat where Guru Rimpoche was supposed to have meditated during his journey to Bumthang.

Forty Eight inch statue of Jao is the main statue in Tangsibji Lhakhang

The name of the village Tangsibji derived from the word “Tang” meaning small lake and “Ji” meaning flat in their local dialect is indeed an appropriately suited name. Ancestors dating back to the fifth century, looking for an ideal location had come upon a beautiful small lake surrounded by flat land and after settlement derived its very name -Tangsibji village.

Tangsibji village had always been one of the most fortunate to receive many developmental activities programmed by the Royal Government of Bhutan. The Thimphu Trongsa Highway road that runs through the village. The fifty kilowatts mini Hydel, a Japanese aided project which was commissioned in 1986 solely for the village was an out of turn blessing. It was an envy for the neighboring villages which still waits to realize the dream of electricity comfort. However the news of actual power grid to be completed by 2009 has lessened the envy of other villages to a great extent. The four-kilometer extension road from the highway to the heart of the village made by the villagers themselves and contribution from the government employee, private employee and businessmen alike of the Tangsibji village made the villagers a heavenly paradise. The village is blessed with government infrastructures like two schools (One Junior and one Community). One agriculture extension office, one animal husbandry extension office, one BHU and one wild life office of the Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National Park. The fact that by 2010 the Mangdi Chu Project is going to start is great news for Tangsibjibs and the start of Nika Chu hydro project in its own village is a feather in a cap. The villagers are gradually being encouraged in the process of enhancing their economy by starting small projects like Tangsibji Milk Association, Mushroom Association which are doing very well. However, interms of development activities, it had its own share of misfortune. The Mangdi Chu project which was once surveyed in this village during the early 70s and the high school project during the year 2006 were missed out. The Government is not to be blamed for that but when it came to such a big dicision the people of this village attimes faltered and the regret is irreparable. But good news is that Nika Chu hydro project is going to be back in business in our village soon.

His Holiness the Je Khenpo’s initiative to construct a lhakhang in the village had been fruitful and the beautiful lhakhang now stands just near the highway locally called Tashiling Lhakhang. The main statue of the lhakhang is Chenrizig Chatong chentong with the height of two storeys. The lhakhang is going to be soon staffed with one Lam Neten and about twenty Gelongs which will be a religious, spiritual and cultural binding factor for the villagers of Tangsibji.

With my above narration I hope I have been able to throw some light on this beautiful village called Tangsibji. This village armed with such immense potentials like scenic beauty, religious sites, and varieties of crops, ever fresh streams and rivulets and inhabited by warm, cheerful, lovely people can also be included as one of the tourist hotspots. But whether it becomes one or not, this village will continue to exist and flourish as one of the happiest villages of Drukyul blessed and empowered by the holy water of the Tsheringma Drupchu they drink every day.

A name from two great Rinpoches

2010-08-20T00:50:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not I had a very pleasant and gratifying day which ought to go down my memory lane as something not easily forgettable. Yet to get hold of a job, I am blessed with a cute daughter who is already fifty five days old. I moved with my family to Phuentsholing to escape the bitter cold at Thimphu. Amidst our stay here, the news of H.H.Namkhai Ningpo`s visit to Phuentsholing excited us all. After all my daughter`s first blessing on being welcomed to this wonderful kingdom is going to be from this great lama, who was one of the eight revered disciples of Guru Rinpoche.

Dressed in our best attire, we set off to meet the great lama. On reaching the spot, we managed to inch our way near where the lama sat. Here sat a down to earth, simple and pious looking saint in a simple monk robs. We offered our khadhar and Rimpoche in turn blessed us with the same scarf which he put gently around our neck. My request for a name for my daughter was accepted with a calm and serene look on my daughter from his holiness. After a momentary pause of meditation came the much revered voice ‘UGYEN CHOEDEN’. Later on a KAGO wang was initiated by Rinpoche to the devotees gathered around.

Ugyen Choeden

Enriched with blessings and level of happiness running higher than ever within us, as father and mother joined by our daughter Ugyen Choeden, also accompanied by her grandfather and grandmother, we left for our house
The evening atmosphere in the house was full of laughter and gaiety. The center of attraction being our daughter Ugyen Choeden and very well deserved too for she is the only child in the family. Taking a few minutes off from the gathered group, my wife had ringed to her mother who had gone to Rangjung, Tashigang to receive religious initiations from H.H.Dungtsel Rimpoche. She came dashing towards me and had this to say “Rinpoche over there had blessed the same name, UGYEN CHOEDEN to our daughter today”. Hardly able to believe I checked back and the voice of my mother-in-law echoed-yes! UGYEN CHOEDEN- we have the handwritten slip gifted by the great lama. Well this is life, now I have an episode to narrate as she grows up. Thank you my two great lamas for making us all happy. Keep up the good work of making sentient beings happy.

A DEWDROP ON MY NEPHEW’S WING

2010-02-21T07:38:00.000-08:00

Factual reports can sometimes be so humorous that you can sometime sit back and enjoy for having come across it with a bang. It so happened when I was doing my Post Graduate in RIM as a day scholar. Shuffling through paper cuttings and guide books I was busy completing my assignments. Totally geared up for in my task with a solid ambition to score well in the subjects in hand, I was deeply engrossed with my final touches to the papers when my mobile phone rang…….Jhalam jhalam gi ashi…..Reaching out for my mobile I answered in haste with my eyes still glued to my documents.

Azha Nga gey! (Meaning- Uncle it’s me! - in my mother tongue dialect)
Slightly agitated for the disturbance I replied back, “my nephew, I shall call you after sometime”; Switched off the phone and got back to my business. Interested and taxed by the work in hand, machineries in me sent a warning that I must take a break or else repairs will be costly. I came out of my room, sat on the door steps of my house and enjoyed the fresh evening air with a sweet cup of coffee my wife have served. Just as the sweetness of the coffee befriended me in terms of taste and warmth amidst the chilly evening weather, so also the serene beauty of Changzamtok valley that unfolded in front of me captured my inner self to even richer taste and warmer warmth that sailed my very existence along the cascading Thimphu river to the paradise of William words worth’s poetic imagination- dancing with the daffodils. The dancing with the daffodils became a crusher as one of its petals hit my cheek so hard that I was reminded of my obligation to my dear nephew. My nephew, Samten Dorji, six year old and was studying in PP at Jigme Namgyel Primary School in Tangsibji village in Trongsa.

My nephew- Samten Dorji

I raced back to my room and fulfilled my obligation to him and asked what he has in store for me. Prompt came the reply-
“Azha nga tsem guzey nang sum pa jong shi, zin soeray ngang shi.” (Uncle I came third in running and I received a price for it).
Since he is the first child amongst us brothers and sisters I am very fond of him and he also takes a liking to me when it comes to talking at length in mobile phone especially when the call is initiated from my side. I know he is innocent when it comes to the mercy of payment for the call later. I congratulated him for the achievement in annual school sports and promised a gift when he comes to Thimphu soon, for his onward journey to his grandmother at Phuentsholing to spend his winter vacation.

My nephew along with his mother arrived at Thimphu as expected on schedule. Though he looked tired and little shabby due to long exhausting journey, I knew he had put on the best dress he had, to create a positive impression from me and members in the house. But it is a general fact that aroma of the village livelihood remains for sometime, and will fade away only after few days of cleansing. After a good bout of bathing and meal, nephew and my self started a close interaction. As usual he was very friendly with me and I lived my promise by honouring him with a few Cadburys wrapped in a silver colour paper as a gift. His strong fingers made way through the packets and the Cadburys did not have time to wish him hi! They were greeted with his well placed set of teeth and eyes never losing sight of the cartoon programme on the television.
I asked him, “ye guzey nang sumpa jo na wa”- (so you have come third in running).
He replied, “jongshi”- (yes).
Still inquisitive I asked “gugmi ashey dey nag?”- (how many ran the race)
With some chocolates drenched in his cute mouth and chocolates smothered fingers running through his hairs, he replied, “soom”- (three took part).
I reaffirmed and again he said they were only three runners. I blasted and became rather hysterical and said, “So you came third out of three runners”.
This time he took his eyes off the TV set, looked at me directly and replied “Ney, zin soerya ya Nang shi, Nga ama ta dimo”- (yes,I got a prize, you can ask my mom).
“Soerya shay ngas?” (What was the prize?) I asked
He replied, “Gola thruway brus tey”- (a washing Brush!)

I rushed to the other room to inquire from his mother. She summed up the story- it was a class wise running race during the annual school sport day. There were only three boys in the class and prizes as usual were catered for all the three positions. The great fact was further substantiated by the mother being physically present during the event. Well facts are facts and thank you my dear nephew for taking me on an unforgettable ride.