Dorji Tenzin: Random Thoughts like Cries of a Clown

Many might have seen Layap ladies in their famous Zoom (Ankle –length skirts made of yak hair).   At one point of time, they were considered most beautiful ladies from whole Gasa district. Every year by November, they migrate down to Punakha via Gon Khatoe and Khamaed. Since the arrival of motorable road at Gasa Dzong, Layaps come down with scores of horses and camped in Khatoe, Gasa. Some even built small huts for their winter migration. They transport their rations in truck till Gasa and transport on horseback from Gasa till Laya.   Today, Laya probably is enjoying highest per capita income in whole Bhutan due to cordycep collection. They also trade with Tibet (China) and Lunana (another gewog in Gasa). They buy 25 kg of rice from Gasa and Punakha at Nu. 1000-1500 and sell it to people of Lunana at whopping Nu. 4000.   Layaps are at their polite best when they want something from government and stubborn worst when they have to do something like public works and...

                                              Since institution or practice of reincarnation was started by Karmapa, many sects of Mahayana/Tibetan     Buddhism followed suit. If you are Nyingmapa, one traced their previous re-incarnations till the time of Guru Rinpoche or 25 heart sons. If one is sarma sect Lama, previous re-incarnations are traced back to chenrizi or other Buddhas. Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel’s (1594-1651 A.D) previous re-incarnations are traced as follow of which some were   born in human realm and some not; 1.        Bodhisattva Chenrizi (Bodhisattva of Compassion) 2.        King Rigden Pekar 3.        King Songtsen Gampo 4.  ...

History was made when His Majesty the King awarded Patangs to twenty chairpersons of Dzongkhag Tshogdu on 17 th Decembere 2019 coinciding with 109 th National Day. Never in their dreams would they have thought that they would become first batch of thrizin to receive such a great honor.   The patangs were awarded in recognition of important roles local government play in affairs of state. His Majesty reminded them that local government is the nearest and closest form of government and commanded them to serve Tsa-Wa-Sum with utmost devotion and loyalty. Indeed, it was unforgettable day for those thrizins . A thrizin of Dzongkhag Tshogdu is legally the head of district and chairperson of highest decision making and rules framing body of the district. A thrizin (in theory) has responsibilities of guiding, reviewing and ensuring implementation of plans and policies of the district. A thrizin (in theory) has authority to command district/ gewog civil servants and elected leaders ...

I have worked in Gasa for almost three years. I assumed Gasa(mGarsa) as Land of blacksmiths going by Dzongkha spelling. I was not sure. During one of the minister’s visit, he implied, Gasa is land of happiness. It confused me more. Now I am almost sure that Gasa means land of smiths. There are two beliefs why Gasa is called Gasa. People of Gasa were believed to be skilled in that arts of iron including Druthob Terkhungpa. Those who wonder who Drunthob Terkhungpa is, he was f ounder of place where Gasa Dzong is located though he was known mostly as meditation master. Druthob Terkhungpa was also ancestor of Gon Hoptsho Lam from whose lineage came first Druk Desi Tenzin Drukgay. He was known as Norbu Paldan-disciple as well as son of Tshangpa Gayray. He mediated at the place called Gom Terkhung which was place full of hot springs and sulferous geysers which was also home of deity Gyengen Chenpo probaby Damchen Gomo. He tamped Damchen Gomo, the guardian deity of Gasa/Gon....

Last year, I visited Dzongdrakha with one of my friends. I am very thankful to my friend for taking me there. Dzongdrakha is located in middle of ridge above Bonde and Gebjana in Paro. The place is blessed by Guru Rinpoche in the 8 th century. In 14 th century, Nenyinpa Lam Kazhi Rinchen Samten Pelzang had a vision of dakini prophesying about the place. He shared this with Drubthob Gembo Dorji and in 1429 A.D, he came searching for place following the river. When Drubthob reached below Dzongdrakha above ridge near the river, a mute child saw him. As soon as child saw drubthob, child started taking; ‘ Mother, a guest is coming. Rain is also coming from the hill. Please collect drying grain from outside .’ Mother was so happy. This place is called Gradranang . Later the name got corrupted into Geb-Bja-Na. Likewise many places’ names around Bondey associated activities of Drubthob . Drubthob continued his journey and took rest at a small leveled ground. He met a doe...

I have always been intrigued by our beliefs be it religious or mere superstitions. Amongst others, I have been most intrigued by our belief in dark sorcery and poison giver. I assume that it is because I was brought up in rural settings where such beliefs were accepted as truths. When you travel to some villages, the village guides or some good-hearted people would tell you never to eat from this and that house. We would listen to them due to fear for our lives because it be true or not, we didn’t want to take chance with our life. Recently, the same belief that intrigued me also saddened me. In high school, there was a pretty girl I used to admire. I never confessed feelings to her because in high school we admired numerous girls. This is because mostthe time, we found later nothing more than passing infatuation. Anyway, last month I met a high school friend in Punakha with whom I talked about high school life. You know how old comrades are. We talked whole night over bottles ...

Looking for a House on rent In Gasa Since I got appointment order posting me at Gasa, I have been looking for a house through friends and friends’ friends but it seems there isn’t any. All suggest that I live combined with other staff till I find separate accommodation. I thought while I attend induction program, I would confirm at least house to live in. As two weeks passed looking for a house through friends, euphoria of my first civil service placement has died down. I have decided to quit my high paying corporate job so that I could play larger role to support publi. But even before I join, I doubt whether I made the mistake in choosing the career.   However, other than house, I understood from various sources that getting posted in districts and rural places have its share of advantages and disadvantages. While enrichment through information and development may be poor, it is being compensated by community vitality people experienced. Everybody knows everybody there....