SAMSARA ISN'T JUST A CONCEPT - IT'S REAL

I was so afraid to hurt you and then it somehow happened. It could have anyway happened someday. The karmic world is full of uncertainties and nothing is guaranteed. But I think it's okay, we need to move on. There is no way we can stop moving on, living happily or in misery. Fate brought us together for a while and provided us with an opportunity to create a memory worth recalling in our own small ways in our tiny life temporarily. And we are noble enough to understand that the life itself is temporary. Our temporary togetherness could have been the result of your prayers in the past life in any life forms, a pair of hen and a cock, an ox and a cow, a boar and a gilt/sow, etcetera. And who knows we might continue meeting temporarily even in the generations yet to come in any life forms. Therefore, if we ever cross our path again before we bid adieu to this samsaric world, let us sit over a cup of tea, coffee, a glass of beer or may be even a sumptuous meal. If we can't do that let's smile to each other and reminisce. That's my proposal. But if you think that my short meeting with you had negative impact in your life, you have the liberty to curse me to any heights you like. I can't do more than providing you with the total freedom to judge me in any convenient ways you wish to. I am absolutely okay with it. Through my window, life itself is not so serious although many of us take it otherwise. Life ends anytime anywhere anyway. Why bargain so much about it? It does not last more than 100 years even for the luckiest ones. Any reasons for us to be agitating? Absolute no. The end is certain and we even know the time-frame even if live with the best of the best facilities in the world. So, let's reconcile inside and forgive each other. Let us live, entertain ourselves and be happy even though we aren't able to put up together because of the invisible karmic forces. Let us not look to each other with disdain and suspecting eyes. Let us be friends till the last day of our lives. Let us rejoice. It is how we live that matters and not what we have. Whether you own me should not matter much as long as you live happily. And I am for your happiness till the day you are able to breathe and that's the guarantee I can give you without any reservations. If there are emergencies, count on me, I am there. Your happiness is my happiness. No argument about it. Smile as much as you can, laugh loudly whenever you feel like. Create opportunities to smile and laugh all the time. Every thing around us is temporary. Give. Take. They are normal. Live your life the way you like. Enjoy every moment.

Keep moving, after all there is a stoppage any way at some point of time in your life. Do what you like.

Disclaimer

This is my personal thought and anything written here is not intended to harm or promote people or things mentioned here. No one is authorized to use the content of this blog for either personal or public purpose. People mentioned here in are fictitious characters and any resemblance to anyone with some characters or more are purely coincidence.

SAYING NO - MY ACHILLE’S HEEL

I have a small problem and that is saying NO to people. I don’t know why just I can’t say NO but I can’t simply say NO and I wonder why?

Last year, a man came to sell his cat to me at my home. I told him that I do not need cats and that they are unnecessary since I do not have rats at my home compound. But he insisted that I buy the cat and that he will bring some rat around my home later in the evening. I could not turn down his offer since he was so cute in explaining his situation. Further, to my astonishment and true to his words, he returned towards the evening with a family of four rats and told me that his cat would be useful to me now that he has released the rats around. How do you guys respond to such people? Please teach me how to turn off such people away without hurting their sentiments.

The Cat Seller!

A year before last, an egg seller came to my door to ask if I need some. I told him that I had few dozens already brought from the local market and that I did not need more. But he insisted that I try his brand of egg as it came all the way from his village where only organic farm productions are encouraged. I had to buy at least a dozen since his explanation was so sweet although I had a few dozens in the kitchen already. Have you ever come through such a situation? How would you keep the egg seller out without offending him?

The Egg Seller!

Not long ago, a beautiful lady turned up to offer herself to me since she knew that I live alone. May be she needed it as she explained to me that she did not have opportunity to meet males in the last few months. I said I do not get indulged into such activities since I have vowed not to touch ladies for some time. However, she started removing her clothes and grabbing my things even before I could notice that I was also interested. Can anyone teach me how to avoid such approaches? I need to learn some tactics to free myself off from such desirable happenings.

The lady who took her chance to grab me!

A Badham (ground nut) seller pushed in a packet of Badham through the opened window of my car and told me the price of the packed. I told him that I do not like such stuff much, but he insisted that it was roasted on the hot sand and that it was very tasty. I could not turn down his offer only to learn later that the Badham was not too good for consumption. How do you push such people out of your way polite and unharmed? I need the idea. Please teach me.

The Groundnut Seller!  

A knife seller just shoved in one of his knives through my car window and started promoting the quality of his knife. I told him that I have enough knives and that it was not necessary for me to own many knives. He explained that the knife was made of Truck Spring and that it is very good for use. Under pressure due to his soft and mouth watering explanation, I had to yield to his request and got the extra knife. Any idea how to deal with such people by not making them unhappy? Couldn't believe I got the knife. Help me chase such people please.

The knife seller!

An old lady wanted to hitch a ride with me and explained that she had to reach the hospital before a set time. I said I was not going to the hospital side, but she insisted that if elderly people like her are helped I would accumulate merits. I reached her to the hospice but was late for my emergency meeting. Can anyone help me reject such offers? I need your blessings to deal with such situations. Can't say NO. Put some guts in me, please.

An old lady!

Many people might hope "I marry them since I am an old Bachelor" but that may not be true. However, I know I can't say NO if anyone propose me. A few proposals that I could not say NO are still pending. Weak at heart person like me cannot say NO to any of them. I have accepted all of them and I am now in quandary and I am looking for methods to see them off but without hurting them. Can any one teach me how to do it so? Help!

Person who wants to be strong but not!

Haha! Just kidding guys. He wishes many ladies to ask but unfortunate, not many ask him. Sometimes jokes are good in the samsara which is full of conditions. Enjoy my jokes. This is written with a lightest heart!

Disclaimer

This is my personal thought and anything written here is not intended to harm or promote people or things mentioned here. No one is authorized to use the content of this blog for either personal or public purpose. People mentioned here in are fictitious characters and any resemblance to anyone with some characters or more are purely coincidence.

MEADOWS AND MOUNTAINS - THE RAELMOTENG WAY OF LIFE

A kind of Photo Journalism!

Great Indian Poet, Rabindranath Tagore praised the trees thus, “Trees are the earth's endless effort to speak to the listening heaven" and here we have ample trees which are further beautified by meadows and mountains of unparalleled beauty. Enjoy. Imagine life without trees, it would be pretty much like head without hairs. I love this place.

Figure 1. A fully environmental friendly home amidst the green assortment of plants in Raelmoteng is cozy and warm. "Green is the prime color of the world, and that from which its loveliness arises" is what Pedro Calderon de la Barca has to say and I believe it is true.

Figure 2. View of Raelmoteng Lhakhang towards the evening with the shadow of setting sun up the Phomoche Valley. Just as John Ruskin said, “Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather" and the weather here is always refreshing. No annoyances only enjoyments.

Figure 3. Environmentalist Rachel Carson notes that, “Those who contemplate the beauty of the Earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts” and I am amused by what she means. I believe her words in every sense. Look at this morning scene from Raelmoteng. Simply stunning! 

Figure 4. I find a lot of sense in Walt Whitman, an American essayist who wrote, “Give me odorous at sunrise a garden of beautiful flowers where I can walk undisturbed” because there is no reason for anyone not to love a life in a place where one could walk through gardens full of beautiful flowers with sweet fragrance every morning and evening. Raelmoteng is one such place which has the potential to provide us this life full of flowers around.

Figure 5. The tradition and custom of mountain people hoisting prayer flags of different colour enhances the beauty of the mountainsides and the meadows. The flags however are not put up for fun. They are for the well being of the people living around or for those who have already expired. These flags are believed to console the struggling souls of dead people or bring forth peace and tranquility to the nearby dwellers. If you sit on a strategically advantageous spot and look at the meadows and mountains around Raelmoteng, you may recall Jane Austen, and English Novelist who put “To sit in the shade on a fine day and look upon the verdant green hills is the most perfect refreshment.” I assure you, the place is refreshing. 

Figure 6. The house is built of timber, the horses feed on medicinal plants, and people inhale pure oxygen. The place is organic in every sense. Beautiful. I love it. Aristotle said, "Nature does nothing uselessly" and here nature takes care of everything. They have enough to eat, drink and live. 

Figure 7. Have anyone seen heaven? I think I have seen one, that's Raelmoteng, a place that have a lot of story to tell. If Jules Renard, a French author who said, "On earth there is no heaven, but there are pieces of it" was around today, he could have made his phrase even stronger and more beautiful. This place is amazing.

Figure 8. In Thrizompa (a place 20 minute walk from Raelmoteng), the dictum of Plautis who noted, “The day, water, sun, moon, night - I do not have to purchase these things with money” changes as the place offer you Arra and Bangchang (local alcohol), Shakam (dried meat), Chugo (locally hardened cheese) and Cheese free of cost. Do not miss this wood house. They have something to offer you free of cost .

Figure 9. Thrizompa from further angle. Simply beautiful. I love the way this people live. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow said “The best thing one can do when it's raining is to let it rain” so is the case here. People here don't bother rain, sun or cloud. They just smile.

Figure 10. Thrimzompa belongs to Aii Kezang (the one serving us sooja). How envious? Mother of several people staying around Singye Dzong, Samtenling (Shingphel), Raelmoteng, Phomoche and Thangchenpo, she is Ama for all kinds of people. Always smiling, she will never let a new person pass her place without at least a cup of tea. I really like her jovial nature. James Dean has to say that “I also became close to nature and am now able to appreciate the beauty with which this world is endowed.” So, I like Aii Kezang and her surroundings.

Figure 11. In between Raelmoteng and Thrizompa, this age-old grinding machine has long history which I will not spell it out here. But believe me the dialogue between Pascal and Jigme is interesting. Blaise Pascal, "Beauty is a harmonious relation between something in our nature and the quality of the object which delights us." Jigme: “Yea, I believe you Pascal.”

Figure 12. The Raelmoteng Community people never worried about things beyond their yaks, happiness and enjoyment with the nature. We named one of them Madhuri after Indian Actress Madhuri Dixit. If they dress up well, they will surely look like one. But I think they are happy the way they are, so never think of decorating themselves with things they wouldn't be comfortable with. Any guess who is Madhuri here?

Figure 13. But to reach Raelmoteng we need to walk three days and it is not easy. I sat in this cave for 6 times in different year the latest one being in 2011 and I still intend to sit there. Called Toe Toe Japhu, it is one resting place that will relieve you of your sweat on the third day to Raelmoteng. Edward Abbey's  “May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds" becomes my prayer whenever I am on this trail.

Figure 14. No matter what, just take me into the jungles and let me get immersed inside them. John Muir's line, “Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves” are my dreams when I climb these mountains. This is the climb you will face after crossing Raelmoteng if you intend to be in Singye Dzong, Khandro Yeshi Tshogyal's Thrinley Nye.

Disclaimer

This is my personal thought and anything written here is not intended to harm or promote people or things mentioned here. No one is authorized to use the content of this blog for either official, personal or legal purposes. People mentioned here in are fictitious characters and any resemblance to anyone with some characters or more are purely coincidence.

A WHISKY BOTTLE AND MY DEAR FRIENDS

WE MET WE ENJOYED WE DEPARTED WE STILL LINK WITH ONE OTHER: The then Dzongkhag Foresters of Trashigang.

This are my colleagues who are rock solid in Thadamtsi, Ley Judrey and who believe in Karma. No matter what the situation is, they don't falter. They are strong.

I have no name for this guy. The man from Yadi in Mongar is one of the finest assistants that I worked ever with. He would often tell me, "Sir, work, no problem, we will do it. That's easy." He would stay in the computer over night if the work is urgent and would only stop when he is satisfied with what he has done. I am told he is now in Trongsa and I hope his Bosses are using him judiciously. He is a brilliant forester. The Whiskey Bottle is for fun and I urge you not to look at it. 

The guy from Gongdhu in Mongar is someone whom no one can joke with when it comes to sincerity and honesty. Brilliant at what he does, he once told me he would never go outside rules. I love the the guy for his simplicity and sincerity. An honest man, he would not cheat anyone including his enemies. I last saw him working with Trashigang Dzong Renovation Project, where I put him in-charge of timber and other natural resources before we were shattered into pieces. The Whiskey Bottle is for fun and I urge you not to look at it.

This Drujeygang fellow is brilliant in managing the public. An honest guy, he will follow all the instructions of his Bosses and can really control the mood of his people (community or his colleagues). He is also a good footballer and believes that games and sports keep him alive. A fearless fellow, he won't mind challenging anyone going against the law. He is even physically fit to handle few people on his own. He was in Udzorong Gewog when I left him and I have been told he is still down there. He is a thoroughly seasoned guy and must be putting his best to keep his Udzorong CFs going. The Whiskey Bottle is for fun and I urge you not to look at it.

The guy from Ganglakpong in Mongar is as simple as the fellow from Gongdhu in Mongar. Soft spoken, he will never challenge his colleagues or juniors even if he has rights. Such is his simplicity. I once told him to negotiate a deal with a lady (against all the available laws) and he gave his best since he is my good friend although we did not win the negotiation. And we know such deals are impossible. But I found his effort commendable. Good at many office things, I left him at Trashigang Office when I left for my new place of posting. We connect daily even today. The Whiskey Bottle is for fun and I urge you not to look at it.

The Silambi fellow has one skill that rest of his colleagues do not have. I will not disclose his skill here but will keep in my mind. Okay type fellow, he puts his best to whatever he does. One of his best qualities is resisting violence from his colleagues. He will not challenge his agitating colleagues and remain patient all the time. I adore his patience. When I left him he was with Yangnyer Office in Trashigang and I am told he is still there. The Whiskey Bottle is for fun and I urge you not to look at it.

 This Korphu guy is a brilliant fella. He is one fellow who exactly is on my trail. If I am successful he is going to be more successful than me. Having said that, he knows exactly what he does and would judge things and only after proper scanning. He changed his wife but for a good cause I was told. He passed civil service exams as he worked very very hard. I hope he will continue to be a successful man and I pray for that. No one can joke about his sharpness. The Whiskey Bottle is for fun and I urge you not to look at it.

 The guy from Gomdhar is one fellow one should not joke with. A hard working fellow, I left him in Lumang when I left Trashigang and he still continues to be there. Ask him any questions, he has answers bro! I will not share his skill here but he is a worthy civil servant with full of wits. Often put off by his friends for bragging, he is one of the most interesting guys of our team. Lots of humour and lots of serious businesses. The Whiskey Bottle is for fun and I urge you not to look at it.

 The youngest of all the Whiskey Bottle holders, the guy from Yurung in Pema Gatshel is intrumental in so many GIS works. Simple and effective, he chooses to remain simple and has made Phongmey his home prior to my arrival in Trashigang and still continues to be there. He is human than many of us and adores his colleagues and family. The Whiskey Bottle is for fun and I urge you not to look at it. 

And you know the guy (hahaha) not to be joked but to be laughed at. No definition for the guy for he believes he is defined (a very very wrong feeling that he carries over). Huge but afraid of ladies lol. We have many other outstandingly good friends from our then office but they don't hold Whisky Bottles, so, they are not included in this group. Seriously though, Whiskey Bottle is for FUN, BIG FUN.

Let's include a game now. Who drank most of the Whiskey? Who amongst the featured guys do not actually drink (For clue see in the picture, you will notice in one of them the Whiskey does not flow)? Was there real Whiskey inside? When and where did this acting happened? Who is the hero?

Disclaimer

This is my personal thought and anything written here is not intended to harm or promote people or things mentioned here. No one is authorized to use the content of this blog for either personal or private purpose. People mentioned here in are fictitious characters and any resemblance to anyone with some characters or more are purely coincidence.

BEAUTIFUL BROGPA BUDDIES - CUTE CULTURE

With the Beautiful Brogpa Buddies - not long ago!

In between 2012 and 2017 I served Trashigang District, a time I thought I should share here with my one or two blog followers. I am not a famous person and being one is not in my mind but these photos are put online to keep me reminded how I served the people and how I had the compensation from state for my works. I am a timid man who follow rules like Buddhists follow Kanjoor and Tenjoor, Muslima Quran, Christians Bible. But here I want to go a bit away from my normal route to keep my memories going.

Deborah Cater has to say "You have to taste a culture to understand it." I tasted it and I know it. They talk the way they want to and they can also like any ordinary person manipulate things if they have to. But I like the way they enjoy their harsh way of life without any disgruntlement. Long Live the Brogpas!

And Menander says, "Culture makes all men gentle." I don't know much about how culture makes men gentle but I get softened every time I see Brogpa ladies, young or old. May be I like them, I am not sure. These two girls were respectable, responsible and reassuring. They came to reach us with the traditional arra till the end of their village. I will not tell the year though. I find them beautiful. They are beautiful right?

We shape the culture, the and they call us agents of change, the dream makers. We dream of our Brogpa culture unaltered for eons but we dream for an easier life for our Brogpas. They know what to do and we encourage them to continue with their tradition of maintaining cattle, wearing the same dresses. Here, at least two civil servants have been localized. One is an Administrative Officer while the other is the Livestock Extension Agent (extreme left). Cheers to Brogpas way of dressing!

Look at this cheerful lady. Who would not appreciate a Brogpa? Well, if you don't, it is your problem. I love these ladies not for their strength but for their cheerful faces in the most difficult times. Jonathan Safran Foer says, "Food is not rational. Food is culture, habit, craving and identity." It is true. Yea, it is indeed true.

Albert Einstein said, “Without ethical culture, there is no salvation for humanity.” Right! I guess. So, look at the 1000 miles smiles. Do you laugh a day like that? I don't think so. These are the people who want to keep the culture going. No dearth of people who are interested to keep it going. Just put a little effort to keep them going. We can do it. It is not impossible.

I thought I was doing what John Ray has to say on beauty, “Beauty is power; a smile is its sword.” Yea, that's true! But I found in the photo later that the beautiful lass was not at all amused when I raised my hand to hold her to show to the world that I appreciated her. I felt like I forced her and you can't imagine how guilty I am even today. I was later convinced that she did not dislike the idea of my hand over her but feared social objection since we barely knew each other. Look at her. Isn't she beautiful? If you don't find so, your eyes have problem. Please visit the hospital. We will keep the culture going at any cost. So determined are we.

Everywhere, anywhere, somehow and whatever the situation. Do you doubt my liking of the Brogpas way of life. See me here. This was in Khelephu in 2013 with Tshogpa. Anywhere I am there, I am with them. Everywhere I meet them, I greet them. Somehow I make a point to reach them. However, I know that they are better than me by many times in many fields.

Leadership unsurpassed! With the former Gup (now no more) of Merak and the then Dean of Bhutan's first College, Sherubtse. The Gup was a cool person not bothered by many harsh things at his cold place. He would talk less and speak what he meant only. However, he would joke with me since I never told him things very seriously. He liked me the way I liked him. Reserved and innocent, he never had any malice against his people. The Dean and I studied our Pre-University at Sherubtse itself. The wonderfully cool man served the College well.

Mesmerizing-Ly cheerful people! They would not mind a photo with me but they would like the hard copies of the photos. I could never supply them with hard copies but now that they are online, I will share this blog with them. I hope they will like it and I am sure they will.

Taming the natural products; Gentiana species are used as curry materials. A very sincere but less read village Apa (second leader) never had an idea to bully his people or cheat them in any way. He just wanted to complete his term to do the business of natural resources management on the principles of sustainable management. Cheers to Apa. Heard he is doing well.

Nothing harsh for them. They can cross Nyagchungla any time of the day. Amazing ladies! Aren't they? They were returning from Sakteng in one of my trips between Merak and Sakteng via Nyagchungla. I thought, "wow, wonderful ladies" and for the record, they did not appear a bit tired and I realized how weak I was when I could reach Sakteng very late night. Keep your sturdiness going. I admire you ladies.

With Local guardians of nature and culture; Livestock man, Administrator, Gup, Forester, Mangmi and an Engineering Technician. Together, we walk the extra mile to keep the society going. I can't imagine their capability to cover miles in less than half the time I take. The yak herds are miles away from their homes but they manage them with ease. What more, they even carry a lot of loads on their backs while moving from one pasture to the other.

Rain, snow, sun, windstorms, flood do not matter to them. They enjoy their problems absolutely. No worries, no hurries. Just live the way they are. Ap Nima here with me has less hair to comb but more face to wash and even his teeth may need no brush very soon. He agrees to my joke but with lesser amusement. And I am sure he finds me a very funny as I always disturb him whenever I am at Merak. For no good reasons I call him at night and ask questions such as "how many ladies love you so far" which does not go well to him and he laughs away.

Just for a change, I forested him with my official cap and he told me to let it be there forever. Well, nothing lasts forever and I needed the cap. So, cap for him only for photography. See what he is wearing. He told me "No problem" the hide comes from across the border, so it is not one of our Gorals. Does that make sense? But I think I cannot sue him for that Goral that was killed before I entered forest service. That stinks but I think it is organic. Cheers to Brokpa culture.

No wonder, Brogpa buddies have road right up inside their village. They are good planners. They were and they will plan well. They asked us if we can supply them with many things and one of my friends told them "you guys are really intelligent and we will put the best of what we can for you all." I was witnessing the discussion and concluded that they were highly informed people. Kudos to Brogpas.

Lady planner in action. No nonsense business. Just wait and watch. My buddies know what they need. Brogpa ladies to stay at home and serve their men and children. They are amazingly cheerful and does not give damn to any weather conditions, such an admirable courage. I would love to have one of them with me but for a slot with me. Given the chance, I would keep one of them as my partner lol (this is serious joke).

No problem making plans but problem with the funds was what I heard but fund was very much there. But when we planned, we had funds and I am sure they enjoyed many facilities out of the project we planned. Of course I know they also forgot what we did then. Plantations, Bukhari, CGI sheets, bridges, river embankments and many more. No confusions about what we did after our plan.

Juniper on the Dzos' back. To keep the culture going, the Dzos have to keep carrying things. Roads do not matter to them. Culture! But later things are likely to change and I see a dwindling lovely culture. What to do? Let it go the way it should.

 

But the imminent threat is loss of dress culture sooner or later. Less people likely to continue wearing same dress. Wondering how to make it keep going? May be marry one of my cousins and let the culture flourish. Any other ways, please teach me.

Stinking but not un-enjoyable, after all it is organic. Let's live. Let the Brogpa culture live and of course let them flourish and let us cherish. This is how I remember my Brogpa Buddies! 

Disclaimer

This is my personal thought and anything written here is not intended to harm or promote people or things mentioned here. No one is authorized to use the content of this blog for either personal or private purpose. People mentioned here in are fictitious characters and any resemblance to anyone with some characters or more are purely coincidence.