Water: the source of Happiness

Bhutan - our motherland is located in the heart of eastern Himalayas. Our country shares its international boundaries with China in the North and India in the East, West and South. We all know that our 38,983 square kilometer land is divided into mountainous terrain and some very smaller amount of plains in the south. Despite being in culture and traditions, our country is rich with more than 72 percent forest covered land, surrounded by land from all the sides of the country.

Due to motherland being landlocked and mountainous topography, and moreover, some 72 percent of the land is covered with forest areas, water sources in the country is available. This is how ‘we’ Bhutanese enjoy tremendous peace and happiness in everyone’s life on the earth. The rivers flow from high altitudes to the low altitudes throughout the year. The stream, springs, rivers, tributaries, and lakes are the main sources of water supply in the country. Wherever we stay and move, we are surrounded by waters. We could get fresh and clean water everywhere.

The rivers flow from the top of the mountains to the plains in the south through various hills and gorges. The rivers are originated from the glaciers, streams, and springs and sometimes out of melting of the snow on the mountains, and many more. The spring and stream water that come out from the soil have high potential of mineral contents and its said to be good for health.

Today, the country like ours is under developing stage. The developmental activities such as construction of roads, schools, houses, hydroelectric projects, industries, etc. are in the process. Such construction works are carried on in forested areas and also in farmlands. The thousand acres of land are used for above purpose. The trees in that particular area are cut down without hesitation. This may lead decrease forest covered area drastically. When the numbers of trees are reduced, the stream and spring water sources would dry up. Industries are set up in the country, the industrial wastes such as harm gases are emit in the air, harmful liquids in the water, and in open area. These would have negative impacts on environment which force to water pollution, in which water sources are being lessened.

In the scenarios of the world’s water bodies, only 3 percent of the water on the earth surface is fresh and drinkable. The 97 percent of the water on earth’s surface is salty. The salty water is not good for our health. The 3 percent of the fresh water is shared amongst the world’s population. Coming to Bhutan, the waters in our country is useable. Some spring water contains enough amounts of minerals that are good for health. We, the Bhutanese people does not have water shortage problem as of now. But things are changing with development activities are underway. Water shortage will soon hit the cities and towns.

For example, Thimphu is our capital city; before few decades, the buildings in the city were sparsely erected. The less people were lived there. The fresh and clean water was supplied in every household for 24 hours a day. Today, the houses are already crowded; population is increasing every now and then. Due to crowded and congested area, more construction works carried in the area, the water sources are dried up, which was connected to Thimphu city. Now the scenario has changed. The water supplied for 24 hours a day has changed to few hours a day. This is happens due to the climate change over the year.

The situation of the country of being available fresh and clean water sources is in the process changing. Every dzongkhag have towns, where thousands of people settled together. Water supply has become scarcer than before. There are many rivers flowing in the valleys which have become unusable, because the waste drains from the houses are connected to. If this is the case, how we can conserve water for our younger generations?

In our country, until now, water has been sources of happiness for all individuals. Compare our country with our neighbor country or our friend, India. In 2009, I was referred to Vellore, India for further treatment. I stayed there for few weeks. It was sophisticated to stay there, because of unavailability of fresh and clean water for drinking purposes, forget about taking bath and all. We had to buy bottled water for drinking and cooking purposes. To take bath and wash clothes, we had use tap water that’s muddy and dirty. These were the water problems in India. Back to Bhutan, as soon as I reached Phuentsholing, I could experience or see fresh and clean water. This is difference between our country and our neighbor country.

Due to climate change taking place in the country and in world as a whole, the water is getting scarcer and scarcer yearly. This problem is rising because, the people in the world today use greenhouse to plant crops and vegetables. The greenhouse has positive impacts but also has negative impacts, which lead to climate change that directly affect our water sources. Industrialization is one of the reasons for water becoming scarcer. For the industries to be set up, large amount of land is needed. The land is being cleared up and construction starts on thereafter. Though, growths of industries are good for the country from economy point of view, but it undoubtedly affects the sources of the water. Human-activities such as use of vehicles, shifting cultivation, forest fires, etc. also harm environment and lead to scarcer of the water.

With this our water sources that I mentioned in above paragraphs would dry up. The sources would be lessened. Streams and springs water will one day go nowhere. Our country’s situation would be poor in water sources.

Importance of Mipham Kabum Wang-Lung

Mipham Rinpoche, 1846-1912

Phuentsholing, the south-western Bhutan was crowded for last more than one and half months. The people from various parts of the country and also people from around the world congregated there to receive Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo’s Wang (Empowerment) and Mipham Kabum Wang-Lung (Empowerment and Oral Transmissions) administered by His Holiness Kyabje Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche. The Wanglung was started on 5^th December, 2013 for almost two months.

During more than month and half, Rinpoche bestowed Wang-Lung which comprises Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo’s empowerment and Mipham Wang-Lung that includes the entire works of Kunkhyen Mipham Rinpoche. Rinpoche bestowed entire Wangs of Mipham Rinpoche on 19^th January. 

Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo was born in 1820 and passed away in 1892. In 19^th Century in Tibet he was a well-known Teacher, Scholar and Terton. Rinpoche was one of the secretions of Manjushri and also Kui Namtrul (Body Manifestation) of Kunkhen Rigzin Jigme Lingpa (Kunkhen Rigzin Jigme Lingpa’s Kabum Wang-Lung was bestowed at Gelephu in 2012 to 2013 by H.H. Kyabje Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche). 

 

Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo had number of disciples that includes Mipham Jamyang Namgyal Gyamtso, Jamgon Kongtrul, Dodrupchen -3^rd, Terton Chokjur Lingpa, Nesar Jamyang Tenphel, Terton Lerablingpa, Adzom Drukpa, Tokden Shakyasheri, and many more.

Jamgon Ju Mipham or Mipham Jamyang Namgyal Gyamtso who was born in 1846 and passed away in 1912 was one of the great disciples of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo. He was also well-known as Mipham -the Great. He was one of the great masters of the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Mahayana Buddhism. Like Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo, Mipham Rinpoche was also the emanation of Manjushri. His disciples Dodrupchen -3^rd, Shechen Gyeltsab, Kathok Situ, 5^th Dzogchen, Adzom Drukpa, Tokden Shakyashri, Nesar Jamyang Tenphel, and so on.

His Holiness Kyabje Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche was born on 30^th Day of Bhutanese Calendar in 1965 in Eastern Bhutan. He is 7^th incarnation of Nub Namkhai Nyingpo who was the great disciple of Ugyen Guru Rinpoche. Rinpoche received detailed Wang-Lung from Kyabje Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, who passed away in 1991, 4^th Dodrupchen Rinpoche, Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche, Khenchen Kuenga Wangchuk and numerous other masters.  

Rinpoche bestowed Rinchen Terzey Wang-Lung in Tsenkharla in eastern Bhutan in 2006 to 2007 for more than 6 months, Kamai Wang-Lung in Phuentsholing in 2011-2012, Kunkhyen Rinzin Jigme Lingpa’s Wang-Lung in Gelephu in 2012. Rinpoche also administered various Wang-Lungs in different places in the country or outside the country. Rinpoche also presided over numerous Drupchens over so far.

The devotees from all over the country offered the Ku-Suung-Thugki Mendrel every day. The Prime Minster, Ministers, Speaker, NC Chairman, Eminent members of parliament too offered the Ku-Suung-Thugki Mendrel. The Dashos and high level officials, Arm force, Trulkus, Monks, Nuns, lay monks and lay people also offered mandrel. Businessmen and women from Jaigoan whole heartedly offered their prayers and mandrel to Rinpoche. 

Kyabje Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche

Mipham Kabum Wang-Lung in Phuentsholing is supported by three distinguished Jindas who held from Eastern Bhutan. The lunch and teas were sponsored by various sponsors from within and outside the country. 

More than hundreds of Lams and Trulkus, over 3000 to 5000 monks, nuns, lay monks and over 15,000 to 20,000 people gathered every day to receive Wang-Lung. 

On 26^th January, Rinpoche bestowed Ju Mipham Rinpoche’s Long Life Empowerment (Tshewang). More than 50,000 to 60,000 devotees gathered to receive blessing. On Tuesday, Wang-Lung will end offering Khando Tenzhu and Buelwa to His Holiness.

The group from Bhutanese Film and crew members presented various cultural and comedy show to the His Holiness and the devotees.

Zero-tolerance on indiscipline in school is right move?

In the contemporary world of today, the school is playing an important role to impart modern education to the younger generations. The school is the temple or place for the learners to learn whatever they wish. Each and every school has their prescribed rules to be followed by the students. The students are always under the rule of particular school and the laws of education as a whole.

The discipline in school compound is one the rules that are to be followed by the students of the school. The schools have got several methodologies in teaching-learning process. There are thousands of disciplined students all over the country. But also there are thousands of undisciplined students all over the country as of now.

For further information and understanding, indiscipline in school is the person who did not follow the prescribed rules of the school. Zero-tolerance on indiscipline in school is right move? That is true and rightful for the education system in the country.

The school is collections of different tribes, class, creed, caste, religion, etc. of people from around the world. There may be hundreds and thousands of indiscipline students. No excuse or Zero-tolerance on indiscipline in school is right move as the indiscipline students may create more problems in the schools. They will go against the teachers who impart lifelong knowledge. They may fight against teachers, elders and with their friends. The person may not have feelings to be good in the school, but rather they may try to create jumble and muddle problems, which leads to low quality of education in the school. The person who is indiscipline may not think of their school, their teachers, and their elders. They may form in group and some others may also join the group. Finally, they may create tremendous problems in the society within short period of time, but will remain in the society for longer period of time. These problems may leads reputation of the school to the ground. Therefore, I would like to say that the Zero-tolerance on indiscipline in school is right move. So, no excuses for in-disciplined students in the school.

But, when there are indiscipline students in schools, the school authority should have to look in what is the main problem with that particular or group of people. The school authority should do research on what is good and bad, what is the problems and all. The internal study should be carried out; concern authority should form a group, should have to advice them, counsel them and nurture them. The indiscipline person must be given chance to get improved, excuses should be given to them. They may fight within themselves, go against teachers, but one thing that concern authority must keep in mind is that excuses are parts of their life. One day or another, that undisciplined person may become one of the remarkable and well mannered ideal people in the society. Without tolerance, one must not improve; rather they may become more indiscipline than before. Therefore, the zero-tolerance on indiscipline in school is not right move. The Zero-tolerance should be avoided and evaded from the province and territory of the schools.

The person who is indiscipline in the school must be thrown out of the school. They should not be entertained in the school because, they may go against the King, Country and People – Tsa-Wa-Sum. They may not have first rate thinking to serve the Tsa-Wa-Sum, but they will plan to go against the country. For example; during 1990s, there were major problems in Southern Bhutan. There were involved thousands of Nepalese – the native people of Nepal. They battled against the local administrators, government and so on. They created several problems within the territory of Southern Bhutan. Why did they do such? This is because, they were undisciplined people came from Nepal. Likewise, indiscipline students in the school may also create same problems in the schools and later in the country. Thus, I urge readers not to tolerate on person who is indiscipline. Therefore, the zero-tolerance on indiscipline in school is right move for the growth of good future citizens.

Whereas, the person who is indiscipline may also get improved. We should not throw out of the schools. The King, Country and People are their own Tsa-Wa-Sum. I would like to say that the problems are not only created by person who is indiscipline people, but also disciplined people. For Example; in the well developed country in the world, there will be good leader, well mannered and disciplined. But some days and years before they were ill-mannered students, they changes the mind and ruling the country. Barack Obama uses drug when he was in school, but he ruled the world after becoming the president of United States of America. These things happen in the country, not due to disciplined people, but due to their own thinking. Likewise, the undisciplined students of today may become leaders of tomorrow. So, excuses and tolerance are greatly prominent and significant weapons. Therefore, zero-tolerance on indiscipline in school is not right move.

The discipline in school is one of the key factors to shape the personal manners of the students. The discipline committee in school is formed to impart knowledge on how much important the discipline is. To be well mannered and disciplined is human traits; one should not avoid the disciplines in our life.

There are merits and demerits of discipline in schools, but the merits are more significant and prominent as being human. Discipline is one of the traits of human being. Person without discipline is like person without codes and ethics of the human being.

Therefore, I urge readers to be well mannered and disciplined than undisciplined. So, the above topic is one of the debatable issues that will enhance the knowledge. “The Zero-Tolerance on indiscipline in school is right move” I assured.

Pedestrian day is good for society or environment?

Bhutan being one of the landlocked and small countries in the world has rightly introduced the “Pedestrian Day”. The Pedestrian Day was first started on World Environment Day. This is one of the unique introductions as the Day was not marked in rest of the world.

Royal Government of Bhutan collaboration with Environment Commission of Bhutan took initiatives to mark the day as “Pedestrian Day” stopping movement of the vehicle on every Tuesdays. The stopping vehicle movement on Tuesdays has advantages for the people who walk everyday to the offices, school goers and all others like such.

Though, the topic itself gives clear justification whether it’s good for society/ environment or not. For further clarification, I will discuss its advantages and disadvantages of Pedestrian Day. I will discuss it on ‘For’ and ‘Against’ the motion.

The Pedestrian Day in Bhutan is one of the major contributions to the nation and the world. The marking or celebrating of the day has advantages in numerous ways. Bhutan is one of the mountainous countries that have got 70% of the forest covered land. Bhutan is rich in natural resources which are threatened by the carbon monoxide which is emanated from vehicles every day. No Vehicle Day or Pedestrian Day has stopped the movement of the vehicle every Tuesdays to minimize unwanted gas. The gas produced before and now has vast difference in terms of amount of unwanted gas that is produced. Thus, the Pedestrian Day has helped to minimize unwanted gas which leads to protect environment. Therefore, I would strongly believe that the Pedestrian Day is good for society or environment.

Whereas, the Pedestrian Day in Bhutan is celebrated or marked on every Tuesdays; to stop the movement of vehicle is good. The Royal Government of Bhutan had taken initiatives collaboration with Royal Bhutan Police [RBP]. They stopped movement of vehicle on every Tuesdays which minimize the unwanted gas that are produced by vehicle. But before eight in the morning and after six in evening, the movement of vehicle is double and triple. 

Thousands of people drive their own vehicle for more hours. The movement of vehicle on Tuesdays is double than that of other days. The people never thought of good for society and environment, but rather they rushes towards their destinations. So, therefore, the movement is higher on Tuesdays which produces huge amount of unwanted gas that really affects the society or environment. Therefore, I would like to support that the Pedestrian Day is not good for society or Environment.

During the Pedestrian Day office goers and school goers walks from home to the office and school. Thousands of people who have imperative works in either location may also walk to their destinations. The people who walk to the offices, to the schools and to either of their destinations may have harmonious time to enjoy their walk. To walk for long hours may help to be healthy from medical point of view. When every individual is healthy, the people will be happy forever, which will fulfill the dreams of Gross National Happiness [GNH]. So, therefore, the country’s unique Developmental Philosophy the GHN will be fulfilled. The GHN philosophy may get enhanced. Therefore, the Pedestrian Day is good in the country like Bhutan, which will help enhancing the GHN philosophy.

But, to walk for few hours and to drive for long hours is not good for health. Though, people may walk to their offices, schools, institutions, place where they want to go and etc. From my point of view, to walk less and to drive more may not fulfill the Gross National Happiness [GNH] philosophy. How does Pedestrian Day may fulfill the GNH philosophy? There is no way to fulfill the GNH philosophy. Unlike other countries in the world, Bhutanese society is filled with GNH philosophy, but still there are numerous things to be come up like other countries. The Pedestrian Day gives more anxieties and tension to people sharing the same society. So, therefore, the Pedestrian Day is not good for the society or Environment.

On Pedestrian Day, the vehicles are stopped for Ten hours in a Day on Tuesdays has minimized the use of fuels. The imports of fuel may decrease. When the import of fuel is decreased, the outflow of money is also low. When the outflow of Bhutanese currency is low, the circulation of money will remain within the country. The money circulation within the same territory, the economy of the country will remain constant and will avoid shortage of the money. That will keep society more alert in terms of economy. The developmental activities may take place which may lead to advancement of infrastructures in terms of Health and Medical care, Education, etc. Therefore, the pedestrian day is good for society and environment.

However, the fuel people used in their car may increase due to more movement of the vehicle before 'Eight' in the morning and after Six in evening. The fuel consumption is very high during that period of time. The more movement of vehicle may lead to more use of fuel. The purchase of fuel during that period of time may lead to more outflow of money. The outflow of money may lead to problems in system of economy. The economic system may get disturbed and the government may borrow money from outside. The government debt may increase to solve problems in the society which leads the country to bankruptcy. So, therefore, I would like to say that the Pedestrian Day in country like Bhutan is not good.

The pedestrian Day is not celebrated and marked in other parts of the world. Bhutan took initiatives to avoid the environment pollution due to emanated and radiated unwanted gas. The Royal Government of Bhutan first introduced its initiation on World Environment Day, 2012. From my personal point of view, I would like to say that the Pedestrian Day would be one the greatest achievement for the Society and Environment.

The day will have some minor problems but then we can solve it within short period of time. There are more advantages and disadvantages for the society or Environment. So, therefore, I would to urge readers to cope up with the policy of Pedestrian Day.

Should Bhutan promote GNH abroad?

The GNH is very important philosophy in the countries like technologically and economically backward in the world. The most of the wealthy nation takes account the 'Gross Domestic Product' (GDP). Gross Domestic Product in Bhutanese society has given least importance than the GNH. The GNH is significantly growing further popular in the Nation like Kingdom of Bhutan.

The GNH stands for Gross National Happiness. GNH was first introduced and initiated by Former King of Bhutan Jigme Singye Wangchuck in drawn of 1970s, the unique developmental philosophy with bold intensions to get well known in the country not to the world. Later on, His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyelpo enhanced the GNH philosophies, which in turn gained popular in and around the world within short span of time. Bhutan was well identified and expands its popularity to the world because of the GNH - the true therapeutic philosophy initiated by Fourth King. 

The question here is Should Bhutan promote GNH abroad? The answer for the question is discussed with positive connotations that would help understand how much GNH is an important for the rest of the countries of the world. 

The GNH have four pillars which is indeed obliging for the poor and backward countries to come up with new ideas of development. The four pillars includes; the conservation of environment, preservation of culture, sustainable development and good governance. The conversation of environment would facilitate to uphold our evergreen nature of the environment around for the future generations. Culture and tradition would be preserved and protected for generations without any changes. In country like Bhutan and other small nations of the world with very low gross domestic product and income for the people, the sustainable development would lend a hand to maintain developmental process judiciously. Then the good governance would draw closer and subsist in such countries for extensively. Therefore, I would truly say that Bhutan should promote GNH philosophies abroad.

These days, GNH gained its name and fame all over the world; be it big or small, rich or poor and technologically advanced or backward countries, they all are committed to encourage our GNH philosophy to flourish and burgeon all over the world more than what is today. These philosophies helped Bhutan gain it popularity in the universe. Our country, the Kingdom of Bhutan was visited by numerous delegation teams to see how GNH subsist in the country which is called as the Birth place of GNH. Frequently, our former Prime Minister was invited to the western countries to talk on GNH which in return got foreign aids that helped our developmental process come to unexpected accomplishment. Thus, Bhutan the birth land of GNH should promote GNH philosophies abroad. 

GNH counts a lot in every developmental process, when development of infrastructure begun, the Environment will be definitely affected, Equity will be ruined, Culture will be vanished and Governance system might change adversely. But to keep all above mentioned unaffected, ruined, vanished and changed, the GNH is appropriate guide. If we the people of the world keep in mind the 'Four Pillars' of GNH, all these things may not happen in the society rather peace and happiness may prevail undoubtedly. Therefore, GNH is vital to be promoted and encouraged to expand its philosophies all over the world.