The LIVE facebook streaming by Hon’ble Prime Minister (HPM) on vaccination a few days back helped burst the bubble that was growing on coronavirus vaccine in the country. In particular the HPM’s announcement that he will definitely take the jap as and when the vaccination program begins in the country because he believes in the saftey and efficacy of the vaccine rather than as political stunt may have helped many overcome doubts regarding the vaccines. The more we look it up on the vaccine the more convinced we get about the safety of the vaccine given the current circumstances. Its saftey concern surfaced mainly because of the quickness with which the vaccine was developed.
Our body has self-healing power and it can defend itself against illness to some extent with the help of what is known as its immune system. The immune system is like a military system of a country and just as it defends the country by producing trained soldiers, our body produces what is known as antibodies(soldiers) to fight against the disease-causing germs(virus, bacteria), which in the current case is the coronavirus. However, when the body is overwhelmed with the onslaught of germs, it fails to respond as quickly as it should to defend against the disease-causing germs.
Although small almost equal in size to Switzerland, Bhutan is culturally more diversed and as a result different region celebrates different Losar (New Year). It starts with Lomba and Nyinlo and today’s Losar is populary known as “Sharchopey Losar” (Losar of the east) and will conclude with another one in the third month of the Bhutanese calander. However, according to His Holiness the 70th Chabjey Rinpoche, today’s Losar is also to be celebrated by all Bhutanese as it was introduced by the Great Compassionate Lama Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and it is known as traditional offering day to create an opportunity for people to earn spiritual merit by making offerings to Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. According to His Holiness, the more occasions we have to celebrate Losar, the more auspicious and joyous our life will be but one must not forget that the ultimate happiness is a result of blessings of Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. Starting today, the Sangha community led by Zhung Dratshang is reciting Soeldup Jigten Wangchen till Zhabdrung Kuchoe as a part of ongoing prayers for the country pulling through the pandemic. As we continue to celebrate our Losar, let us join the Sangha in making our offering in the form of reciting the Soeldup Jigten Wangchuk for the wellbeing of our Beloved King, country, the frontliners and all sentient beings.
Interesting, profound and timeless advice by Guru Rinpoche that was probably given in 8th century but still relevant today. It highlights the importance of good governance and the essence of how to build a just and harminious society. Specificially, it outlines the importance of rule of law, welfare of others, self-discipline, consensus building and teamwork, seeking feedback, valuing others opinion, preparation, duty, trust, raising children, critical thinking, endurance, due deligence, risk mitigation, humility, and many more.
Om Aa Hung Baza Guru Pems Sidhi Hung!
“HERE IS THE THIRTY-FIRST CHAPTER IN THE IMMACULATE LIFE STORY OF THE LOTUS-BORN MASTER, TELLING HOW MASTER PADMA GAVE HIS LAST WORDS TO THE MEN OF TIBET
RINCHEN DRAG OF NYO and other Tibetan laymen then asked, “Master, as you intend to leave for India and will not remain here any longer, how should the Tibetan men of future generation behave?” Master Padma replied:
“Old and young Tibetan men of future generations, Keep the laws of the king sacrosanct. Keep the decrees of the ruler inviolate. Without losing your individual needs, Guard the general welfare of others with your lives.
Do not take an oath in vain. Be strict about what is prohibited. Be in agreement when you assemble. Do not show disdain for the destitute.
Discuss in groups to avoid future regrets. First, let the wise people give advise. Keep integrity and be dependable.
Follow the advice of those who can think well. Let the courageous lead the army. Furnish the soldiers with weaponry. Let attendants keep guard at night. Appoint your servants by turn. When people trust you, do not disappoint them.
Since men are wise, They will achieve wealth, property, and fame. If you allow your offspring to be learned in Dharma, Wealth will always increase.
Whatever you do, first think well. To act without forethought creates many problems. When something can be corrected, What is the use of remaining displeased? When something cannot be changed, Why harbor ill-will?
If you progress slowly, at some point you will arrive. If you circumvent places of danger, you will not be harmed by enemies. If you speak gently, everyone will understand. Loud and harsh orders have only short term effect. If you act diligently anything can be accomplished. Being rash and inconsistent only makes you tired.
Practice the sublime Dharma for the sake of this life and the next. That will ensure permanent benefit.
I, Padmakara, am now taking leave, Whether you live in the present or will appear in the future, Tibetan men of future generations, keep this in your hearts.” Thus he gave instructions.
Out there, they go out of their ways to hold on to the power for as long as they could. Here, our Kings go out of their ways to abdicate the power at their own will for the sake of the country. Out there, people’s lives have been sacrificed to advance their own agenda. Here, our Kings lead from the front by putting their life at risk first in order to keep the lives of the people safe and secured. Out there, all possible efforts are made to prolong their stay in power by overlooking the preventable deaths due to COVID-19. Here, our King spend sleepless nights and tireless days to ensure that not a single life is lost to the deadly pandemic. When the people of the what is supposed to be the most civilized nation have been robbed off the fundamental sense of what is right and wrong, what has this life come to. The so called beacon of democracy has seen its darkest moment and yet we blame the world as if it is out there somewhere that needs fixing, when it is pretty much what’s inside. It cannot be said enough that the world out there is just a reflection of what’s inside of each of us. Unless we feel, think and act on this simple truth, such dark moments will not see the light. Not by pursuit of what is called the American Dream without first knowing what is robbing this dream from inside. May our Beloved Kings- the embodiment of compassion and wisdom- continue to be the source of inspiration for all. May our Beloved King- the most revered treasure of our collective merit- Live Long.
The night will reach its peak tonight and begin to recede as we celebrate yet another new year festival, the NYILO that Mark’s the shortest day and prepares the return of the sun.
May this NYILO usher endless brighter days and continue to return the sun of peace and Happiness.
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