Butterflies

 

The beauty queen

Taste in the air

The art in the nature

Queen of color

The invisible feast

Queen of the nectar

Water, the life savior

Hello LAL

Butterflies are small flying creatures. It is beautiful and attractive. Found in different colors and sizes, it is one of the very shy and sensitive creatures to photograph. As beautiful as it appears, it is extremely difficult to be around. However, good control over the camera is one way to maneuver the mission. Further, your behavior, body gears and movement also makes your trips successful and fulfilling.

 

I started my journey of watching and shooting this little creature in the year 2013. I lost a good collection (a few thousands) of photographs of roughly 150 different varieties of butterflies when I got a bad hard drive crash. It didn't stop me. I took another journey to keep my passion alive. I started watching and shooting in the next few years. Ever since, I fell in love with this little and beautiful creature in nature. It is nice to hang around with this flying being. Sometime, I wish to fly like them. One of the best moments I ever spent around bushes, fields, mountains, streams and riversides was with this little guy. It will definitely gonna get into my memory for the rest of my life.

The other hope I have with this insect is to go to the valley of Tashiyangtse and Pemagatsel to shoot Bhutanitis Ludlowi, better known as Ludlow's Bhutan Swallowtail. 

Please do not misunderstand me over hunter Frank Ludlow and GeorgeSheriff. I am no way outraging like them in the field of nature. But I am one a serious nature lover.  

Thank you.

xxx

Book Review: Within the Realm of Happiness

by

Kinley Dorji

After a Radio Valley Talk Show hosted by Kunga Dorji, better known as "supe", I came to know Dasho Kinley Dorji more and better than I saw him as a secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communication. Listening to their talk show, I was thrilled to have his book and waited for the book. 

A few weeks ago, I came across a post made by Chablop PaSsu on "BOOKNESE" about the book release, ready for an online order. It took me no time to place an order. With the hope deep inside, I waited for an immediate response from the page admin. After a few hours, it was Lyonpo Loknath Sharma, Minister for Economic Affairs who gracefully and coincidentally responded as "Sancha, where are you –I can send you a copy as I got two la". It took me some time to think and respond to Lyonpo. Honestly it took me many more to respond. But, deep inside I needed the book by Dasho Kinley. I was longing read his book. I gave my address to Lyonpo in a personal chat message. It was this special moment I realized how deep and low our Lyonpo is for the common subject. Had a few quick conversations and a few lines of introduction. It made sense on both ends. Lyonpo assured, the book will be sent in the fastest possible express. It also says, cost is notional. No worries sir, as long as your students are happy with you –I can spare a tiny and mighty book for you. Goodnight!

Indeed, it was a beautiful way to end the conversation. Perhaps, I was happy and excited. 

Next day, I received a call from his officer stating the book was sent through taxi service. It will be delivered at your doorstep in next 5-hour. Lost in puzzle, and deeply moved by the kindness, hardly a few more words came to thank the person talking to the other end. Thank you madam. I will let you know once I receive the book. 

It was before dusk, I got a call from Taxi driver saying; please collect your parcel from the booking. I did as ordered. 

The piece of literature I dream for so long from the person I admire so much is finally in my hand. I was happy.

 

Short Reflection

The book is a random collection of 13 short stories, memoirs, and essays from childhood memories and travel tales of the author himself. It's more like a self-reflection and journey made in both good and bad times. 

Going through the short preface, it made me think and rethink. It is very short but powerful. More or less, the introduction covers all the aspects of reflection. 

The first story "Angay" was woven so well that it put me back in time with my 72-year old grandma, who is no more with us. The story was so nicely expressed, more like the "Tom and Jerry" series, the non-violent fight between Angay and the mouse. The battle was a never-ending game. It made me laugh a lot. The last line says it clearly, "the mouse scurried away and disappeared into the bushes".

It took me no time to cover all the stories and reflections. As I read through the book, second in order was "Mi-MI's Surprise, two men, two worlds, pretty woman and so on. The last in order was the answer lies back home. 

"Karma's story", the story of a friendship, lesson of heroes, subject of discussion, matter of time, mystery of Capital, education, exposure, friendship more than a Whisky. The humor created in between was flawless. Story should be something like "Karma's story". 

"A legend that lives" the reflection of deep Bhutanese is an eye opening one. I could realize how important and significant is our "Paro Taktshang", popularly known as Tiger's Nest. And what lesson and values should we take is up to one's will and interpretation. I like how seriously our Bhutanese felt the loss of Taktshang by fire. It was also proven how united and selfless were our people in restoring into former glory back in those times.

My favourite was in between "pretty woman" and "the answer lies back home". A Bhutanese in Japan has no less knowledge and experience. It was worth sacrificing my family time. There were plentiful lessons and wisdom, insight and thought, profundity and versatility, wit and suspense, metaphor and satire in each story. 

The story line was a massive luxury of words and adjectives. Crafted the ideas so well to suit the time and place, mood and feeling, old and young.

Overall, it was special. Thrilling.

As Dasho Kinley puts his end, "it was time to go home", I landed up thinking and lost, into serious and deep contemplation, mesmerised by the fact of a beautiful literature piece. And finally knew how funny and entertaining is our own Dasho Kinley.

 

NOTE:

I sincerely thank BOOKNESE, Lyonpo for sharing the book, officer for taking time to pack and send the book, taxi driver for delivery, Dasho Kinley for the book, my wife for sparing the fare and myself for reading the book very sincerely till the end.

 

Winter Timing –Self Perspective

Hello Sancha,

I got a surprise email from a friend in Guinea this morning. He stated a few pertinent points, which I feel like sharing here. 

 

How is Bhutan? 

I always love to visit your beautiful country. I want to learn more about GNH from your country and people. It was so nice to see your beautiful king and queen giving their best for the country. I was happy to learn that COVID situation was very much under control. Keep it up! 

 

I wasn't sure what to reply. Instead I landed up writing about recent winter timing for civil servants, which raises many concerns. 

 

I sincerely applaud RCSC for making a bold decision about winter office timing for civil servants. It is a win-win situation for the country and the individual. All the civil servants will continue to work from 9am to 5pm this winter was the press statement. This is not a real big deal for all of us who have come from a very hard time. I am not so sure if this trend will continue to remain the same for the coming years. But I would love to have the same working hours hereafter.

 

It was disheartening to see many grievances being passed down in social media platforms. It has raised some genuine concerns too. I see two inconveniences. First is travelling home as the dark set 30-60 minutes early. Second is the bitter cold and windy weather. Anyways, there are plenty of solutions at our hands to overcome this tough perk. Nonetheless, an extra one-hour should become worth spending in respective offices, or workstations. 

 

I heard about the winter timing, but honestly I wasn't sure of when it starts and ends. Being in the education system, I don't care about office timing. No matter what, I am used to with working extra hours with the future of the country. So far, I have never worked differently for the winter and summer.

Should we thank, or curse this pandemic for such a big change?

 

It was worrisome to learn that the country's GDP has shrunk at an all time low of negative 10.8 per cent and hell bed is being dug for loan debt of 112.6 percent of the country's GDP. Shocking! 

 

I was happy to learn that civil service being the key to good governance and efficient delivery of the services, bears the responsibility to support and accelerate economic recovery. 

 

Starting November 1, 2021 by working 1 hour extra, we should learn a very different lesson, lesson to develop Bhutan. This start is just a tip of an iceberg to know and realize how the rest of the world works and functions. Small nation like ours, this change should have happened a decade ago, however, it is time for solidarity in such hard times as this to put and risk everything for the country. We must contribute individually at our own capacity and style to make this change workable, impactful and lasting. 

 

Positivity is a must now. Changing mindset is a must now. Unity is a must now. Thinking as one is a must now. Becoming resilient is a must now. However one thing is certain, this change may take time but we must stand out together, we must come together strong and united and make this change happen in a very meaningful way for the nation. 

 

I hope our biggest economy, BPC alone, won't be happy and pocketing the net profit. At the cost of raising the utility bill for electricity and water, together we must work for the cause. Let us learn to give our fair service to people of any background and qualification, status and race. 

 

It's fine for the education system; we don't use room heaters in our staffroom. Fair from our end, it's a net service for a country. Like never before, it's a golden opportunity for us to serve our country and people well.

 

I am proud to put my statement bold and straight. I have served our king, country and people with full dedication and loyalty, and it was great thus far. I never felt the pressure of time and work nature, although there was time for an unprecedented situation. As long as I am physically fit, I am ready to serve TSA-WA-SUM. More so, as a school lopen, I am used to working hard all day long. Used to working by setting an alarm clock to monitor study and other activities, which happens beyond school hours. I have even sacrificed most of the holidays and weekends for the cost of benefiting the future of the country. This is truly a cause of nation building. 

 

We must feel proud of our smallness and our visionary kings. Perhaps, Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck, first King of Bhutan who unified the country under difficult circumstances and handed it over to us safe and united. From 1907 and on, by now everything including the road network, education and health service and policies should be world class. 

 

Anyway, we aren't late to start this reform. We have many more flaws to fix including working mindset, good work culture both at home and work place. There is nothing wrong being workaholic, or addicted to work. Let us learn to give 100 per cent for the country that has given so much. Rest will be taken care of by itself. 

 

Life is like riding a bicycle 

I feel sorry for my friend who is seven continents apart who thought my country is flawless in everything. But we are struggling to fix our TIME and POTHOLES.

Drawing My Family Tree

I decided to sacrifice a few Sundays to sit face-to-face with my father to discuss and list down on our family tree. It came into my mind a long time ago. But every time I have the mood, either my father is away, or I have some other work. This time I had the perfect coincidence –I had my father by my side and I was free. 

It was a tough battle to track down and put them into the correct order and sequence. Despite grueling hours of sitting with my father, unlearning and relearning past history, it was quite challenging to recall some names of some past generations who were lost long ago. Simply, few names couldn't be traced at all. We left it for some other occasions. I want to discuss the missing names and lineage with one of my cousins who has some ideas and background on one fine day. I also expect some other family members would definitely help us add and trace down a few missing names in future, as I would keep adding to the list.

 

Total Family Lineage of Dilumpa Rai [https://www.familyecho.com]

I felt sorry for my unschooled father to whom I had to quiz him like a criminal. I briefed him about my small work to sort out the relationship and draw some images of my great great grandfather. So that his grandchild and other future generations won’t have to suffer in identifying their past and bloodline, which is obviously going to become more complex and forgotten.

 

With all the information carefully arranged and drafted, I am sure this family timeline that I have drawn would someday be useful for all of us. Through this work of mine, I am sure that they would know the relation and order –who is who? And more importantly, when I grow old, I shall proudly recall and look back that I have done some outstanding work to plot a family tree. 

 

Embarking on a family tree assignment is exciting but equally tasking which requires good oral information and documents. Throughout the process, my father, whom I always consider a man rich in oral history, is the backbone in shaping this present form. 

I was sensitive and careful throughout the sitting with my father. If I wasn’t sure, I had redirected the questions and asked him again and again. I made sure the family tree is correct and precise. For missing names and sequence, I shall give more depth and color during some other time.

 

Concentrating on my great great grandfather line

Through this work, I could connect to many of my unknown cousins who live in different parts of the country –Gelephu and Daifarm. Dhansiri and Manaytar. Maley and Moaugang. I could find new ways to reconnect with them. It wasn't a waste of time and resources. My time and effort has created an indelible impression on my family members and perched an open link in the blood relation about the past, present and future generations.

As the discussion progressed, I knew which generation of my great-grandfather had exactly set foot in this land, the first ancestral lands and settlements. One point of our discussion was massively interesting but so critical, why my great-grandfather entered Bhutan and directly went to settle in the extreme corner of Tsirang, into the valley of Dodomchen. My great grandfather has settled into a virgin forest on the Burichu River bank. The place is rich in wild animals, fruits, vegetables and berries, fish and water. 

Why didn't they settle around Thimphu Valley, Paro Valley, Phuntsholing Valley and Gelephu valley? [Story in some other fine mood]

It could be probably, he was a crazy non-veg guy and into hunting. One thing was clear that most of my great-grandparents have never been to schooling. That was so sad. Although few had their non-formal education, they didn’t reach far in school. Most of them remain behind for farm work, herding animals and contributing labors. It was interesting to learn that most of the family members seem active and progressive since each line has at least five, or six children. It was evident even from the present generation that each branch has a minimum of five grandchildren. It was as high as eleven children. But, coming to the present generation, the clock has reversed and I am worried someday some line will become extinct. 

 

Link to my grandfather line

I was crystal clear on three critical branches in our family lineage. First the link between Hasta Dal Rai, Jantaray link [missing proper name] and Chakra Dhoj Rai. I came to know how we are different now. Second, I came to know the real father of my great-grandfather "Deekpal Rai" and his brother "Prethi Dhoj Rai" and his bloodline. Third, I came to know how "Bhopal Rai" and "Purna Bdr Rai" are related as first cousins. They all are the surviving first cousins whom we considered as very close.  

This family tree will serve as the soft tool to remind us and pave the way forward. I couldn’t include all the names of the grandchildren and others as it was overly populated and more. Someday, I would make a point to detail it out and share with some important family members.

 

This will remain and occupy a special place in my heart and hopefully to other family members and my kids. I want to frame it and put it on the wall. My kids must know their roots and bloodline.

 

The Future of Ronald Koeman

Seven continents apart, one year ago, on this day I predicted the future of Ronald Koeman. 

After Suarez's departure, Messi ruined the club. This is the power of how important Suarez was to the club and Messi. The club he worked for the past 21 years is now in ruins. 

The club board has made a wrong decision. It shouldn't have happened that way. Although the idea behind releasing Suarez was to build a new team in the shadow of Messi, their plan had gone wrong. Koeman should have known that Barcelona wasn't only on the shoulder of Messi alone. Although Messi played a critical role for the club, but Suarez was equally important and critical for the Barca fans. He should have relieved him of his will. 

FC Barcelona is undergoing a hard time, but I am sure the club will get back to their toe slowly after the Messi Factor fades over Camp Nau arena. It will take time. But Barcelona and fans have to survive and move on. 

Although I am not a Barcelona fan, I have been an avid fan of Leo Messi for the past many years. One of the greatest players I have ever seen in the modern Football game after Kelvin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva. These are the players I always look up to when I watch the game of Football.

If there is one leg I cherish in my life, which is Leo Messi's Left Leg. The God gift one!

Book Review: What Makes You NOT a Buddhist

Surprised by the facts written in the book, I was thoroughly moved by the analogy, story, reflection and insight. The book for everyone who wishes that life is merely empty –exist, or doesn’t exist.  

This book has far more reaching views of one inner self, peace, vegetarianism, meditation, maroon robes and shaved head. The views written in the book don't mean to differentiate between different religions –people, race and background. It means to say that everyone is exactly the same no matter where one lives, eats, does, and preaches. Everything under the sun is absolutely the same and experiences the same cause and condition, no matter how small, or big are the size. 

 

I liked the concept and logic shared to explain the difference between the beautiful and ugly –the concept of beauty and ugly however is very phenomenal and unique and very significant, but both are all the same in different eyes. The idea of Heaven and Hell is very much similar and resounding to what I have been thinking for long. My logic of these two unknown and overly complex entirety is very same although I do not have any right and expertise, but my idea and thinking to what book laid down was similar –once while spending a time with my students, the topic of Heaven and Hell came out of nowhere and while throwing my views on these, I told them because of certain cause and conditions, if one become happy, that moment is a Heaven state. To make them understand Hell, I gave an example of an Earthworm. As I explained to them, I told them that as long as the Earthworm is inside the earth, or in its nest, it experiences the Heaven state but the time it comes out of its nest and has to experience certain unexpected causes and conditions, it will be in the state of Hell. Simply putting them in the fire, or putting them in the water, it experiences a state different to the nest and that is a seemingly Hell state for it. 

 

However, the law of emptiness stated was very much real but needs a lot of imagination and thinking and reflection. It was also a great lesson to learn on having a satisfactory, peaceful and free lifestyle. Perhaps, the ideas of impermanence were vast but interesting and useful. Similarly the book also has great lessons on ways for a happy and beautiful life. Through the path taken by Siddhartha, there always lies a hope and goodness of life. The positive and negative are absolutely the same in Buddhist philosophy was another pile of ideas I had while reading the book.

 

One of the interesting topics I came across was –Heaven: The Ultimate Vacation, a beautiful Buddhist narration shared on the topic was something extraordinary. As I read through the lines and paragraphs, it gave me a nostalgic feeling about the poem I read a decade ago in English Class. Death: The Leveler –The power, social status, wealth and intellect becomes nothing as one heads to the final state of life. However, the goodness and virtuousness of people will be honored even after death. The bagger is exactly the same as the most decorated and wealthy man when death toll the final breath. Therefore, multiplying good deeds when one has time and energy is a must for everyone. Knowing all these impermanence, why Gautama Buddha abandoned his Royal Fortune and Status had shunned me and kept me glued to the very last lines. However, the Author of the Book doesn't mean to highlight the need to follow the Buddha path nor one has to become Buddhist; it simply means what makes a good human being while one has taken a human form on this Earth.  

 

Reading this book gave me a lot of lessons. It was eye opening for many invisible and untaught lessons at school. Perhaps, bigger and more useful to life than what I have learnt in school. Understanding of life and the concept of impermanence and every compounded thing are bound to die are something to ponder upon seriously.  

 

Overall, the book gave a lot of valuable lessons. So there is no need to be different from others to be a Buddha, or Buddhist. One's good action is a Buddha path. Whether one lives in California, Sahara, Paris, Amsterdam, Beirut, Cape Town, Oymyakon, practicing Buddhism is absolutely free that doesn't require books, or text, or background. Anyone. Anywhere. Anytime can practice Buddhism and lead the way for a peaceful self, community and country.  

 

Let me share you this line –if what makes you NOT a Buddhist is a doubt, what makes you a Buddhist is a far cry. 

The Humble Captain

–O Captain! Please accept a few lines as my deepest appreciation for your goodness.

We seldom realize and appreciate the small act we sacrifice each second of our life. The world is overly becoming selfish and individualist. A naïve behavior and prejudices are on the rise. Unbecoming and arrogant behavior has become a part of life. However, despite many odds, I find you different. Perhaps, we do not need to promise Heaven and Secret Maitreya Jewel. Being simple and humble within you is the best thing ever happened to you? Please keep up the same spirit hereafter. Damphu Campus would be a heaven if we have 100 more like you. 

I am not just pleasing you, not garnering your attention for respecting me. Small acts, as this is priceless. Such things are difficult to find. It's not easy to bow down and respect someone. It comes through patience and with great virtue. It also shows the path taken by your parents and community. Please continue to do the same, even more as you face a more different world. Your act of goodness won't evaporate; instead it will make you glorious and dignified someday.

When you welcomed me in your classroom, I was muffled by a gust of happiness; I was amazed by your kind act. I was moved by your little sweet words. It need not have to be big and special. My heart shrunk. It gave me a different feeling altogether. More so, when you made an offer for the chair, which was lying on the other side of your class, it melted my heart so deeply. Although I wasn't part of your class, you made my 50 minutes of substitution class fruitful and memorable. I wasn't sure how fast the time flew away, the book I was reading –ended merrily. I wish you kept the same room and open heart for the rest of the teachers and friends as well. I must tell you, your classmates are in the safe hands, the luckiest one to have you as a class monitor, you lead by example, and that's very important. It is the vision of His Majesty the King. He would feel happy, if all Bhutanese have such high self-discipline –Tha dhamtse and Lay Zhumdrey like you preach. We want each one of our friends and communities to have a strongly rooted Bhutanese value like you show.  

Let me share with you a few things. I'm someone who deeply falls in love with education everyday. I love to be surrounded by young pupils like you sharing wisdom and knowledge. I like sharing vision of education and the type of future we look forward to as a peaceful nation. 

I was heavily made to think and rethink and overthink on your very generous courtesy shown towards me for the substitution period. It is becoming scarce and hard to find people with goodness these days. The charm of people is losing its end at the razor of technology. Sad to know that human beings are getting divided, and ignored in the face of the hi-tech world. Please keep up your goodness, do not stop from being a good human being even after education is long forgotten, even if no one appreciates you, it's absolutely fine to be you. You don't need anyone to validate your good self, the Earth is your witness and God is by your side.  

You became a gateway to inspiration and hope, glory and success to the rest of your class members. You don't have to offer someone with Humvees, or Ferrari. Diamond, or Harry Winston ring. Your small act and sweet mouth is more precious and secret.

I've no doubt that peace and harmony will prevail, prosperity and happiness will continue to sway on each Bhutanese as we head more into a complex world.

Thank you for making me so special!