DOKHAM

Experience in Bhutan

The following is an extract from the interview with H.E. Khamtrul Rinpoche by The Dragon magazine (December 2006 Issue), published by Drukpa Publications

I have been studying in Bhutan for about three years; we study philosophy, rituals and many other things in the university. Though the general course is finished in 9 years we can continue to stay in university for as long as we wish. There is retreat center next to the university, and we can go for retreat for some time and return again to study.

You must all know by now that Bhutan’s local name is ‘Druk Yul’, which means ‘Country of Dragon’. It is very much related to our lineage. The fourth Gyalwang Drukpa Kunkhyen Pema Karpo had two reincarnations: One continued the lineage of the Gyalwang Drukpa and became the fifth Gyalwang Drukpa Passang Wangpo, and the other went to Bhutan, and unified the country and became the temporal and spiritual ruler of Bhutan.

He became known as Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal(b.1594). Ancient times, Bhutan was known as ‘Lhomon’, but later Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal renamed it ‘Druk Yul’ after his lineage, Drukpa. From that time onwards, the Drukpa lineage became the state religion of Bhutan.

I feel that Bhutan is only remaining pure land for Buddhist practitioners. Everything and everyone in Bhutan has not lost touch with spirituality. It was a little boring at first, but when I came to know more about Bhutan, its people and its culture, I really find myself loving the place more and more. I have been to west, such as America, and people there have so much in the material sense and yet many are so unhappy. In Bhutan, material things are also there, but the difference is that many people also have spiritual wealth. So their mind is more contented and happy. This is what makes Bhutan different from rest of the world. I really pray and hope that this things will not change in future.

In Bhutan, there are so many holy places blessed by Guru Padmasambhava, the divine madman of our lineage, Drukpa Kuenleg, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, a reincarnation of the fourth Gyalwang Drukpa, Kuenkhyen Pema Karpo, and other great masters.For a beginner on the spiritual path I think the external environment is very important. Holly places and holly beings can be of enormous inspiration and encouragement for you to progress on a spiritual path.

As someone trying to be on the spiritual path, I am really grateful to the king of Bhutan, for he is a great supporter and believer of Dharma. If it were not for his kind patronage and support, it would have been very hard for the numerous monasteries, retreat centers, and places of learning to flourish in Bhutan.I think he is really trying his best to make Bhutan a land where there is material development. Yet with the wisdom that peace of mind and mental happiness come from spirituality, he is always trying to ensure the growth of both spiritual and general material development of the country.

The National aim of Bhutan is referred to as ‘Gross National Happiness’. I think it is very good expression, as it implies that happiness is clearly the main national objective. I feel that many of us get lost in the process of what we are doing that sometimes we forget our main objective (which is to be happy!).

Due to the kindness of the king of Bhutan and many spiritual masters of Bhutan, we are very lucky that until now Bhutan has been able to retain its spiritual purity. I really pray and hope that Bhutan will continue to be a place to inspire practitioners to learn, practice and attain enlightenment for the happiness of others and themselves.