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Buddhism in Bhutan

by Vincent Roazzi Jr.

Bhutan

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Taktsang, or Tiger's Nest, is the most sacred Buddhist site in Bhutan since it is where Guru Rinpoche, the Second Lord Buddha who converted Bhutan to Buddhism, flew in on a tigress' back to subdue local demons and then meditated in a cave for 3 years, 3 months, 3 weeks, 3 days, and 3 hours. Buddhists from all over the world come to Bhutan to experience its spiritually energy and all Bhutanese are encouraged to make the three-hour hike at least once in their life as citizens of the Buddhist country; a hike at night is an even more magical experience.
Taktsang, or Tiger's Nest, is the most sacred Buddhist site in Bhutan since it is where Guru Rinpoche, the Second Lord Buddha who converted Bhutan to Buddhism, flew in on a tigress' back to subdue local demons and then meditated in a cave for 3 years, 3 months, 3 weeks, 3 days, and 3 hours. Buddhists from all over the world come to Bhutan to experience its spiritually energy and all Bhutanese are encouraged to make the three-hour hike at least once in their life as citizens of the Buddhist country; a hike at night is an even more magical experience.
A Buddhist monk dresses for a black hat dance inside Gangtey Monastery in Phobjikha during the Black-Necked Crane Festival. The dance has mysterious origins in Tibet, Bhutan's neighbor to the north, as it was once secret and used to pass white and black magic however in Bhutan it signifies the severing of demon spirits.
A Buddhist monk dresses for a black hat dance inside Gangtey Monastery in Phobjikha during the Black-Necked Crane Festival. The dance has mysterious origins in Tibet, Bhutan's neighbor to the north, as it was once secret and used to pass white and black magic however in Bhutan it signifies the severing of demon spirits.
Inside a home in the yak herding village of Merak, local monks perform a puja (prayer) to rid of evil spirits and bring good karma to the home; every home in Bhutan hosts an annual puja lasting two days and which includes just as much eating and drinking as praying! Meanwhile the daughter of the home prepares momo (dumplings) stuffed with dried yak meat however since killing animals is forbidden in Buddhism the villagers must wait for their yaks to die of natural causes before consuming them.
Inside a home in the yak herding village of Merak, local monks perform a puja (prayer) to rid of evil spirits and bring good karma to the home; every home in Bhutan hosts an annual puja lasting two days and which includes just as much eating and drinking as praying! Meanwhile the daughter of the home prepares momo (dumplings) stuffed with dried yak meat however since killing animals is forbidden in Buddhism the villagers must wait for their yaks to die of natural causes before consuming them.
Elderly Bhutanese travel across the country to soak their bodies in the magic sulfur baths of Gasa Tsachu (Hot Springs), as it is believed these waters are divine and cure all ailments known to man. Magic and mysticism are everyday occurrences of life in Bhutan especially since the country is the only which has Mahayana Buddhism as its state religion, I sect of Buddhism with strong roots in mysticism.
Elderly Bhutanese travel across the country to soak their bodies in the magic sulfur baths of Gasa Tsachu (Hot Springs), as it is believed these waters are divine and cure all ailments known to man. Magic and mysticism are everyday occurrences of life in Bhutan especially since the country is the only which has Mahayana Buddhism as its state religion, I sect of Buddhism with strong roots in mysticism.
Prayer flags decorate the entire country and are seen here in the sacred district of Lhuentse emitting spiritual energies as they blow in the wind, creating peace for all sentient beings. The colors represent 5 natural elements derived from Bon, the indigenous religion of Bhutan, which existed long before the introduction of Buddhism; Bon and Buddhism have mixed and coexisted over hundreds of years in Bhutan making it difficult to draw the line between the two but both are practiced together.
Prayer flags decorate the entire country and are seen here in the sacred district of Lhuentse emitting spiritual energies as they blow in the wind, creating peace for all sentient beings. The colors represent 5 natural elements derived from Bon, the indigenous religion of Bhutan, which existed long before the introduction of Buddhism; Bon and Buddhism have mixed and coexisted over hundreds of years in Bhutan making it difficult to draw the line between the two but both are practiced together.

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