karmachoden

Outcome of development in the fast paced world

I was watching the 11th episode of Satyamev Jayate –a television programme of Amir Khan wherein he reveals the plight of the senior citizens in some part of India. It was so shocking to know that in Virudhnagar district of Tamil Nadu, people practice the act of “Talaikutal”- a practice where the old and weak are killed for not being able to take care of himself or herself. This is done through an injection administered by the quacks. The show also shares that in the past the weak senior citizens were buried alive and then the children and relatives go about spreading the words of how they got rid of the old parents.
Can you imagine how the same children you brought up with so much love and care kill you when you are old and weak and needs them the most. The show also had people from old age institutions and homes who talked on how we need to save our money now to remain financially independent when we are old. They go on spreading the message of not transferring the properties in the name of children out of our love for them. It is when they have got everything that they get rid of the old people.
This brings me to ask the question, “What is the condition of the senior citizens here in a country of Gross National Happiness?” Not as bad as India but then we might need to look into it. Some years back it was reported in some news papers of how the senior citizens spend their time along the monasteries and chortens seeking shelter. In the capital city old parents are brought as baby sitters by the office goers not so much out of care and respect for them. And we do not have anything called Old Age Homes for the senior citizens. I think it is time we put in place some security for the old people.
A final message to everyone out there: Secure your future by remaining financially independent.
By the way you should watch Amir’s TV reality show. This is one of the best TV programme I have ever watched. Amir tries to bring out the social issues in front of the public. Though it is a show designed for Indians and to create awareness amongst Indians we could learn a lesson or two.

A journey to Phobjikha leading to inward journey

Kids are on summer breaks and my hubby and I had three days off from work thanks to the Birth Anniversary of Guru Rinpoche- truly blessing! So I took the opportunity to take off to Phobjikha- a place I have always wanted to go but could never make it somehow or the other.

I got awe struck the moment we reached the road leading to the valley of Phobjikha. Beautiful scenery, fresh air combined with the serene and calm atmosphere took my breath away. Here is a picture of the beautiful valley from the road point.

as we entered the valley it was even more beautiful. I said to myself ‘it is truly a place for the black necked cranes to live in during the winter. I could not help taking photos after photos of the beautiful valley. And as we sat down on the ground to eat our packed lunch of potato curry, rice and tea, I felt like staying there forever. We sat there for a very very long time enjoying the freshness of the valley and the views and feeling a deep sense of peacefulness within.I was so very happy. I guess I have never been happier than this in my entire life. Being in a beautiful valley with your family and reconnecting with them as well as the nature brought so much of satisfaction to me. All we could see in the entire vastness of the land was few cows and horses grazing on the ground. Though we wanted to stay for some more time, with so much of unwillingness we had to pack our things and start our journey back. However, on the way we visited Ganteng Lhakhang where there was rituals being performed led by venerable Ganteng Tulku on the occasion of the Birth Anniversary of Guru Rinpoche.

We offered our prayers, butter lamps, sandal woods and even donated some money for the well being of the monks residing there. Another merit added to our emotional bank and a joy added to us.  I felt blessed and honoured to see his holiness in person and get blessings from him.

Here is the picture of famous Ganteng Lhakhang. This photo is taken from the back side.  Ganteng Goenpa is a famous 17th century Nyinmapa Lhakhang of terton Pema Lingpa. This is the front view of the Gantey Goenpa.

The monastry was renovated by his holiness Kuenzang Pema Namgyal-the ninth Ganteng Tulku along with the help from the community of Phobjikha. Gangteng Goenpa is a traditional seats of the Gangten Tulkus.