Shangri-la may be the problem
June 3, 2011
In Bhutan, when we scold our kids with words like kao majebe or drenpa-ma-khug (in Dzongkha) or ma-tugpa (in Sharchhop), we mean they have not “gone through” life, or through any real character-building experience. Drenpa-ma-khugpa kids are naive, immature, and undeveloped. They are happy enough in their naïveté, and not really smart enough to know better. Does this represent how we are as a nation?
In fact, when I travel, people are often delighted to hear I’m Bhutanese, having heard that Bhutan is one of the happiest countries in the world. I have to admit this kind of remark makes me really uncomfortable. Are we really so happy?
Bhutan has a very strange problem. We may be proud of being considered this beautiful pristine heaven on earth, but thinking that we are citizens of a Shangri-la nation may be our problem.
Let us not be too quick to claim that we earned this unique label. We got our good fortune with a bit of luck, through the blessings of the Triple Gems and the gurus, a history of good governance, and I dare say, also through our relative insignificance. But the real tests are coming, because things are not going to stay like this, and we simply cannot remain complacent and take our good fortune for granted.
Modernity has already brought challenges to Bhutan such as Facebook, non-Bhutanese values, materialism, and drugs like SP and N10. But those are just the obvious issues. What I am talking about is more subtle and implicit, and even more important.
When we think we’re too special, we become spoiled, we think we’re ‘entitled’ to privilege, and we certainly don’t want to get our hands dirty. That manifests in a so-called youth unemployment problem, which may have more to do with our young not wanting to do any menial or manual labour while we import thousands of Indian labourers to do our construction for us.
And it also manifests in our elites often spoiling themselves – sometimes more concerned about feathering their own nests, buying Prados, sending their children abroad, and going on shopping sprees in Bangkok than caring for others, giving to their communities, and taking real responsibility for our nation’s future.
More subtly, this feeling of specialness manifests in a reliance on exalted words and concepts, and in an antipathy for the kind of trench work and attention to detail required to translate words into action.
Some readers may reject such comments, as they did my last article in May, simply on the grounds that lamas like me should stay out of politics. In one sense, I really appreciate their concern. Rule by lamas in Tibet, for example, was disastrous, and Bhutan very wisely decided to prevent lamas from voting and running for office.
And yet, the welfare and stability of a nation are the concern of every citizen. In fact, I think people like me – lamas, elites, business leaders, top government officials and everyone else without exception who are blessed with great privileges – have a particular responsibility to really plan, and care for the future of Bhutan. And that’s why I feel compelled to say what I see and ask to be heard as a private citizen of Bhutan.
Though democratic forms have been introduced in Bhutan, it is also important to give real economic democracy to the people. Because when our stomachs are filled, we will have more time for ideology. When we are hungry and poor, we will strive for survival and petty profit and become increasingly discontent. We should not be complacent in our ignorance, thinking Maoist problems are simply “over there” in a neighbouring country and have nothing to do with us. In fact, our social problems of today, such as drug addiction, unemployment, and gangs, do risk turning into our Maoist problems of tomorrow.
Some may like to look over at Nepal and just be thankful we don’t have the same problems, like being without proper government for years. But can we learn a lesson from Nepal’s problems? And I don’t mean just being thankful we’re not like that. At least our neighbouring country may be “going through” a drenpa-tag learning curve. And if one day in the next two decades, a new generation of Nepalis makes sense of this difficult historical experience with resolve and insight, it might make a true success of the country. But for us the lesson of Nepal is primarily what can happen when the poor are neglected.
The lesson that “greed is suffering” is one of the most fundamental teachings of the Buddha. But even though we may not easily transcend our greed, it may be smart for the elites, simply for their own survival, to settle for a bit less so that the poor can have a bit more. Or if they can’t do that, then at least our elites might foster a healthier type of greed by desiring to help the poor become richer. Everything is interdependent, the dharma shows us, and wealth is no exception. The phenomenon of an independently arising wealth just does not exist. The world has demonstrated this again and again. If almost everyone is poor, to whom will the rich sell their goods?
One might wonder, is Rinpoche suggesting we have problems where we have none? I am not saying that. I am merely reminding us not to be too complacent. There are days I feel some foreign expats are more genuinely caring of Bhutan than many Bhutanese. Our patriotism and loyalty seem almost always oriented towards some past glory. But our love for Bhutan should also be driven by a healthy anxiety about the future.
Though I am part of it, I worry for the Bhutanese elite and for its complacency. Sometimes I hear people worry about Indian and Bollywood influences on our youth. But we should also recall that our entire religion, wisdom tradition, and key aspects of our culture derive from India. I am personally more concerned about our new-found attraction to the bright lights and upscale lifestyles of Bangkok, and about the propensity of wealthy Bhutanese to send their children there to study and to draw their educational models from Thailand. In fact, I wonder if Bangkok’s seduction of grace and the easy life may just be our undoing. Once there, our kids become mesmerized by an all-encompassing paradise of drenpa-ma-khugpa. Where will we be when they finally wake up?
But that cultural commentary aside, my main point here is simply that Bhutan can no longer afford to live off the merit of the past, with all the ‘specialness’ that merit seems to confer. If we’re to create a better future for our children and ensure our country’s long-term wellbeing, we have to gather new merit now. Two of the best ways do that are to get our hands dirty as we build our nation and for our elites to care for and give a little more to others, and thereby to provide better examples and leadership. They might find that their giving actually feels good.
Maybe most importantly, it will help Bhutan a lot if we think a little less that we are so special. On the contrary, we might even celebrate our relative insignificance as a nation as a blessing that confers real protection. After all, it’s when people ignore us that we can really get something done.
By Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse
64 Responses to “Shangri-la may be the problem”
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So true, we tend to be more focused on the feast our ancestors have cooked for us rather than preparing further food for future. Many Bhutanese like to talk about Bhutan to foreigners but don’t care much about what he/she is doing for the country. I did too.
I think it is a fundamental change that people need to make. We are becoming more and more superficial. Youths are desperately trying to look like korean. Manual work is seen as cheap and undignified work. I feel movie industry can play important role to help direct people in the right direction rather than falling for people’s desires. I feel movie is not simply an entertainment but it influences a lot.
Rimpoche has thrown light on the yeast that is growing underneath our society. Before it develops into a disease, it is better for us to see it and resolve it before it is too late. I hope people will prefer to see the hard truth than hide it as it is usually done in a polite society. Thank you Rimpoche la.
Thank you, Rinpoche.
Like being in a car and moving your writing “engages” my mind – first gear. Reading it once I think I understand – second gear. After reading it a second time, I know I’m in third gear and really moving. Then, I realize my vehicle has been put up on blocks and my tires removed! (inner city joke).
Thank you.
Excellent!
Ah! Thailand, especially Bangkok, as the society to emulate for the Bhutanese elite will, indeed, be their undoing. The young Thai elite live in the knowledge that their future is ensured by their parents’ money, social standing and their exclusive connections to the powerful.
Getting A’s and writing a creative paper on why economic oligopolies (prevalent in both Thailand and Bhutan) or gaining a scholarship to MIT based only on merits to do a PhD in biochemistry is not something these elite children think about.
Having an easy life with ample pocket money to spend on cars, discos, girl friends and all that in the “bright lights” of Bangkok holds attraction to any privileged young elite such as that of Bhutan.
Any wonder the young Bhutanese with connections flock to Bangkok, often abandoning their US colleges who had given them scholarships hoping they would benefit from a no nonsense university education?
Khyenstse Rinpoche is right to worry about what will happen to Bhutan once these young elite return to their country to take over the reins of power.
The last thing this world needs is another Thailand, half educated, corrupt, inefficiency with the entire nation serving a very small number of elite.
But then this state of affairs holds enormous attraction to that small ruling elite and their children.
I agree with Rimpoche too. But the only problem is, writing such articles does not necessarily help change the mindset of our people. What I expect of an eminent personality like Rimpoche to do is to spend more time with Bhutanese and show …them how to lead a “greed free” life. “Seeing is believing” works for many people. I’m sorry but I myself have met Rimpoche only thrice in my lifetime — that too for a very very brief moment.See More
As always, you address the issue with realism and common sense.
In ANY society, entitlement, complacence and (this is my pet peeve) that sense of “specialness” based on the merit of the ancestors or linage, leads to lack of motivation and ultimately to stagnation and regress…
To teach the youngsters that work, no matter how menial, is an honor and a privilege is the responsibility not only of parents but of society as a whole.
A society that decides to rest comfortably on entitlement and refuses to get their hands dirty to do what is needed to go forward is not likely to see progress.
Your comments are wonderful Rinpoche la, keep them coming.
Many folks are looking forward to hear what you have to say.
Always in the Dharma
Sil
Thank you Rinpoche for spelling this out. If only more people, me included, could change direction before they have to learn the hard way. May we all increase that ability by becoming more and more aware.
Thank you for the profound clarity Rinpoche la …
Beautifully written and inspiring
Your wonderful ability to capture and explain the most important issues so perfectly … is a gift to us all
We are blessed to experience your being
Om Ah Hung
[...] status be naive? Bhutanese lama Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche asked this question in the Bhutan Observer on Friday. It’s very similar to one of the central themes of Dragon Bones and he raises many [...]
Rimpochie has thrown a profound depth of knowledge for our Bhutanese elites. Some of our leaders must take a word of caution in the message rather than hang on to power and plan to further hang on and on. If this trend keep on continuing, I am sure Rimpochie’s prophecy will come true as envisaged. So we all must learn fromt he wisdom of Rimpochie. Thank you Rimpochie for the word of caution to everyone of us in Bhutan who all must think unitedly for the nation.
Supplications Rimpoche la,
Thank you very much for your wisdom and clarity on this very pertinent issues. I couldn’t care less if some of us thought that a religious figure like yourself are meddling into political issues. Well politics and religion are just concepts we complicated human beings created. As private citizens it is our right to opine and take responsibility for future good of this beautiful country. You have well articulated the concerns that i presume are in the minds of many well meaning citizens of this country.
I definitely don’t want to see street protest, neither do i want to see revolutions through terror like the maoist in nepal. Nevertheless i cannot help but fear that if the way our elite and the government remain complacent and ignorant on many of this pressing issues as you rightly mentioned, than days are not far when we experience the same unfortunate events in our own backyard. Some of our recent statistical figures are worrisome. The poverty statistics in a country of nearly 7 hundred thousand is mind boggling. We do not have social security system to ensure that our citizens can live without fear and insecurities for the basic necessities of life. Where is the so called GNH or are we just mocking the very philosophy passed down to us from the wisdom of our beloved kings and our forefathers.
From Another statistics, it says that rich in bhutan consume 20 times more than the majority of bhutanese who are poor farmers and that constitutes over 60% percent of the population. This is a cause of concern not from the view of resenting the rich but the mere fact that such in-equal distribution of national wealth exist in the land of GNH. As far fetched as it may seem, isn’t it possible to feed three meals a day, provide shelter to the 700000 Bhutanese citizens with the income from our upcoming mega hydro projects that we flaunt to the outside world. This is not to suggest a communist or a socialist model rather contemplation on what happiness means to many of us Bhutanese supposedly living and breathing GNH.
As enshrined in Article 9.2 of our constitution: “The State shall strive to promote those conditions that will
enable the pursuit of Gross National Happiness”. Does not this basic necessities serve as conditions to individual happiness or as usual we complacently over indulge ourselves in the theory and intellectualism of GNH and waste our exchequers money on never ending conferences.
Rimpoche aptly put it in your last article with business bhutan – GNH as the path of the wiser greed. My prayers that Bhutan recognize greed is suffering ultimately and that we recognize interdependence of every individual in this complicated web of life. Lastly more prayers that Bhutan discard the habits of Shangrila specialness.
This is so true. Thank you Rimpoche for bringing this. Our ellites should really take note of it for their own continued survival, after all their wealth is generated from inside from poor masses not from outside. The government should see this as wake up call for proper planning that will benefit majority of poor bhutanese. Plan and program that benefit majority will generate more wealth that will benefit whole country.
Rinpoche, thank you so much for your genuine concerns and compassion shown towards the poor Bhutanese, spoilt elites, unemployed youths, greedy lots, and the uncertain FUTURE of BHUTAN.
The unemployment is a raising concern in Bhutan, yet the government would not accept the facts, simple because it does not have plans to create jobs.
The ground reality shows that the poor are getting poorer and the rich are getting more reach each day. The few powerful people are gathering lions share of wealth, whereas large percentage of population live in hand-to-mouth situation.
There is huge disparity in salaries within the levels of civil servants, corporate employees, parliamentarians and even in the monk body. The minimal wages for manual laborers saw no increase for a decade, the yet government is talking/lecturing the youths about the dignity of labor. Certain people are preaching on the pillars and domains of GNH, yet doing little to bring geneon smiles on the faces poor fellow countrymen in the remote rural.
The PCS systems in the RCSC sent students rushing to India for cheaper, easier and higher degree marks and to other countries for more colourful certificates, resulting in the importation of cultural, mental, social and philosophical diversities into the country. The drug abuses and gang fights are certainly some of the unwanted behavioral stuff imported by sons and daughters of influential elite families.
The first democracy in Bhutan served special menu for the university degree holders, because the election commission of Bhutan thinks that the university graduates deserve to taste the fruits of the years spent in their colleges and universities, and that the rest of the citizens could only visualize the bowlful of nultrums set on the tables of parliamentarians. Ironically, some of the ministers did not spent even a year in the college, and yet we see their bellies growing bigger by the days.
Some of urban dwellers spend more than 50% of their monthly earnings on house rents. The apartments are expensive to majority of the people. The house rents are raised every year by more than 10% because the demands far exceed the supply.
There is little space for construction of residential buildings. The land is getting very expensive and the agricultural lands are encroached from all angles, leaving more and more farmers jobless. The government restricts the landlords from adding more than five stories plus an attic. The good reason is that Bhutan is seating on a seismic active zone and in the event of huge tremor the financial and human costs could be minimal. However, at the same time, our government has constructed many dams and tunnels for hydro power plants. The dams and tunnels are equally susceptible to damages by the earth quacks, if not more, and yet our government is adding more and more eggs in a basket. If it is okey to add more dams and tunnel across Bhutan, the government should allow to add more stories on the building too, with proper regulations though. This would help bring down the costs of apartments and lessen the burden on the agricultural lands helping the poor tenants and farmers attend happier live.
I have lived in Nepal for over 20 years, traveling to Bhutan more times than I can count. There is no possible way I could have expressed it any better than Rinpoche’s article. Back in the USA now, I have returned to try to get my own people to care about the plummeting decline of America, more obvious perhaps to those who return after a long absence. Complacency is everywhere, not just in Bhutan, romance with “the other” culture or lover, is the norm. And the toll on the Bhutanese? Those of them who came seeking streets paved with gold in the USA who now need to wash dishes to survive rather than pray? its an old story that goes back to Ellis island. Complacency also comes from feelings of isolation, a feeling that one’s actions cannot have any positive impact. Is it really only a Bhutanese story? My real question that begs an answer, since the Bhutan government is evolving, in what ways have they solved the basic thirst of a typical Bhutanese youth to open a business? Seems to me, from what I hear, its just as difficult and nepotistic as it ever was. Please correct me or inform.
As far as Lamas not being involved in politics, Rinpoche is right….does today’s enlightenment path really allow a place for that?
lets not be complacent. lets act . lest not just say n write . lets act . we can say n write 1000 times but what is the use if we don,t act . action speaks louder than words or sounds . lets do it now since its the the most important time of our life .
Don,t just thank act now by acting you would be thanking him n other gurus and following real darma
With due respect, I also see vast differences between haves and havenots where some can afford golden boots, some still can’t afford a simple chappel.
Our Shangrila & new realities
We are living in a self-constructed illusion of Shangri-la which is far removed from reality.
This is what I took as the key message from Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rimpoche’s article ‘Shangri-la may be the problem’. As Rimpoche clearly enunciates, we are what we are largely as a result of luck, karma and good governance than of any deliberate strategy. Now that Bhutan is changing rapidly and is having to grapple with new information, external investments, social media, etc. we can discern cracks appearing on our beautiful illusion.
We are confronted with a bitter truth – an ill-prepared Shangri-la.
We cannot shield ourselves from these forces and pretend that nothing has changed. It is unwise and dangerous to do so. If we ignore these changes, we may end up treading some form of ‘dren-pa tag’ learning curve. Therefore, it is my view that Bhutan requires strategies to effectively respond and manage these forces to our advantage.
As His Majesty and now Rimpoche points out, we cannot continue with our attitude of complacency. I see it every day in our ‘khemey’s, ‘..tubey’s and ‘drigpey’s. We now operate in a more competitive and a changed environment than a decade or two ago and our ‘Khemeys’ and ‘Tubeys’ will only see us delivering mediocre services to our people (which we consistently do so), ceding market shares to youthful new entrants from outside(1) and building infrastructure of questionable quality. It is only relevant that Bhutan learn from the experiences of other countries either through exchange of knowledge or simply by observing. We need to de-construct our mis-perceptions and accept the reality. We need to comment less and do more. We need to work harder and be more entrepreneurial.
Unlike Rimpoche, I would apportion the responsibility for our youth not wanting to do manual jobs more on our policy makers than on themselves. Whilst the youth have always grown up with a picture of them working in an office, the policy makers have failed to correct this wrong perception, create the necessary ambience and structure incentives to encourage them to take up these opportunities. Our education system haven’t appropriately delivered in helping our children plan their future careers. In addition, the image that our leaders project with all the paraphernalia of dashos & chadris doesn’t help.
This nicely takes me to my last point – Bhutan’s need for people who can lead and make difficult decisions at all levels and ensure equality of opportunities (not financial wealth) for everybody. The need is evidenced by our belligerant and ill-thought response, devoid of common sense, to a small issue such as smoking (which is an individual choice). This is also demonstrated by the fact that ‘abuse of authority’ is the dominant and increasing form of corruption (based on compliants – Anti Corruption Report 2011). Lack of strong minded objective leaders is something that all of us should worry about in the near and the medium term. Without such leaders at various levels, the new reality will overwhelm us, the cracks on our Shangri-la illusion will only widen and the illusion will remain just an illusion.
(1) this is to make the point that we are not competitive enough. I am in no way opposed to more competition in any industry.
Many preachers and less doers. Those who preach are the ones living abroad.
Bhutanese people are very good at describing problems. The same problem can be described in many ways. But the sad thing is no one can offer even a glimpse of solution.
All the people who have commented here, I included, plus the writer and good talkers than doer.
Charity begins at home.
Perhaps the 18th and 19th commentators above should have opened their eyes and ears a little more to know the actual things that are happening.
For instance, SJI (SamdrupJongkha Innitiative is Rinpoche brain child and it’s one small step to integrate the philosophy of GNH and the age old wisdom into everyday living and by the people at the grassroots who do not have university degrees like you and me.has started the you can Google and find out more…or you can even visit the very place to see what is happening out there firsthand.
For an optimistic fool like me, Bhutan is still a Shangrila because I value the presence of sacred places like Singye Dzong and Aja Nyes and Rinpoches like Khenpo Karpo and Lama Namdru Zangpo.
i agree with all the points raised by Rinpoche, not because he said it so but because it is true from how i see my world. Only difference could be that mine is fueled by my wanting to better myself and it being not very easy at all. Whereas… Rinpoche’s comes from genuine need to change the mindset of our people in general. . . i would disagree that Rinpoche is just preaching without action and describing problems, we have Samdrupjongkhar initiative right infront of our eyes to see for ourselves. i found this an interesting read and a food for thought not just for the elites but for everyone of us.
I still do not know the real meaning of Shangri-la. Can anybody please explain for me in this colonm for my knowledge so that I can know what it really means la?
I being student la.
Dear Jangchub
The word Shangri-La was coined by the British writer James Hilton. It appears in his 1933 novel Lost Horizon. It is a fictional place lost in the depths of the Himalayas where everything is mystical and harmonious. It is today used to mean an earthly paradise. For details read the novel Lost Horizon.
Best wishes
Editor
We know most BEST things but we all need someone to keep telling us what is GOOD… so lets all take in and chew what HE has put in writing for everyone’s food for thought and build on it….
Thank you Rimpoche for sharing your thoughts all the time. If charity begins at home, lets all think of the issues and lets do whats positive and let that energy flow to everyone around us… it should be conducted around…
One many may not be able to change the whole thing in a day or two. However, united effort can churn the ocean and move the mount Meru…for the good of our own country, our generation and the generation to fill our places in future…
Dear Palden-la(commentator 18), Most of the other commentators may be living abroad but they are contributing to Bhutan’s economic development at least by financially supporting their kiths and kins back home. And yes the charity begins from individuals’ homes. Some of us are also helping to re-build communities when struck by natural disasters and even regulary contributing to NGOs in Bhutan.
My understanding of Rinpoche’s article is that the fellow Bhutanese must accept to do all sorts of work in nation-building. There is dignity and respect of each profession. We just can’t walk away from jobs that we feel are looked down.
The other poignant issue that HH Rinpoche has raised to raise the eyebrows of the elites and re-think their duties and responsibilities. This is something we as private citizens would be reluctant to do so for the fear of retribution and the type of mindset we have been nurtured in our generation. HH Rinpoche is pointing out the present/next generation of citizens who have been growing up with the democratic Bhutan and a more globalised communities. They can be potential problems if we do not address issues.
That is my 2 cents of understanding!
Hypocrites all..including this Rinpoche. They promote the religious fetishism that the rich deserve what they have and the poor deserve their poverty due to their previous merits and demerits. Most Bhutanese spend fortunes on religious rites to make them richer or to subdue enemies. I think the Buddha had nothing to do with all of this bs. I want to learn about true Buddhism but Rinpoches are too busy teaching this to Americans – Bhutanese are told to perform pujas and more pujas.
This man Tashi is blasphemous. Yes few people might have become rich through previous life’s merits but most bhutanese who are rich today became so by robbing our own country.
What Rimpoche says is that it is time for you to give back what you have robbed.
Thank you, Rinpoche. you are buddha.
ooh!all rich in Bhutan are connected? Then They are the real GRH.NOT GNH.
commentator no 25, Don’t think that you are doing a great job when you say you are supporting your kiths and kins. All people living and working in Bhutan are doing the same thing. As for your contribution to NGO’s I take it with a pinch of salt.
I don’t think Rinpoche’s article is going to help Bhutan get any better. As someone mentioned earlier all the developed countries faced the same kind of problem.
How does it worsen Bhutan’s situation when elites send thier childern to study in Thailand. In the civil service we have many officers working very hard who graduated from Thailand.
As long as people are getting education and coming back to work in the country, be it in government,corporate or private, i dont see any problem.
The problem we face is when half baked people go to places like US, earn some money and then try to act like a real westerner in Bhutan.
The problem we face is when half baked trulkus and rinpoches go out in the name of preaching religion and come back only to engage in worldly affairs.
Remember Rome was not built in a day. Everything takes time. Bhutan is doing fine. I don’t mean to say we are doing great. Certainly we need to work much harder. We are an aid dependent country. But certainly we are on the right track. Don’t discourage us!!
It totally doesn’t make sense, when few privileged ones get to spent hollywood life style, when rest of the fellow citizens struggle hand to mouth in the land of GNH. Nor does it make sense to construct huge religious Stupas, when water leaks in the alter of many homes far and near. Do we earn extra merits when we built bigger stupas? Are they forcing us to buy the greater merits buy asking our kids to donate in the schools? For instance, Constable Dorji had a choice either to buy a pair of shoes for his wife or to let his son donate the money for the stupa construction requested by his school. Although he would loved to see his mom wear a new shoes, he was compelled to donate just for the sake of saving his so called dignity in the class. Did he earn any good merits? I don’t know, perhaps Rimpoche may be able to shed some lights
For few who complain that Rimpoches are spending more time outside teaching in the west, I think that is baseless. One of the reason why many of us revere Dzongsar Khyentse today is because his rarity. There are many Rimpoche’s who are in Bhutan we dont care about because they live in Bhutan and you can have access easily if you want. That is human attitude that when something is far, we want them close and when close, you look for some other thing that is far.
Anyway, I would rather care about the points Rimpoche has made and be mindful of them next time we take a decision.
Dear Chorten, if you are really a Buddhist and follower of Buddhism, one must give up all desires for wealth; abandon your beautiful wifes and loving children and go in caves for meditation for enlightenment. Lord Buddha had done accordingly and so enlightened. If you do so, you will be worshiped as THIRD buddha. Don’t worry to buy new shoes for your wife or children. Learn to give away whatever wealth and properties you have in hands in order to reborn as wealthy man in next life.
Frankly speaking, I see that no other Lama cares for Bhutan more than Khyentse Rinpoche does, Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche and Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche continues to love and bless our people with their kindness. They do not need medal from anyone to prove anything to anybody. Because…..?
They are the real Buddhas and Bodhissattvas.
Re post 29: completely agree
This is how I see it (I may be wrong): rich is Bhutan have become rich quickly without their mind developing intellectually. The rich in Bhutan are very similar to many NEW rich of India and China. All they do is spend money on designers goods, expensive holidays, nice house, cas….etc. Contrast to OLD rich people – philanthropic values important more than materialism. It will take years for Bhutanese rich to be philanthropic because their mind is not as big as their bank account balance. If you look around Bhutanese eilte they can been see carrying bags costing Nu 50,000 and shoes costing Nu 20,000 – it disgusts me that these people don’t have a clue about how poor most section of Bhutanese are. The rich are not under any obligations to help the poor but my argument is that they can and why not especially when most rich have become rich by exploiting Bhutanese natural resources by paying very small royalty to the government. BTE – I strongly belief that natural resources belongs to ALL.
Here is another big problem – situation will only get worse and government won’t do anything about it because all rich in Bhutan are connected.
Samzang, don’t make such unfounded statements in public forum. How do you qualify your statement that says these are the two rinpoches who care for Bhutan the most.
There are many Rinpoches who are contributing a lot to the country without travelling like businessmen.
OOH! all rich in Bhutan are connected? then they are real GRH.NOT GNH.
@Sampa Zanpo, i am a confused Buddhist practitioner, a Drukpa Kaju follower by birth, but the monks in the Dzong weren’t good enough to convince me anything about Buddha’s dharma, then I envied on the Nyingma Shedra monks, staying clean and knowledgeable to an extend, it bothered me a lot, when they preferred doing rimdoes after rimdoes for the Dashos and their Aums and liked to mingle with women in prados. I hardly had any faith in them too. At this point, I would rather prefer to donate my money to a sick farmer in Gaytana, or buy a meal for those students in Sombekha or even buy some solar panels for the kids in Dungna rather than donate and add my name in the list for the huge fancy Stupa. If it’s a sin, so be it… I will have my say when I meet yumraj. U better prepare yourself.
First , with due Respect to Rinpoche , i would like to adress to Tashi ( 26 ) and tell him that the first one to forgive You and bless You is Rinpoche : I don’t think You realise whom You are talking too , not just by title , Rinpoche knows that it takes more than a title to impress me , but knowing him for 30 years , though we are still arguying , and despite all the Wisdom , care and love he is here showing for his fellow countymen , I first came to share one more view , though , I do realise that a student should just do what the Teacher says , and because Bhutanese have adopted Western concepts such as Human Rights and democracy ( that showswhen someone like Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche comes to the West , it is not only out of Compassion for us poor ignorant westerners , but also to bring back to You , that he loves , what he found good concepts that could benefit Yo, his country men and women .I please ask first all of You to excuse my poor knowlege of english , being a perfectionnist was never the point for me to strike to demonstrate such a talent , but a tool of communication , though , communicating with Rinpoche has always been the wose handicap for me . But maybe You may use my reflection for your own benefit . First If bhutanese send their children to Thailand for the reasons you are mentioning Rinpoche , maybe it’s only because they perceive what the French call the ” bling bling ” of their own president : what shines , but as Lord buddha taught us all that shines is not gold ! so we have to check beyond happierences ! I was reading Yesterday a note by Kalu Rinpoche saying his heart was brocken at seeing what the first 3 years retreat center in France had turned too / and someone answered that he had taken vows as a novice monk in the place , than had been offered a job as an accounter in that center , and few years later had left …to go to Thailand …live with the brothers of the Forest or such a name of monks who live of silent retreats and beging their food every day . So everyone find what he or she is looking for , even if they make the wrong choice on what they want .
But i had come actually to tell you something else and as I think it can bring some more questionning in You and what is Democracy if not the freedom to use the mind as to chose what is the best for a fair share , equality, and prevention of some overpowering the others ., as the opposite of Democracy is totalitarism ; where citizens have no freedom to speak , go where they want , share their view etc . and that is actually my ever repeating the same argumentation with Rinpoche as to become better human being and develop ultimate compassion , we practice pure vision : this is very good for our spiritual groth .
But as we live also in everyday life we need concepts such as Democracy as to protect everyone in the country against anyone wanting the political power to abusively overpower all citizens as we see in some communist , or military states where citizens are scared of their government : as Thomas Jefferson , one of the U.S president was saying : “Democracy is when goverment fear citizens (electors ) dictatorship is when citizens fear the governement !” I heard tonight one of the leading French philospher explain why he had decided to open free classes of Philosophy that are overcrowded today accross the country : he explain that he felt the need for it in 2002 because something happend in France that was a big shock for the whole country : the principle and health of Democracy is the balance between right and left voters : and often after few years a country balance from one side to the next , tired of some aspects of every day life , and balances again after few years for the same reasons . In 2002 , after the first tour of election a tsunami happend; the socialist prime minister everyone was expecting to win : lost : and people were left between the choice of voting for the right , …..or the extreme right no one wanted ! Many explained that they had vote for the extreme on the first tout , as to express their unsatisfaction to the socialist party , and were expecting to vote for it on the second tour , but somany people had done the same thing , that they had made the socialist candidate lose and they could not vote for him anymore ! Thanks to the responsability of everyone , as noone wanted France ‘ the Mother land of Human Rights ” as we are proud to think our country is , to turn extrelist , everyone vote for Chirac , the right wing candidate , as Not to have an extremist governing the country . This is why this Philosopher , Michel Onfreydecided that Democracy , Freedom of election is great , but people needed to sharpen their mind , as not to be influence by wrong views and able to make their own jugement not to fall again and take such a risk of not knowing the dangerousness of some people : as the German Play writter Bertolt Brecht amazed to see his fellow countrymen believing in the view of a é great Reich that should reign for 1000 years as hitler had wished , Brecht had written a small poetry : ” When the time will come to march , many will not know that their enemy is leading them , that the voice talking is the enemy’s voice , that the one talking of the enemy is himself the enemy ” This is why , though Rinpoche is very right for wanting Dharma student to practice Pure view to develop qualities , this Pure view , which sees but does not grasp phenomena , is very often source of misunderstanding to people who mistakes Lamas practicing Pure view and visiying regularily ” Dharma centres ” run by some ” teachers” caring more about their selfish fame or interest : whereas lamas are acting out of Compassion , and i suppose in the hope that people will end up seeing the difference between just talks and authentic Teachings , many followers , even when having had doubts about the qualities of some of these ” teachers ” understand the venue of authentic great teachers as a caution that the person is worht being followed . and in my view , that can lead many people to what is happening now and that kalu Rinpoche said broke his heart : when people realise things are not as holly as they first happiered , they leave , go somewhere else find what is more authentic in their view , because they haven’t reach the level of knowlege grat teacher have to be able as peacock to eat poison and have their feathers look even more resplendant so to grow in Wisdom , loving kindness emptiness that is ultimate compassion , we need to practice pure View , but to preserve one’s community or country of negative power , people need to sharpend their mind to questionning . Wish everyone the best . and please excuse all spelling mistakes or misunderstanding that are my only responsability : I leave Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche to who’s precious feet i bow , decide if this can be useful to You , his fellow countrywomen and men. Sylvie Calvet , from France .
Dear Palden-la (28), I agree that fellow citizens back also support their families. What you failed to understand is that the Bhutanese abroad who financially support their kiths and kins have become the new source of economy in Bhutan. Please check the latest Business Bhutan report on remittance in dollars where 4mn dollars entered Bhutanese economy from non-resident Bhutanese (NRB). This new economy has rippling effect not only to the immediate family but also to the extended family members and at times community at large. And this, the fellow-citizens abroad are not doing under ease. They are far away from home and from their loved ones; some doing menial jobs such as au-pairs, street-vendors, cleaners, etc. And Rinpoche is right to point out that the new generations of fellow-citizens won’t be taking this type of jobs back home as the taboo compels that these professions are not apt for the Shangri-la citizens. So we end up hiring Indian labourers to do this type of work and the money is circulated back to India which often comes to Bhutan as an aid/funding package. There is thus urgent need to make aware of the dignity and respect of all professions from sweeper to consultants to upcoming generations. Perhaps one way is to increase the value of such work so that the fellow-citizens take them up; this reminds of the graduate guy who opened up a shoe-cleaning enterprise in Thimphu.
I also agree with you that all nations face the same problems but no one has dared to point these out in Bhutan until the birth of this article. It is good to remind policy makers that environment of a vibrant economy and fair soceity is maintained so that the GNH blossoms and citizens feel comfortable associating with Shangri-la.
This is my 2 cents of understanding. And no way I was blowing trumpets for fellow-citizens abroad. Instead the backstage story for NRBs is sad!
May Rimpoche’s prayers be fulfilled and bring changes as HE aspires. And for that lets join our hearts and hands to support on this change to be successful. With profound respects and deep devotion to Rimpoche who truely and wholeheartedly works towards betterment of our poor people unreached and remoted in far-flang areas.
Every one in fact should try to make his nation a real Shangrila. Shangrila is believed to be a happy and peaceful land (earthly heaven). “Shangrila should not be a problem”
If “Shangrila may be the problem” then “Shambala may be the solution.”!
Forgive on my stupidity.
@Kencho.
1. Who started the recent, practical, GNH Samdrup Jongkhar Initiative?
2. Where were you when Rinpoche gave teachings to thousands of devotees in Bartsam?
3. Who has written the above article that is making the Bhutanese thinkers and policy makers and people like you and me think?
4. Has there been bigger congregation of devotees receiving dharma (more than twenty thousand) at a single gathering than it did when Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche gave teachings in Gelephu a few months ago?
5. Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche made film that gained international reputation. What do you think is Rinpoche’s intent for making movies? Read Gentle Voice newsletters http://gentlevoice.org/content/ of Siddharta’s Intent.
5. Where do you think the three venerable Lopons of Zhung Dratsang got their education from? The answer: From Rinpoche’s Shedra in Bir, Himalchal Pradesh.
Well, the list will go on. I better stop here.
ego grasping shrinks the mind : my understanding of what Rinpoche is telling his beloved fellow citizens is : open the water gate and let the flow of love and ultimate , that is universal compassion extend to all beings and You’ll feel relieved from the prison of greed and ego grasping : why stick to it limits when You can train your mind to that of a deity as vast as limitless space ?
Do all these works qualify to say that these two are the only rinpoches who contributed most to the countries? what an ignorant man you are
It was such great prophecy by an enlightened being with wisdom that we should check and balance.I deeply appreciate Rinpoche’s concern and his effort to enlighten our policy makers, elites,and authoritarians to follow the GNH path laid by our beloved Dharma king.As there is a proverb saying “Sha tsha wai kha le tam nyen thoen”Those who really cares he speaks the truth”.There may be lot of people who doesn’t like Rinpoche commenting on Bhutanese issues but Rinpoche is a compassionate being to benefit all sentient beings.So his compassionate concerns for our country is appreciated by all of us Bhutanese citizens.We sincerely request for your wise insights in the future also to achieve our wise king’s vision of GNH.Thank you Rinpoche for bringing such an important issues to discuss which many wanted to but failed with other condition.
@44.
ok my lord. I was only trying to tell you how even the highest of lamas in our country like the venerable lopens and thousands of other monks have been fed and educated by this businessman. I am intrigued by how wise you, and so my lord, I humbly accept the defeat.
I always pray that many Tulkus like Rimpoche be born in our country and have no additional words to express what my heart feels. My words fail what my heart feels to say but remains heartfully numbed with Rimpoche’s blessing and wisdom to us(sentient beings).
I want to say that those who are truely following the Buddha Dharma are seen poorer and those who act physically are seen richer. I am 45 years old follower of buddha dharma and so experienced this.
Some Buddha Dharma followers changes their dress colour before they could change their MIND colour. Thats why there are some problem in this too. The faithful followers are being fooled and sometimes robbed of…by the wolfs in sheeps’ clothings. So the True Teachers like Rimpoche must guide and teach us and bless us with educations and clear briefings on Dharma followers to practice a true Dharma. With deep respects.
@Samzang 42- Great Rimpoche with not so wise deciple, infact very egostic
Well,I think educating and feeding monks is not an easy job and it has to be run like a business.I don’t really understand when some people regard Rinpochs and noble men who are involved in social and religious activities are regarded as a business man.There is nothing in this modern age that runs without the system of business be it religious, politics or any system.We are in the 21st century that we should know how we move ahead.Sad for such narrowed and self centered-minded people.Rinpoche keep up your humanity work.We support you.
[...] Observer June 03-June 10, 2011 posted an article by Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse: shangri-la may be the problem. B ‘In Bhutan, when we scold our kids with words like kao majebe or drenpa-ma-khug (in [...]
Thank you Rinpoche for display your wisdom and concern to all about. It will be good that the Rinpoches spend more time to teach Dharma in Bhutan like in the West. Here people don’t have the much chance to learn Dharma in Dharma centers like we have in foreign countries.
I think there is no need to get emotional at all here. Not even personal. Focus on the points and debate with open mind on this rather than talk about who is who. It is unnecessary and wasteful to divert the issue.
I think Bhutanese need fundamental change in attitude. Like someone quoted His Majesty above that we cannot have the same attitude towards life of depending on Government to provide us with everything. We even tend to depend moral attitude to be provided by Government through schools etc. It is time we find our own jobs. Take up what ever is there and make best use rather than look for same job that everyone seems to be looking for. Government on the other hand can pave a way for citizens to flow in that direction. Government can provide support and encourage. Diversification, I think is very important too. It can be of different levels. Diversification of work or resources within a small office. Idea diversification. At the same time we need to have check and balance of office work with personal life. Or may be make club them in such a way both becomes joy.
We pray for all the sentient beings to be freed of sufferings and for attainment of enlightened happiness. Although we go on praying and praying still we see many in hell of sufferings and troubles. Is it solely due to prevous KARMA which we beleive it is unwashable and has to face without excuse. Sometimes we get discouraged when there are no sigh of improvement of our luck although we truely pray from our bottom of the heart for all sentient beings to be free of sufferings and be happy as they craves for. Why are we punished of previous life which is unknown to us at present life. Please explain me clearly on this so that I may be free of this thinking.
Note: Probably this fits in here where the commentators have taken the liberty of being hard on the Bhutanese rich.
This is a post from my blog
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Imagine a conversation. You are with a group of friends and colleagues discussing problems that we see around. Suddenly the interactions become animated. All of you are excited. Voila – you think you have found a solution. Why can’t those who are well off spend their resources on solving these problems?
You reproach them for their inattention. You criticise them for their display of wealth and seemingly uncaring attitude for the pains of the less fortunate. This is exactly what is happening these days in Bhutan – admonishing the Bhutanese who we call the rich for their ways of life.
If there is a bit of pragmatism – it will dawn on to you very fast that these will not work. Sorry – you haven’t found any solution. I see this as nothing else but an envy for their position and a projection of our own ‘ineptitude’ for hard work and ambition. They are rich for two reasons – ‘luck’ or ‘entirely hard work’ and either way – we have to accept it.
The responsibility of an individual ends with the following:
- Pay taxes where due
- Conduct business according to the laws of the country (if not this is a different issue)
- Do not externalise costs of business (e.g. environmental, labour exploitation) to the local community
Beyond these – what the individual does with his/her wealth is entirely at his/her discretion. They are not obliged to do anything else.
We must recognise that it is the rich (not only in wealth but in enterprise) who arguably contributes more to the country – through taxes ( I would say 5%-10% of our annual revenue- 1), employment generation and effective use of capital and resources. Wealth is a symbol of success not only in Bhutan but also outside and it is reward for entrepreneurialism, risk taking and creativity. Build the perception of ‘wealth is bad’ or ‘you must share your wealth’ in a society – then you are asking for an indolent, complacent and effete group of people. You will have just compounded the problems.
In any case there will always be rich and poor people. It is just simple economics and the nature of democracy unless it is some form of socialism or communism that we seek. We can choose to share our own wealth (as many do very well) but it is definitely not our role to ask a certain group of people to do so. And it may not be wealth or money that everybody wants.
What we should seek is ‘equality of opportunity’ where we have the choices to do what we want which could be pursuing wealth or just a peaceful retreat – whatever appeals to us individually. Let us demonstrate more egalitarianism in our treatment of fellow Bhutanese as we clearly do in a number of our other demands.
The title of the earlier comment is -
In defense of the Bhutanese rich
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Thanks
Wise words from a very wise man. Hope people are listening.
@bhutanese blogger: the issue being discussed in the article is not so much on rich bashing neither is it on pro poor groups hinting towards communistic or socialistic set up. it is rather more on the wisdom of recognizing the non-chalant and indifference shown by our power class on many of the pressing issues of corruption, double standards of the system and more importantly on the high maintenance cost of a shangrila image, that potentially could cost us dearly in the long run…….
If my nation had only one single person who observed and thought the situacion as Rinpoche do it, I would be so happy…
Excellent article Many many thanks!
I visited your coountry back in 2000 and I’ve spent many hours explaining other westerners that Bhutan is not the backward country they sometimes think, the country where children helping in the crops labour is not considered children exploitation, for instance, where religion does not mean ignorance and manipulation. If young people insists on copying Khorean or Thai lifestyles in the end they’ll be facing the same kind of problems, so please, take pride in being different, of course, but as Rimpoche suggests, do it for the benefit of all beings or else you may end up like Nepal and its trashy touristic industry.