Articles
Venerable Pomnyun Sunim and JTS Korea
Venerable Pomnyun Sunim and JTS Korea have surveyed remote Bhutanese communities to identify areas for improvement. Key findings reveal that 10% of homes need either structural repairs or internal remodeling, with kitchens requiring urgent upgrades to prevent smoke buildup and improve ergonomics. Enhancements are also needed for privacy, with partitions for family members and basic provisions like mattresses and blankets for those sleeping on floors. Additional needs include small household items and agricultural tools, with suggestions for communal sharing of specialized farming equipment. The aim is to enhance living conditions and support sustainable development in line with Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness approach.
Sustainable development project in rural Bhutan
Drukpa Kunley, known as the “Divine Madman,” was a 15th-century Tibetan lama famed for his unconventional approach to Buddhism. Challenging established norms, Kunley rejected institutional hypocrisy and spread his teachings with a blend of radical humor and Tantric rituals. Renowned as the “Saint of 5,000 Women,” he used his so-called “Flaming Thunderbolt of Wisdom” — a notably large phallus — to both challenge authority and combat evil spirits. His life was marked by outrageous acts like blessing women with fertility through wooden phallus carvings and using his legendary endowment to ward off demons. His antics included drinking, singing provocative songs, and mocking other monks. Despite his irreverent methods, Kunley’s legacy endures in Bhutan, where his image and teachings are celebrated through vibrant murals and public art, symbolizing his unique role in Bhutanese culture and spirituality.
His Holiness Gyeshey Gendun Rinchen
His Holiness Gyeshey Gendun Rinchen, the 69th Je Khenpo of Bhutan, was born in 1926 near Paro Taksang. Contrary to some published accounts, he was confirmed as the legitimate son of Kinzang Dorji and Tashi Chokey. His early life showed remarkable signs of spiritual inclination; by age three, he was making stupas and acting as a religious figure. Enrolled as a monk at age seven, he excelled in monastic disciplines and Tantric practices. At seventeen, he began advanced studies in Tibet, receiving teachings from prominent masters and becoming highly revered. After returning to Bhutan, he held various teaching and leadership roles, including a three-year retreat at Paro Taksang. In 1981, he was appointed chief abbot of Bhutan, serving until his retirement in 1996. He passed away in 1997 after a distinguished spiritual career.