One word that comes to my mind as I follow our King’s visit to Australia is connection. Connection to our past, connection to our King, and connection to one’s own self. In a world that is getting so disconnected, this is a huge relief.

Our Bhutanese people’s connection to our King is sacred. It is the essence of the Bhutanese nation. Nothing should come between our King and us. Seeing this sacred bond on display, even thousands of kilometres away, is heartwarming. From the tiny pieces of information that are trickling on social media, it even feels emotional.

The connection to our past is symbolised by the presence of Dorje Lopen Rimpoche* – a person I interacted with very closely and developed an immense respect for during the State Visit to Japan in 2011. He used to stay in his hotel room most of the time to complete his daily prayers and practices – instead of exploring the city of Tokyo. This time to Australia, he travelled with some sacred relics to bless our people living far away.

Spirituality and monarchy are the souls of Bhutan. They are the glue that binds the Bhutanese people and the nation together and the essence of being Bhutanese in many ways – and for many Bhutanese as individuals.

To stay connected to these ideas and institutions is to reconnect to one’s inner self – and to discover that deep inside, one has never left one’s home called Bhutan.

As we join our compatriots in their reunion with our King, what is one word that comes to your mind? Drop it in the comments. I also hope that those who are Down Under will pen some reflections on this historic event.

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*His Eminence Dorje Lopen is the second highest ranking master in Bhutan – a true monk-scholar
(Photo: HM King Official Page)