Buddhism, whether we like it or not, whether we agree or not, has diverged quite a bit into various schools and sects – often characterised by dogmas and divisions, and us-versus-them attitudes.

While these variations are natural evolution (and by the way, Buddha never restricted anyone from moving away from one path), this development has nonetheless taken away believers and practitioners from the core fundamentals of concepts and conduct, and of mindfulness and wisdom, which are all emphasized in the early texts.

For instance, the two concepts of impermanence and emptiness are almost forgotten as people relentlessly seek power and wealth as if they are unchanging, solid and permanent.

In my own analysis of why the younger generation of Bhutanese feel alienated from the religious traditions points to situation of dichotomy between where they try to access Buddhism from, what they are faced with every day. In other words, the proliferation of technology has brought about the translated teachings of the sutras such as Heart Sutra and Diamond Sutra to the smartphones of the tech-savvy Bhutanese, who then see no connection between the basic philosophical tenets and the ritualistic traditions they are invited to. What is the relation between emptiness and disposing off the torma?

Furthermore, the GenX and the various Buddhist teachers and institutions of our time would do Dhama a favour if we all once went back to what Gatama Buddha taught, and then resume our spiritual journey. Meaning, we refresh our memories and mindset with some dose of impermanence and emptiness, rather than over glorify power, fame and fortune. This would make us a little more Buddhist, a little more humble, and a little more content. Otherwise, mindlessly conducting rituals and going about with all the mundane vices is confusing our younger generation.

Along this thought my sitting room will now have this large statue of Buddha Shakyamuni – and nothing else, to greet visitors coming to my humble place in GMC. At least, to all the chhilips who come there will be told to start their mindfulness residency by understanding the Four Noble Truths.

Of course, the statue is laden with all the precious zung and relics to honour our own Vajrayana tradition.

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

Buddhism, whether we like it or not, whether we agree or not, has diverged quite a bit into various schools and sects – often characterised by dogmas and divisions, and us-versus-them attitudes.

While these variations are natural evolution (and by the way, Buddha never restricted anyone from moving away from one path), this development has nonetheless taken away believers and practitioners from the core fundamentals of concepts and conduct, and of mindfulness and wisdom, which are all emphasized in the early texts.

For instance, the two concepts of impermanence and emptiness are almost forgotten as people relentlessly seek power and wealth as if they are unchanging, solid and permanent.

In my own analysis of why the younger generation of Bhutanese feel alienated from the religious traditions points to situation of dichotomy between where they try to access Buddhism from, what they are faced with every day. In other words, the proliferation of technology has brought about the translated teachings of the sutras such as Heart Sutra and Diamond Sutra to the smartphones of the tech-savvy Bhutanese, who then see no connection between the basic philosophical tenets and the ritualistic traditions they are invited to. What is the relation between emptiness and disposing off the torma?

Furthermore, the GenX and the various Buddhist teachers and institutions of our time would do Dhama a favour if we all once went back to what Gatama Buddha taught, and then resume our spiritual journey. Meaning, we refresh our memories and mindset with some dose of impermanence and emptiness, rather than over glorify power, fame and fortune. This would make us a little more Buddhist, a little more humble, and a little more content. Otherwise, mindlessly conducting rituals and going about with all the mundane vices is confusing our younger generation.

Along this thought my sitting room will now have this large statue of Buddha Shakyamuni – and nothing else, to greet visitors coming to my humble place in GMC. At least, to all the chhilips who come there will be told to start their mindfulness residency by understanding the Four Noble Truths.

Of course, the statue is laden with all the precious zung and relics to honour our own Vajrayana tradition.

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻