The "failure" in Bhutan

Today marks my fifth day in Bhutan. The people, the trees, the friends—everything is wonderful. This is my third time returning to Bhutan. The first time, I drank from every holy water source, bowed at every temple, and offered prayers without hesitation. The second time, I returned for the Dreamers Concert “Flying in Shangrila,” a purely work-related trip. This time, I'm back with a completely different mindset—not as a tourist, not for work, not as a devout spiritualist. I'm back as someone who has failed, and I need a place, people, and nature to “recharge” myself.

My hotel in Thimpu was right next to a stupa. Every day, I would wake up around 7 a.m., then go to the stupa and imitate others by circumambulating it a few times, paying my respects to the Buddha. There were many elderly people; those who didn't circumambulate found a corner, sat quietly, and chanted something under their breath. Those who did circumambulate also walked around, holding their rosaries and muttering to themselves. Everyone seemed quite focused on their own task.

For some reason, I didn't feel the overwhelming greed there like I do at spiritual sites back home. The atmosphere was very peaceful; I went about my business, observing, listening, smelling, and letting my thoughts wander around the stupa.

Returning this time, I still circled the stupa, still drank the holy water (although I felt disgusted by its taste), and still listened to their stories of faith in the Buddha from perspectives very different from my own understanding and belief in the Buddha. My heart told me: be open to accepting and listening to all differences, respect nature.

Is there any greater wealth or success than accepting things as they are?

There are so many things I don't understand about my hometown.

Lan Oanh