Today, I have been in Bhutan for the fifth day. The people, the trees, and the friends are all so beautiful. This is my third time back to Bhutan. The first time I came, I drank holy water from every temple, bowed to every shrine, and prayed without hesitation. The second time, I came back for the Dreamers Concert “Flying in Shangrila”, the second trip was purely for work. This time I came back here with a completely different mindset, not as a tourist, not for work, not as a spiritual person. I came back as a failure, and needed places, people, and nature to “renovate” myself.
The hotel I stayed in Thimpu was right next to a Stupa. Every day, I woke up around 7am, then I went to the stupa, imitated people walking around the stupa, paying respect to the Buddha a few times. There were many old people, those who didn't walk would find a corner, sit quietly, and recite something in their mouths. Those who walked around also walked, holding their rosary, and mumbled something. It seemed everyone was quite focused on their own work.
Somehow, I did not feel the overwhelming greed there like when I entered the spiritual places in my hometown. The atmosphere was very peaceful, I also did my work in the steps, the sight, the hearing, the smell, the thoughts lingering around the stupa.
Coming back this time, I still circumambulated the stupa, still drank the holy water (although I felt disgusted by its taste), still listened to their stories of their belief in Buddha from angles very different from my understanding and belief in Buddha. My mind said: be open to accept and listen to all differences, respect nature.
Is there any wealth or success greater than accepting whatever happens?
There are so many things I don't understand at home.
