Wednesday, October 23, 2013

The Relics at Thimphu

Commencing my expedition around 4:00 AM on the morning of Sunday, October 20th, 2013, I embarked on a journey bound for Thimphu, fueled by the aspiration to seek blessings from revered relics. The belief that these sacred artifacts could cleanse the accumulated weight of my transgressions impelled me forward. Urgency spurred my pace, culminating in my arrival at RAPA by approximately 6:30 AM.

There, I joined the meandering queue adjacent to the entrance leading towards Tashichhodzong, with the line's genesis situated precisely at the RAPA hall. The atmosphere was permeated by a piercing cold, though the line remained utterly immobile. The roadways bore witness to reckless vehicular velocity, seemingly devoid of concern, even as children ventured across streets engrossed in their youthful camaraderie. Overwhelmed by trepidation, I vigilantly safeguarded my children amidst this precarious scenario.

Parents and guardians stood united in the queue, driven by an ardent desire to receive blessings. Meanwhile, vehicles careened down the streets, their velocity emblematic of an unyielding pursuit of financial gains during what they deemed a lucrative period. Regrettably, some youngsters were left unattended in the midst of this hustle. The conspicuous absence of security personnel, law enforcement, the National Pension and Provident Fund (NPPF), and the Desuups became an undeniable reality. The custodians of security had faltered in their duty, mirroring the event's disorganized nature orchestrated by the organizers. In a baffling turn of events, the public was compelled to endure an extensive six-hour wait in the frigid cold, a situation that transpired despite many having arrived as early as 3:00 AM.

Within this interval, an unfortunate accident came to pass. A young boy suffered the grievous loss of a limb as a result of being struck by a bolero car. Providentially, a traffic police officer arrived at the scene, prompting the frustrated and disgruntled public to vocalize the security vacuum that had engulfed the event. My own determination persisted despite the circumstances, although my fervor was challenged when I bore witness to individuals who had arrived subsequent to my own arrival promptly securing more advantageous positions in the central line. Their privilege, being related to someone positioned within, left me in a state of moral dissonance, for I had embarked on this pilgrimage with noble intentions.

All these unfolding events were emblematic of a stark security deficiency. Around 9:00 AM, the event organizers finally presented the relics to the public, albeit with an insufficient number of security personnel at their disposal. Their efforts to maintain order amid the surging crowd proved futile, and a momentary instance of frustration on the part of the organizers led to the abrupt suspension of relic disclosure. This paradoxically magnified the organizers' authority, as their brief moment of frustration mirrored the public's six-hour ordeal. The outcome, unfortunately, was a disheartened public returning home, their aspirations crushed. May the collective discontent of the public find its repository in the lapses of the organizers.

I, being a teacher, find myself constrained in opportunities such as these, with Sundays representing my sole window of availability. My duties are intertwined with nation-building, and I cannot, in good conscience, divert attention from my students to partake in relic blessings, even of such sanctity. I also express reservations about the media representation, particularly Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS). Their coverage appeared to lean towards highlighting public shortcomings, neglecting the extensive hardships endured by the masses amidst the rigors of cold and heat. Encouraging a diversified media landscape becomes imperative, as a monopolized media often neglects the multifaceted nature of events. My resolve to abstain from partaking in the secretive relic unveiling remains firm, driven by the realization that the negative sentiments outlined above had burgeoned.

Being a devout Buddhist, my connection to blessings from such revered relics remains unshakable. Thus, I find solace in having garnered blessings along the path to Trashigang at Rabuna Wangdue, where I received chawang from the relics. Gratitude fills my heart for this contentment that now resides within me.

 
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