| |
|
The Buddhist faith has played and continues to play a fundamental role in the cultural, ethical and sociological development of Bhutan and its people. It permeates all aspects of secular life, bringing with it a reverence for the land and its well-being. Annual festivals in each district are spiritual occasions. They bring together the population of the district and are dedicated either to Guru Rimpoche or to other deities.
Bhutan is the only independent country in the world to retain the Vajrayana from of Mahayana Buddhism as its religion.
Dzongs are fortresses that were built in every district in the middle ages. Most of them were built as defensive fortresses to repel invading armies. They can seen from miles around
and often appear to be impregnable. Today dzongs function as the center for both religious and secular activities in each valley.
An area’s monk body lives in the dzong and practices its faith there. The head of Bhutan’s monk body, the Je Khenpo, is a deeply revered figure who is afforded the same respect as the monarch.
Throughout Bhutan, chortens (stupas) dot the landscape. They ward off evil spirits and protect travelers and residents
from imminent danger. They are also said to represent symbolically the mind of the Buddha and serve to remind people of the possibility of, and the path to, enlightenment. Prayer flags on mountain slopes, bridges and high passes are even more common. Transmitting prayers to the Gods and maintaining constant communication with the heavens, prayers flags fluttering in the wind are a simple reminder of the clarity and ubiquity of the Buddhist faith in Bhutan.
It is deemed an honour and a virtuous act for Bhutanese families to send a son to join the monastic order, so it is not uncommon to encounter young children dressed as monks in the dzongs. |
 |
 |
| |
Monks |
| |
 |
| |
|
Prayer wheel |
| |
|
|
|
 |
copyright © gangri tour and trekking co. all right reserved. contact webmaster for further information.