AP Chundu(powerful Local deity, Haa District) and His Wrathful Appearances.

AP Chundu (Powerful Local Deity, Haa District) and His Wrathful Appearances

Bhutan as the land of Thunder Dragon filled with beliefs and mysticism that the local deities are part and parcel of culture to offer our deep respect and annual festivities to appease and get their help in any activity that we carry out. Our credit of success and achievement directly goes to them. Such is the culture our forefathers passed on to this twentieth first century minds. Otherwise, we are doomed to suffer from scanty rainfall, earthquakes, landslides and windstorms destroying the houses and crops frequently since our local deity is not really satisfied and happy with our annual festivity or offerings in the form of animal sacrifices. The shamanistic way of offering to our so called local deities to as annual feast. This culture of sacrificing live animals were flourished for many centuries ago when Buddha Dharma was not introduced in Bhutan. Such mind set was carried on by our parents till date for the fear of wrathful attack from local deities if missed or challenged them by not sacrificing animals instead.

In the 8th Century, Guru Rinpoche visited Bhutan twice from Tibet and subdued the local deities and transformed them as protecting deity of Dharma in every regions. They even agreed not to have animal sacrifices henceforth after taking oath from Guru Rinpoche but some continued to do so. The practical example is the sacrifice of Yak, sheep, goat and cock to Ap  Chundu (Local deity) at Haa District until this year.  The people of Haa feared so much that Ap Chundu will punish them with diseases and natural calamities if challenged or missed. The killing is sinful act in Buddhsim but circumstances forced people to do so for survival. The vows and oath taken during 8th century  from Guru Rinpoche was broken by Ap Chundu indeed and he claimed to stick to his old habit of eating and drinking hot bloods of animals. Was Ap Chundu doing any justice to his oaths said in front of Guru Rinpoche or is he digging his own graveyard?  And is he creating confusion to the people's mind with his mighty show off. Will his might and thirst for hot blood remain forever or sustainable advantage in Bhutan?

The time has come for Ap Chundu to surrender his way of life and his support to local community from drinking hot blood to merciful life as the true Dharma protector recently.  The might and old habit were replaced by his compassionate and love for sentient beings. The habit of Ap Chundu posed many questions in my mind and just did not like it. And I was just praying that Ap Chundu may change his butcher habit to compassionate deity.  My thoughts and ill feelings were responded with horrible and terrible dream whereby I was dragged to Ap Chundu's Goenkhang suddenly one night. There Ap Chundu showed with his might and wrathful faces blazing fire on me. He is really fearful indeed when he showed his drama in my dreams. The local people really cannot challenge his position as god of war and might of destruction that he may bring. Nevertheless, a brief  visualization of my Yidam Vajra Kilaya in my dream; dissolved Ap Chundu's  mighty show and destructive nature  into emptiness. Thereafter, Ap Chundu dare not disturb me in my dreams with his wrathful forms even if I have bad feelings towards his life style.

My expectations and hope came true when the people of Haa decided to discontinue with their animal sacrifices to Ap Chundu from this year. The people threw the dice in the Goenkhang of Ap Chundu for his acceptance to change from old habit and live peacefully. The dice came out in favor of acceptance and good omen. Therefore, the sacrifice of live animal to him annually is replaced by other ritualistic offerings that will satiate his taste for meat and blood until the Samasara comes to an end. This news really struck my ears and made me feel utmost happiest man on earth. May the yaks, sheep, goats and hens live long and peacefully for there is no sacrifice to Ap Chundu hereafter. The fear of being killed by hired knife is now end to these poor animals of Haa. Imagine if I were surrounded by butchers for sacrifice for one's meals? The trauma and pain that I may undergo is immeasurable before I am killed or slaughtered. Such feelings and sadness were experienced by these innocent animals. Who is willing to die? Who dares to be eaten by someone? Everyone loves our life and want to have peaceful surroundings. For, animals cannot speak out but they cry in silence at heart. May you all have mercy on animals and give them limitless love and care.

Nevertheless, there are some local deities in Kurtoe Khoma who demands animals sacrifices annually inflicting pain on animals and messing up the Buddha Dharma into butcher house. The evil and good exist together in the land of Thunder Dragon which is unavoidable combination. Hoping high one day, even that local deity will change his mind like Ap Chundu saving animals in the future. The time will bring change to everyone and realization will strike suddenly that I am digging my own graveyard? It can happen to the Gods, Demons, Spirits and human beings indicating the impermanence nature of life in any forms.

This incident narration might hurt the sentiment of our die hard believers Bhutan (Haa and Lhuntse) in local deities and their support for many generations. I am not criticizing or dehumanizing our cult culture and strong belief and attachment that we have in such deeply rooted culture. But, it is my observation and some analysis passed, based on my dreams with Ap Chundu here in Bangkok, VM Mansion. The dreams are just dreams not real. Don't take it seriously. Sharing it for fun and making it more enjoyable reading. I am just taking my readers to the world of  imagination and dreams being tired of daily chores. The merits that I gained from writing this incident of Ap Chundu is hereby dedicated to all sentient beings and particularly to Ap Chundu to get enlightenment as  destined by Guru Rinpoche along with the retinue of seventy five Yeshi Gonpos and Pelden Lhamo by the end of the Aeon.. May the protection of Ap Chundu bring peace and continued sovereignty to our Nation for generations to come under the vigilance of Guru Rinpoche & Zhabdrung Rinpoche.


written by: Mindu Wangdi

The Leaf and Old Women

The leaf and an old women

Watching and resting in my balcony here in room number 207 of V.M Mansion in Bangkok is my daily chore starting from 6 AM and goes on till dawn of dusk of the day with wonderful sun setting in the west. It is not the sun  setting but my life is getting shorter daily and days are numbered for ending the human life show on this earth. Life in Bangkok is really mixed with pain and sufferings which I never experienced before. This sufferings were created with my bad deeds in the past life which I cannot say no but endure with patience to pay off in this life. The law of Karma( cause & effect) is subtle that we cannot easily comprehend and judge it. 

Looking through the balcony; I saw the dried leaves falling from the trees on the ground teaching me the truth of impermanence as any compounded things will dismantle. The seasons make you (tree) beautiful, fresh and it also sheds away everything from you. The poor tree has no power to remain forever green with majestic look in front of me. Your flowers and fruits gave me the soothing power of naturalness and calm atmosphere with birds hovering and chirping with wonderful songs that I hear and record. The squirrels hunting for foods through you and having fights with their competitors for survival on the trees. The home for birds and squirrels is temporary and sure to fall down with seasons rule. How nice to see you (tree) serve as the best home for such tiny species of birds and squirrels. You even provided me the shed from scorching sun with gentle breeze that I never get in City life. Seeing you, drives my memory back to childhood days with cows freely wandering in the forests playing flute music as only the charm that I draw from. The nature is my mother who really consoles in times of hard and sadness. You embrace my worries and pains and showers me with happiness and peace. 

The fallen leaves have no right to decay as they wished and landed on by the force of Nature. Suddenly an old women came out from the house and picked the fallen leaves to be thrown away to owner's land immediately. The tree belongs to different owner. It was sad to notice that you (leaf) even do not have right to be buried in proper land. Who cares what is happening with you? The world is ruled by cruel people without any feelings and gratitude for your kind shed, breeze and home that you provide to many birds.  But the limping and heartless women with help of her stick push  you away from their land. This real drama made me  to question myself deeply. why this old limping women  could not allow the leaves to decay peacefully instead of throwing away to owner's land? They must be a long standing enemy to the neighbor.The so called idea of my land and their trees is conflicting and warring in her mind. There is fence being raised to indicate that their area and no one has right to enter in it. The human beings are closing their hearts and minds for the benefit of others. The selfishness and personal ego of attaching too much to our land and property really lead to disharmony and trust waning life on this earth. This is very small lesson that I learned from this old limping women and falling leaf.

The main reason why there is war and conflicts on this earth is due to our attachment and clinging towards self. Everything belongs to us; the natural resources and the economy. Every Nations have security boundary lines that we cannot cross easily and freely. The world leaders tend to operate in the minds of this "old limping women" not understanding the reality of impermanence and perfect co-existence as neighborhood.  The leaders should not rule the world with power and money but with love and kindness. We should not treat our neighbors as an enemy or competitors in their business world and kill with hired knife. The leaf and women taught me this wonderful lesson as how we should live on this earth being ruled by compassion and love rather than war and enmity mind. This is just my observation and analysis to the falling leaf incident and old women's mentality. Hope it would have some plus points to the leaders to handle our neighbors in prefect way to gain peace and happiness on this earth that every one longs for.


Written by: Mindu Wangdi 

Talo Gyeb and His show.

Talo Gyeb and His show.

As a Bhutanese, I heard many mysterious stories of Talo Gyeb at Talo Gonpa in Punakha with his wrathful forms, power and protection given to His Holiness Dudjom Dorje or His Holiness Zhabdrung Rinpoche who unified our country from war torn barbaric land to a peaceful of Thunder Dragon. It proved true when I had a real encounter with Talo Gyeb in formless show during my short and brief visit to Nalenda University at Talo.

I was appointed as National Observer to Wandgiphodrang District during the local government elections. I always headed towards Punakha after my duty is over for spending night with my sister and brother In-law who works at Punakha as care taker to Punakha High school. Days have passed on with traveling to Office and home. Nevertheless, one day I went to visit Nalenda University at Talo to gain some merits with some stuffs to be offered to the monastery. It was really holy place after reaching the University that gave me peace and calm by just a look and gaze on it.  The caretaker took me to different chapels and provided me with the brief explanations of all paintings and statues. The origin of name as Nalenda University in connection to the flying of seven Mahasiddhas from Nalenda University in India to explore best places in Bhutan to establish the same University for it was undergoing lot of destruction from anti-Buddhist forces. The seven Mahasidas in the form of birds landed on this current location of Nalenda at Talo foreseeing the best place to initiate Buddhist College equivalent to Indian Nalenda Uinversity to uphold Buddha Dharma in the future. The College was opened as  forecast left by the great Mahasiddas and supporting the true followers to learn Buddhist philosophy and practice for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Having an audience with Talo Tulku (Ex-Je Khenpo) was the most wonderful and lucky experience. He was kind enough to provide me with Mani Lung which was composed by Zhabdrung Rinpoche. Indeed he  initiated this Nalenda University during his reign as Je-khempo or Spiritual leader. I also heard that he even saw the Gadhen Paradise. It is believed that the Future Buddha is currently in this paradise as officiating Buddha after Lord Buddha passed away to Blissful land with his naked eyes while he was with his master. Due to time limit, I could not visit his foot prints up in the hills that he left for sentient beings to gather merits by just having glance on it. That was brief reflections of my visit to Nalenda University and that I learned from  the caretaker through oral transmission.

The road seems so narrow and dangerous in this place. Many cars were parked on the hill that served as parking for all. It was an auspicious day. There were many visitors and travelers hovering around. It took me more than an hour to clear the road. Just few minutes of drive, I reached near a Chorten built along the road.  It is located in the deep jungle that no one can see from both sides. There I decided to do some meditation for few hours. Having unfolded my meditation mat on the ground and resumed with my meditation in calm and quiet forest. The day was sunny and the rays of sun pounded on my forehead and burning somehow. Nothing could move me and change my mind that resolved into meditation as instructed and guided by my compassionate masters. My master Tokdhen Rigzin Norbu ( Father of Khempo Katayana) once said, be aware of Khegpas (the human-head hunters)  when you meditate in forests with his laughter and smiles of compassion. I did not really understand what he means by saying this to me. Bhutan has long histories of Khegpas who really bothers our parents and I have to live with that dangerous stories looming around and we have no peaceful nights in the villages during my childhood.

Time and tide wait for none. I was deeply resolved into my meditation for hours in that deep jungle alone.  I did not realize how my time passed with my deep concentration. Suddenly, the oak trees in front of me started  shedding their leaves slowly. That did not really disturbed me or distort my meditative mood. The game or show did not stop here. There was no wind blowing either and no birds or monkeys on the trees. Everything was natural and calm atmosphere. But, the shedding of trees from the far distance were reaching near by me. Having started from big trees and small trees in front of me started to move to and fro. Then only I realized that something  fishy is going on by some demonic forces to obstacle my meditation and concentration.

The formless disturbance was almost nearby me when I realize it was external hidden demonic forces. As soon as I realize that could be the one. I visualized on my Yidam or Tutelary deity (Vajra Kilaya) for few seconds. To my surprise, the formless, deadly and  dramatic show come to an end suddenly. Everything went quiet and calm. The shedding and moving of trees without winds stopped like a magic show in the circus. By the power of my Yidam, it could not harm me and just temporary disturbances in my mind.  Thereafter, I started my journey back to Khuruthang. In that evening, I had a horrible dream that man with bow and an arrow in his hand started destroying the bridge that I was travelling  along with many people. Many of my friends got drowned in the river due to his harmful actions. Nevertheless, I was not left alone; the man in monk's robe came to me and rescued most of my friends from drowning. However, few friends could not survive. The monk helped us to cross the shore with his power. I really did not understand my dreams and its its significance. I, was still in doubt and confusions how it can linked to my life.

In the morning, I shared my dreams and Talo experience to an old man from Punakha. It was interesting and deeply experiential to know his explanation of my Talo experience and dreams being connected with Talo Gyeb and his mighty show to me. The old man said that Talo Gyeb will come in the form human being with bows and arrows to destroy enemy for anti-Buddhist forces. The personal protecting deity of Zhabdrung Rinpoche to safeguard from evil forces and uphold the Dharma lineages. Thereby, I knew it was Talo Gyeb who came to disturb my meditation and check my levels of realization. It was really fearful and memorable experience as a practitioner and beginner in the journey of self-Discovery. My mystery got resolved by this old man who has strong belief in Talo Gyeb and its protection for generations of its community. I, also feel very much thankful to Talo Gyeb for testing me at first and devoting all his energy to continue protecting the Dharma practitioners as commanded by Dudjom Dorji or Zhabdrung Rinpoche as long as there is existence on this earth. The show was really good and deeply memorable and will remain in my mind and heart before we all reach Zangdopelri Paradise.

My last request to all Buddhist practitioners on this earth; never leave any stones un-turned. keep on exploring the inner truth however you might face the deadly encounters from your enemies to block the path and formless demonic forces. We should always place our faith like mountains that cannot be moved and trust your master's pith instructions and empowerment. The peace and happiness is on our way. It is not that far. Due to my thin memory power, some of my accounts might be wrong in this story. Therefore, any valid comments are welcomed for corrections.

May you all live happy and peaceful life on this earth filled with the wealth of Zambalha( Wealth God). My prayers are always with you all for any cause and expectations. The merits that I gain from this story are finally dedicated to all sentient beings to gain ultimate truth and never wander in this same place for generations in different forms of lives completing the vicious circle of Samsara.


Written by: Mindu Wangdi

Poem on Wild and Untamed Life.

                                                 

                                                   Poem on wild and untamed life.

Life is beautiful and charming when left in naturalness and constantly flowing smoothly
Nothing to bother and care but moving as per the musics played by nature rhythmically
watching the Nature around us without knowing any meanings of it
such was the childhood days with my parents and siblings spent out.

The mother earth provided me everything that I needed in my life at rural setting
Wandering in the forests with cows grazing peacefully for their hunger and thirst
Brushing through the rivers for crabs, lobsters, birds and firewood for oven filling
By the dust, approaching  home with the herds of cattle that to be tied on with their robes to peg.


Learning to plough the field that was dragged by two oxen which I never got perfect
Running after horses being packed with loads of oranges  for sale at Narphung outlet
The collection of dust on my ugly clothes indicating the life and journey on mule the tracks
The annual festivities of Pirung Lhankhang was the only opportunity for my countrymen to gather for fun and drinks.


Nothing remains constant but change was only ruler of my life and living in our dingy house
There is complete reshuffle of my wild life to dutiful life when admitted to Pre-primary school at Chaskhar
The fun, joyful days, flute music which I will never hear and miss them deeply forever
Nothing but the law of karma had shaped my future from wild to tamed child here after for good cause.


By-Mindu Wangdi.

Self Discovery & reflections of my childhood days- part 1 (1979-1988)

 Self- Discovery & Reflections of my Childhood Days- part 1(1979-1988)

The memory of my childhood days with my dearest mother, father, brothers and sisters  at village were very vague and blurred when I tried to reflect it at this juncture of my life. The worldly activities never provided me such reflective mood to trace back my childhood life in such simple rural life that I never get chance to experience now. My half of life is already exhausted when I look back today on 13th February 2014 in Bangkok pursuing my master degree. I am 35 years old now already and I am still wandering what did I achieve in my life as human being? Will I leave behind some traces of history or may be a distant story that can be forgotten after few days by my family members and friends. I have played my role in this mundane stage for 35 years but without having any significant impacts to society and sentient beings.

The life that I recollect as a small boy in the village known as Khoyar, Gomdar under Samdrup Jongkhar was like dream world that ended very fast and swiftly. Being, born as last child to my dearest mother, namely Sinki and late beloved father Kinzang in the year 1979. The love and care given by poor parents were beyond my expression and emotionally heartbreaking one. The life as poor man's son in the village was very hard and tough to survive. I have five elder sisters and two brothers. The family was huge in number and difficult to meet the ends even my parents toiled hard to earn the living from farming our lands. Living has to be made by any means and the fire and pot has to keep on boiling somehow in my dingy house. 

I as a boy had to accompany my elder brothers and nephews to look after our cows in the deep jungles daily. The herd of cows will be released around 11 AM. in morning to graze freely in the nearby forest. The life as a cow boy was really charming and fun going. We used to play flute musics in the jungles and watch the birds and wild animals. As a boy left unguided and wild did the job of bad and good. I even used to hunt for crabs and lobsters in the rivers with my brothers for evening meals. I still remember that I also killed many hens, cocks, and pigs with my brothers and nephews for occasions of joys to feast on during Losar and blessed rainy day.  Such was my life as a boy in the rural setting passed on like a dreams.   I was never advised by anyone it is sinful to do so but encouraged to kill more. It shows that my village people were not that pious and ever educated on the law of Karma, cause and effect of our actions. But very much ignorant, blind and love to kill and eat for survival as poor family.Unheard of Dharma and rarely visited by the great masters.  The main fun and game we used to have in the village was playing archery, Khuru and Deogor with friends which I miss now badly and will never come back such occasions. 

My faint memories of childhood is very short lived and blurred. It is sadly lost and gone from my brain and mind. Nevertheless, my life as childhood with my parents lasted for eight years before I was admitted to Pre-Primary school by my only Educated brother Tandin Wangdi who got appointed as Section Officer(SO) in Mongar District after graduating from Dewathang Polytechnic Institute. I was admitted to the school at the age of nine. And My life as Childhood chapter was closed from the day I was admitted school to become another educated family  members. The burden of learning and fear of teachers made me feel that I have lost my wild life as a cow boy and chained with duties of study. May my memory reflect much better and clearer when I drag on with my self-reflections for the next stage of my life.

 written by: Mindu Wangdi