Treasures of the Thunder Dragon: A Portrait of Bhutan

I am not going to review this book but I want to share the journeys I took along with this book. I completed this book in two days. I was travelling while I was reading. This journey has been readling (read+travel). The curiosity and pleasantness of every turning page did not let me stop. As I neared the last page of the book it almost left me with sadness. I wished it did not end, I expected the pages to extend with my every flipping!

I never imagined that the author and other ashis would have experienced ordinary life. Forget about living an ordinary life. I always believed that they were born with the wish fulfilling golden spoon for the merit accumulated in many past lives. My beliefs took a turn as I started reading the first chapter of this book! Now I can imagine a little beautiful girl of Nobgang helping her mom with everyday household chores like washing, cleaning, cooking etc… I can imagine the little girl all excited wearing the best attire to attend the festivals. I am getting back to those old days when she rode horses to attend her education. I am getting back to those old days and my imagination can’t stop but imagine a pretty beautiful lady in her twenties. I am getting back to the old days of the author.

As I flipped through the second chapter I realize there are thousand and one places to go for Nye-Khor (pilgrimages) in Bhutan at cheaper cost while receiving towering blessings. Bhod-Gaya and Nepal are popular pilgrimage spots for Bhutanese while many sacred places are left unexplored and unnoticed in Bhutan. The belief system of reincarnation and rebirth and the story of author left me with Goosebumps in my whole body. I was not shocked but I was overwhelmed to be hearing the story. It left me with awe, reverence and a lasting impression. The best part of this chapter is this statement “We saw water trickling down the rock as we circumambulated it saying our prayers. We could scarcely believe our good fortune, when we spotted a man hiding inside the crack in the rock with a bucket of water- Our King…..” this left me with smiles and I continue to smile on remembering this part of the chapter.

Then as I reached the end of the third chapter it leaves me with Goosebumps all over my body, tears in my eyes, pain in my heart and gratefulness in my soul. I can see the Great fourth and Dasho Jigyel marching for the war to protect the subjects of this country.  I see the warrior, I see the leader, I see the server and I see the King! I can feel the gratefulness of every Bhutanese for our leader. I can feel the lump in my heart and tears start streaming down my cheeks.  The weight of this leadership is too heavy for a weak heart. I am learning to grow a stronger heart. As i pass through Dochula Pass i see its beauty and meaning.

P.S I recommend all our Bhutanese friends, young and old to read this book.