Bhutan Travel Inspirations

In 2019 I traveled to Bhutan with my 94 year old mother who had been there twice before and had made friends with her guide and driver Wangda and Sonam. My mother passed away last year at just shy of 96. Traveling always brought out the best in her and she had traveled quite a bit having been in over 120 countries, but Bhutan was in many ways her special place.

In Bhutan we, like most, landed in Paro and went to Thimpu that evening to rest up for the long drive to the Valley of the Black Necked Cranes. It was there that a mystical moment happened. We had gone to the learning center and after seeing the exhibits and gaining some understanding about these magnificent and holy birds I went out side and sat on a wooden bench. While enjoying the deep silence a crow or perhaps raven began to caw in a nearby tree and although I could not see the bird his call was loud an clear, then the sound changed for a normal bird sound to a chant. Crows and Ravens can talk but I was unprepared for what transpired he said Jai Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Ram which while very beautiful I wondered why a Vedic chant would be heard in that moment in that place. When our guide and driver joined me they too heard the chant clearly.

I hold a doctorate in Religious Studies and while attending University I was able to meet the Dali Lama and he was kind enough to spend about 40 minuets answering my somewhat obscure question on Buddhism. I am a bit odd in that I started studying Buddhism and the Vedic teachings at age 11, now at nearly 72 I have had my life graced by numerous moments such as this. And, Bhutan was, at least for me a place filled with wonder. Here is a truly Buddhist county that uplifts the lives of not just its people but the world. Each of the religious sites we visited held the promise of Enlightenment through deep devotion and practice. It is my sense that through this constant striving for at-one-ment we hold back darkness through the light of pure consciousness.

It is my families intention to take a visit together, my wife, son and brother-in-law as soon as the country reopens and to meet up with Wangda and Sonam and their families once again. One can certainly enjoy Bhutan for its scenery, the kindness of its people, the trekking, the festivals, its history, and so much more but for me it is the deep spiritual presence that draws me back.