Wednesday, 12 April 2023

Lama Lamini Rock Formation - Dagana

 


The pleasing rock formation is a unique formation seen at a place called Lama Lamini, located about 15 kilometres from Lhamoidzingkha town. 


The small buttes formed are of sedimentary rocks which when exposed to heavy rainfall gets denuded leaving behind innumerable dagger-shaped land formation.



Besides their wonderful appearance and variegated colours, these salt-lick rocks attract wildlife due to their rich nutrients and minerals.

Locals of Lhamoidzingkha consider Lama Lamini a sacred place 



Palden Lhamoi Latsho - Dagana


Palden Lhamoi Latsho (the soul lake of goddess Mahakali) also known as Khurul Lake (oyester lake) in Lhamoidzingkha is not only worshipped as a sacred lake but also has a huge ecological significance. 


The lake is located 10 kilometres away from Lhamoidzingkha town. The name oyster lake is derived due to oysters present in the lake.

It has unique red fishes that are usually found only in oceans.


According to the environmentalists, the lake is the last remnant of the Tethys Sea where sea horses and other sea creatures still survive.

The lake is visited by thousands of pilgrims who come to perform sacred rituals.

The local people believe that any disturbance to the lake would provoke the lake's deity to unleash thumderstorms and other natural disasters. 



The walking stick of Zhabdrung Jigme Chogyel



Bhutan Weeping Cypress tree (Cupressus corneyana) which is almost 60 metres tall in Peling Tseza and a Khasi tree in Khebisa village is believed to have grown from the walking stick of Zhabdrung Jigme Chogyel (1862-1904). Local people worship the trees as Lhasang (sacred tree).



Sunday, 2 April 2023

The Road Not Taken - Robert Frost


"The Road Not Taken" is a classic poem by Robert Frost that explores the theme of choice and its consequences. The poem is written in a simple yet powerful style that resonates with readers of all ages.


Frost uses the metaphor of a traveler journeying through a forest to represent the journey of life. The traveler comes upon a fork in the road and must decide which path to take. The two paths represent the different choices we make in life, and the traveler's decision to take the less traveled path symbolizes the choice to take a risk and follow one's own unique path.


The imagery in the poem is rich and evocative, with Frost's use of words like "yellow wood" and "falling leaves" creating a sense of natural beauty and transition. The poem's rhyme scheme and meter add to its overall musicality, creating a sense of movement and rhythm that reinforces the theme of journey.


The poem's message is timeless and universal, reminding us that the choices we make in life have consequences that can shape our destiny. Frost's exploration of this theme through the metaphor of a traveler in a forest speaks to the human experience in a way that is both relatable and profound. "The Road Not Taken" is a masterpiece of American poetry that continues to inspire and resonate with readers today.


Poetry Book: https://amzn.to/3ZJqZCj

Audiobook: https://amzn.to/3F2oNxV

A need for realistic pledges from NC candidates

PC: Kuensel (April 01, 2023)


With the election for the fourth National Council (NC) scheduled on April 20, the public debate telecasted live every evening are setting the national discourse these days.


Democracy is 15 years old in Bhutan with major reforms taking place under three parliamentary governments. 


Voters over the years are well aware of the roles and responsibilities that an aspiring candidate must uphold.


PC: Kuensel (April 01, 2023)


Primarily, the National Council shall ensure that the Government safeguards the interests of the nation and fulfills the aspirations of the people through public review of policies and issues, Bills and other legislation, and scrutiny of State functions.


It is the house of review on matters affecting the security and sovereignty of the country and the interests of the nation and the people, according to the National Council Act of Bhutan 2008.


With increasing public awareness on election systems in Bhutan, the citizens are well-aware of making the right choice.


People took part in damngoi zomdu and chose eligible candidates to contest at the dzongkhag level, and it is the responsibility of every eligible Bhutanese to vote. Now that public debates and common forums are in process, making a realistic pledge is a must.


The candidates should not mislead the voters with fake promises that they cannot fulfill.



PC: Google


Understanding the situation of the country with huge public debt and a need for a vibrant democracy, Bhutan needs representatives who will fulfill the needs of the public with transparency and accountability.


Every dzongkhag needs a representative who will delve into the issues faced by the public and frame policies that are a resolution to their problems rather than a burden to society.



Friday, 31 March 2023

IJF to groom Bhutanese Judokas to meet international standards



Kodokan Judo Institute (KJI) President, Haruki Uemura is the World Promotion Director of the International Judo Federation (IJF). He has been in charge of the Japanese Judo National Team for 24 years. He won the “All Japan Championship” in 1973 and 1975 followed by a gold medal for Japan in the Open Category at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal defeating Great Britain’s Keith Remfry. 

Haruki Uemura talks to Kuensel reporter YK Poudel about judo. Excerpts. 



How did you become a judoka? 

As a child, I was overweight lacking power and speed in any physical activities. Troubled by this, my father suggested starting judo after consulting with my teacher.

In high school, I met a teacher who introduced me to the real judo: a visually impaired sensei who taught me the art of ‘sound’ in judo.

My sensei said, “Sound cannot lie. The sound of throwing, the sound of footwork, and the sound of Uchikomi (repeated training).”

Following his instructions during practice, I completed each step, a Uchikomi of 500 times every day.

My first tournament was at Meiji University where I was defeated in my first match itself. Disappointed with the outcome, I planned to stop my Judo career, but that’s when Kaminaga Sensei, a renowned figure in Japan advised: “If you do, as well as others, you will only be as good as others. If you don’t have the talent and expect to perform better, you need to work double what others do.”

Then I promised myself not to compromise on my training, and to practise 20 minutes more than others every day.



After my graduation, I chose to work for a company located in Nobeoka, far from Tokyo and Osaka, that lacked training partners, and conditions of training which was not a well-established place for judokas.

I was introduced to the book “Reversible Thinking”. The book gave me hints and new awareness – a chance to think deeply about my judo – the challenges that I must overcome. Gradually, I became a regular player and was able to reach All-Japan Championship.

These practices and determination became my weapon to convert my weaknesses into strengths and perform better.

What brought you to Bhutan? 

This is my first official visit to Bhutan. The visit is aimed towards acknowledging the growth of judo in Bhutan which is a sport of mind and concentration where Bhutanese can bring great achievements.

The first edition of the “Jita Kyoei Judo Cup” was held in Thimphu on March 26. The tournament indicates the significance of co-existing in harmony and cooperation with others. This great principle of harmony and cooperation is the concept of jita-kyoei or mutual prosperity for self and others. “Jita Kyoei” is a Japanese phrase that means mutual welfare and benefit.


PC: BJA

The visit is aimed at promoting the values of the sport throughout the world. Our mandate is to bring good senseis to all countries across the world as the teacher is important for every sport.

Moreover, the KJI provided Bhutan Judo Association (BJA) with a medal as recognition for enhancing the spirit of fair judo and dedication over the years.

PC: BJA


What are the recommendations for Bhutan Judo Association?

Bhutan started judo in 2011 and became a member of IJF in 2016. In these seven years, BJA is growing at a rapid stage with great achievements over the years. Recently, a Bhutanese Judoka in Japan took part in Tokyo Olympics, which is a great sign in major international tournaments.

For any accomplishment, strong basics are a must. Bhutanese judokas are keen and fast learners. We expect them to plan, research the trend of performance over the years, and identify the areas where they have advantages. The players should focus and train on those particular techniques to stand out in the tournaments.

To all the young judokas in Bhutan, we want them to understand the importance of: persistence; doing every ordinary session seriously and doing it well;  and doing everything with a motive to improve.


What is the significance of “Reversible Thinking” beyond daily training?

The process of developing martial arts training in Japanese term is called “Shu, Ha, Ri”.

“Shu” is the first stage, where you learn the basics. “Ha” is the stage where judokas train with a variety of people and gain experience in forms and techniques. “Ri”, is the last stage where one brings in individual skills to shine out in tournaments.

Each technique has a proper sequence. They must fully understand each technique’s sequence. Especially for kata, the movement is slow making it necessary to keep the balance in the correct position.


In Bhutan, young school-going girls are also members of BJA, which is good. Seeing them perform equivalent to boys gives a sense of the gender equality and opportunities Bhutan has in the future.

According to teachings from Jigoro Kano, who founded judo in 1882, there are four methods of learning: kata, randori, kogi, and mondo. Kata is the basics and applying fundamental principles. These basic principles are critical for randori, the second step. Through kogi there is knowledge and with mondo there is understanding and analysis.


Judo has no final goal. It remains continuous no matter how long we are involved in the sport and no matter the role or level we have reached.

PC: BJA 


This story was published on Kuensel (March 31, 2023): https://kuenselonline.com/ijf-to-groom-bhutanese-judokas-to-meet-international-standards/



Thursday, 30 March 2023

RAM NAVAMI: The Birth of Lord RAMA

... Ram Navami is one of the most auspicious festivals celebrated by Hindus every year. 

PC: India Vilas

March 30, Thursday, this year marks the birth of Lord Ram, who is also said to be the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu.

Lord Vishnu is one of the trinity of the three most important Hindu Gods (Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma).

According to the sources, Ram Navami falls on the ninth day of Shukla Paksha (the brighter half) of the Chaitra month.

Since Lord Ram was born on the ninth day of Chaitra month in the noon (Madhayhna period or the middle of the day), his birthday coincides with the ninth day of Chaitra Navratri when devotees of Maa Durga end their fasting.

Adoption of BC9 to expand Bhutan’s protected areas

“ National Council Adopts BC9 Bill with Amendments, Expanding Bhutan's Protected Areas"   In a significant legislative move, the Na...