1. i
Contents
Forward Letter (Chief Advisor) ....................................................................................................01
Observing World Water Day..........................................................................................................03
Volunteer work at Jangsa................................................................................................................04
Acts of solidarity for Nepal............................................................................................................05
Contemplation Session: Mindful Love, Intimacy and Relationship.........................................07
Orientation and registration of New Diploma trainees.............................................................08
Executives Meeting with JANGSA................................................................................................08
Certificate awarded to Graduating Diploma Trainees................................................................09
Blood Donations..............................................................................................................................09
Preparation for International Yoga Day.......................................................................................11
Contemplation Session: Gender Equality to build an Enlightened Society............................12
Going spiritual way..........................................................................................................................13
Digging holes for Social Forestry Day..........................................................................................14
JANGSA and Zhenphen promoting ZHIWAI LAMTOEN......................................................20
Olarongchu Cleaning Activity.......................................................................................................16
Preparation for the 19th Convocation..........................................................................................16
Contemplation Session on Seven Branch Practice.....................................................................18
Zhabtok at Drak Karpo in Paro.....................................................................................................19
Clothes and Foot wears Donation.................................................................................................20
Zhabtok at Pagar Goenpa...............................................................................................................21
Rabies vaccination for hounds at RIM Campus.........................................................................22
Contemplation Session: Teacher Student Relationship in the Modern World.......................22
Cultural Program: A melting pot of Zhenphen spirit................................................................24
Butter Lamp offering on the 60th Birth Anniversary of the Fourth King...............................26
Zhenphen Day..................................................................................................................................27
The Last Contemplation Session....................................................................................................29
Zhenphen Theme Song 2015.........................................................................................................30
2. 1
Forward Letter
Dear Readers,
Every year, when I write this forward message, I take more time in thinking in front of my computer than to
write. In other words, I end up asking questions on basic reasons of why you, I and Zhenphen exist. How should
and for how long it should exist? Where and what it is all about? What is the big deal about it? Then I end up
answering all these questions in write up.
When I thought of transition of little social activities and services from scouting in school, community scout-
ing, others and now with Royal Institute of Management(RIM) Zhenphen Tshogpa (association), I strongly felt
this did not require any one of our diplomas/degree to get it done. I feel it just required us to truly understand
the every life that lives to basic necessities. Lives those are importantly rare and connected. Each lives that
aspires and deserve happiness.
Contrarily, you and I write that but fails to understand it. This is evident from how much we stand from un-
mistaken heart and courage to serve others even in worst situations. Situation where expected reciprocity is
overthrown. Time, when it is unlimited to availability. Space, when it is free and natural. We are bound with
disagreements and ideas to materialistic world. If you do not get your boss right in his ways, you are not his
subordinate and vice versa. Your professional work disconnected to social activities. You are good when you
are ok with whatever others decide or do. The intention, agreement and truth do not meet. We think, speak,
write, and do but fails in genuine bravery of thinking, speaking, doing and celebrating.
Despite above challenges, Zhenphen 2015, since its three years of transition from Community Based Scouting
(CBS), prescribed itself for creating spirit of benefiting self and others. It is guided by constitution, vision, mis-
sion, values and motto to volunteerism.
This year, Zhenphen Tshogpa commenced her primary major event in collaboration with RSPN. Coinciding
with World Water Day, we adopted Olarongchu and celebrated ‘Water’ with Nation and rest of the World. The
commitment to maintaining and saving Olarongchu is dedicated to 60th Birth Anniversary of The Fourth
King.
Of various successful planned and ad hoc voluntary works, the monthly contemplation session with Ati foun-
dation and Open Art Competition were two varyingly events of the year. For all that begun well must end well.
Therefore Zhenphen proudly came together to reflect and celebrate the final event of Zhenphen Day. Since it
reflects the joy, fun and contentment of Zhenphen in wholesome service to self and others, the Day is themed
as “ZHENPHEN: The Spirit of Benefiting Self and Others”. Thus the ideas of thinking, speaking, doing and
celebrating are matured in its little ways.
I am happy that every year I see new ideas and development in Zhenphen. I take this opportunity to heartily
thank Management, faculty, staff, students and particularly Zhenphen Executive and active members for sin-
cerely compassionate support and hard work.
I am much thankful to Dr. Sonam Chuki (Zhenphen faculty member) for her genuine kindness and hard work
to take a lead in organizing and coordinating the monthly contemplative session throughout the year.
3. 2
We aspire to take Zhenphen Tshogpa to its true values in future to come. As we content to this year, RIM look
forward for yet another beneficial executives and members for 2016!
Lastly, of these yearlong small Zhenphen activities, once more, the Family of RIM Zhenphen
Tshogpa whole heartily pray and dedicate the virtues (if any) to the long, healthy and happy life of HM the
Fourth Drukgyalpo.
Palden Drukpa Gyel Lo!
Ugyen Lhendup
Founder/Chief Advisor
Zhenphen Tshogpa
Zhenphen Executives-2015 : From Left to Right: Phuntsho Dema (DFM), Diploma representative; Leki Dema
(PGDFM), Female Coordinator; Sangay Wangd i(PGDPA),Secretary; Sherab Dorji (PGDPA), Male reporter;
Karma (PGDPA), Male Coordinator; Karma Tshering (PGDFM), Treasurer; Tashi Choden (PGDPA), Female
Reporter
U Lh d
4. 3
Observing World Water Day
“When the well is dry, we learn the worth of water”
-- Benjamin Franklin
By Sherab Dorji
22nd March, 2015: As a part of the World Water Day observation, advocacy on significance of fresh water
and adoption of Olarongchu were carried out. The theme was Water and Sustainable Development for the
year 2015. It was organized in collaboration with Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) and Thim-
phuThromde.
From 8:30 am in the morning, around one hundred and sixty members of ZhenphenTshogpa conducted two
major activities to observe the day. Sensitization on significance of fresh water was reached out to the whole
Thimphu town. Later Olarongchu was adopted as well as cleaning campaign was conducted. The members
were divided into four groups who spread to the strategic points in the town. They started advocacy program
from Babesa and Changjiji who covered till the RIM area along the Olakha workshop. The other two groups
started from Changzamtok and Chubachu covering all main Thimphu towns including Centenary Farmer’s
Market along the Norzin Lam. The groups carried slogans with the theme for the day: Water and Sustainable
Development and conveyed the message of the significance of fresh water to the people. Participants made
clear of the powerful messages such as Water is Life, Sustain Life and Water is Life, Secure Future.
Around 10:30am, the Director General and the Zhenpehn Chairperson inaugurated the adoption of Olarongchu
which flow through RIM. The sign board was erected as a genuine and continuous commitment to protect and
care the Olarongchu which is considered the most polluted river in Thimphu. In inauguration speech, the DG
of RIM firmly stated the importance of protecting and taking care of river systems in Bhutan. “Earth is 70%
Water but drinkable water is only 1%” for which he reminded all the participants to take care and protect our
rivers. Moreover, he opined that Thimphu unlike the past deprived snow fall this year which signals the threat
to our river sources.It was commitment made by Zhenphen Tshogpa to protect and clean the river thereon.
After the adoption of Olarongchu, participants conducted the first ever Olarongchu mass cleaning for rest of
the half day. The coordinator said that it would remain as one of the main priorities for the RIM Zhenphen
Tshogpa.
Few students from Lungtenzampa Middle Secondary School also joined the program as an observer. They
shared that “It had great impact and they would act as an ambassador when they go back to their school”.
The advocacy program and adoption of Olarongchu by RIM Zhenphen Shop was dedicated to the 60th Birth
Anniversary of the Fourth Drunk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The Program was funded by the Bhutan
Water Program (BWP) and RSPN.
5. 4
Volunteer work at Jangsa
Love cannot remain by itself -- it has no meaning.
Love has to be put into action, and that action is service.
Mother Teresa
By Tashi Choden
19th April, 2015: A group of members volunteered during weekend to help Jangsa Animal Saving Trust. They
maintained, cleaned and painted animal homes. Moreover, saplings were planted in and around the animal
shelters.
6. 5
Acts of solidarity for Nepal
The faith must express itself in charity and in solidarity,
which is the civil form of charity.
- Claudio Hummes
By Tashi Choden
27th April, 2015: Times of despair calls for support of any sorts through which even the coldest of times can
be endured. The devastating earthquake on 25th April to our neighboring nation of Nepal aroused global uni-
son in support to the country. RIM ZhenphenTshogpa also gathered in support for the nation by organizing
a prayer and offering butter lamps for the well-being of the nation and the people of Nepal. More than fifty
Zhenphen members, along with the Director General and the faculty of the Royal institute of management
assembled at the institute altar room to recite prayers for the loss from the devastating disaster and the future
well-being of the country.
The assembled in the altar room were alit by the array of butter lamps while the prayers were being recited.
Deki Yangzom, a PGDPA trainee was among the volunteers present at the altar for the prayer. “I am pleased
to have been a part of this event. I was looking for a way of conveying my condolences to the people of Nepal”,
she said. The event could not have been brought much light upon when a sudden after shock of the earthquake
shook the altar grounds. However, despite the sudden shock, the prayers persisted peacefully to a successful
end.
7. 6
United for Nepal
By Sherab Dorji
“Power comes not from the barrel of a gun, but from one’s awareness of his or her own cultural strength and the
unlimited capacity to empathize with, feel for, care, and love one’s brothers and sisters.” Addison Gayle
4th May, 2015: Coinciding Zhabdrung Kuchoe, Khenchen Tshewang from Ati Foundation, Dr. Karma Phunt-
sho from Loden Foundation, Aum Tshering Dema from Jangsa, members from RIM Zhenphen visited Cham-
gang Buddha statue to offer 1000 butter Lamps and prayers for Nepal and the Nepalese ravaged by recent
earthquake disaster.
8. 7
Contemplation Session: Mindful Love, Intimacy and Relationship
“But one who, like a sister, is compatible (with you),Or like a female friend, goes straight to your heart, Or like
a mother, wishes for your welfare, Or like a maid, is obedient - honor her like a family deity.” The 37th Verse: A
letter to his friend (King Gautamīputra) by Nagarjuna
By Sherab Dorji
25th May, 2015: The monthly “Contemplation and Discussion” was held on Monday from 4:00 till 5:00PM at
RIM altar room for the month of May. His Eminence Khen Rinpoche Tsewang Sonam from the Ati Founda-
tion was the facilitator. The sub-theme for that month was “Mindful Love, Intimacy and Relationship” which
interests both old and the young.
The talk covered important subjects of marriage, love and relationship that concern everyone. The facilitator
expounded various facets of the theme. He talked on right and wrong choice of couple in the marriage. He
further elaborated that; marriage is much affected by the factors such as wealth, physical appeal and amorous
love which he cautioned of its repercussions.
He opined that the marriage that is based on wealth and physical appeal usually bring problems and disaster
in relationship. On the other hand, he advised a relationship based on true love and ‘transparency’ between the
couples.
His talk was more contextualized in everyday mundane life by relating with the everyday experiences. In doing
so, audiences shared their experiences. Their doubts were raised and clarified by the facilitator. The talk was
attended by more than hundred RIM Zhenphen members.
9. 8
Orientation and registration of New Diploma trainees
By SherabDorji
26th May 2015: The Chairperson to RIM ZhenphenTshogpa oriented the new batch of diploma trainees at
the end of orientation program about the club. They were briefed about the Thogpa: its vision, mission and
history. They were introduced about the platform to be a social worker for the cause of humanity in their own
little ways.
As they were inspired and motivated, almost all the new trainees showed their interest in joining the Tshog-
pa. Therefore, the club saw many new and zealous members joining the club. It was the day for individual
trainees becoming Zhenphen family member.
Executives Meeting with JANGSA
The brain is a commodity used to fertilize ideas. ~Elbert Hubbard
By Sherab Dorji
26th May, 2015: A meeting was held between Jangsa Animal Saving Trust and the executives of Zhenphen
Tshogpa to discuss on the collaborative program; the‘Zhiwai Lamtoen’. The agenda for meeting were about the
programs, division of roles and responsibilities and logistic arrangements. The meeting concluded successfully
with finalization of the time, venue and provision of necessary supports for the activity.
Zhenphen-Jangsa Meeting for joint programs
10. 9
Certificate awarded to Graduating Diploma Trainees
By Sherab Dorji
27th May 2015: The certificates were awarded to the graduating dilpoma trainees during the certificate award-
ing day. It was a token of appreciation for dedication and services as a member to the ZhenphenTshogpa during
their entire stay at RIM. The Tshogpa not only thanked them but also extended wishes and prayers to continue
with the spirit of helping others that had been installed in them from the Zhenphen activities.
It beaconed the beginning in their lifelong endeavor for the cause of humanity.
Blood Donations
By Tashi Choden
June 4th- A total of 30 Zhenphen members celebrated the birth anniversary of the Gyaltsuen Her Majesty Ashi
Jetsun Pema Wangchuck by donating blood. Besides an act of dedication for the day, it was an act of live sav-
ing effort by contributing to the blood bank. The blood donation campaign was held at the centenary park in
Changlingmithang.
June 13- Ministry of Health awarded the certificate of appreciation for regular donation of blood to RIM
ZhenphenTshogpa today at BOB city mall on WORLD BLOOD DAY. Director General of RIM received the
certificate on the behalf and 26 Zhenphen members donated the blood to mark the day.
11. 10
Director General, Chairperson and members received Certificate on World Blood Day
October 3rd- Yet another contribution to Zhenphen Tshogpa’s commitment to the blood drive. About 15
volunteers from the Tshogpa donated blood to the JDWNRH blood bank. Building more blood relations and
building a pool of compassionate citizens would be a message to take from such deeds.
12. 11
Preparation for International Yoga Day
“Without community service, we would not have a strong quality of life. It’s important to the person who serves
as well as the recipient. It’s the way in which we ourselves grow and develop...”
Dr. Dorothy I. Height
By Sherab Dorji
17th &18th June, 2015: The members were engaged in multifarious preparatory activities for celebration of
International Yoga Day on 21st. To was a collaborative work between RIM and Nehru-Wangchuck Cultral
Centre. Thus, they involved in cleaning of MPH and necessary arrangements.
Preparing for International Yoga Day Celebration
13. 12
Contemplation Session: Gender Equality to build an Enlightened Society
Equality is not in regarding different things similarly, equality is in regarding different things differently.
Tom Robbins
By Sherab Dorji
22nd June, 2015: At the end of the dis-
course on “Gender Equality to build an
Enlightened Society”, audiences left con-
tented, well convinced and clear about
the message from the session. It was
highly rated, well received and it was in-
tellectually enriching for the audiences.
For some who attended for the first time
were utterly bewildered and marveled by
the essence of the talk. Some said “I will
not miss from other sessions”. The talk
on “Gender Equality to build an Enlight-
ened Society” left many impressed. It echoed Dasho Neten Zangmo’s similar talk and it added more substance
from Buddhist perspective. So, it complemented but was invaluably profound and relevant.
Khenchen argued that intellectually, male and female are equal and some female even do much better. He said
that physiological differences and strength as invalid yardstick. It was said that based on intellectual power,
gender equality can be proved. It is because he said that unlike in olden days, strength has become invalid
yardstick. He also argued that women have reached the highest ladder of career like men. He wittily said that
violent act of men onto woman is not a superior and heroic act but an act of brainless and stupidity.
Existence of Gender equality was made clearer when he answered questions from Buddhist perspectives: on
the ground of presence of Boddhicitta Mind in both the genders. Moreover, on the basis of Tantric premise
that women being associated with wisdom
(sherub) and men to skilful means (thab).
He also said that defamation or harmful
act against women is non virtuous from
tantric perspective.
Moreover, male chauvinist saying that
women are not allowed to enter Hall of
dharmapala (Goenkhang) is mental con-
struct or human construct which propa-
gated over longer time. Besides, Khenchen
demystified gender differences in which
14. 13
some of the Buddhist prayers utter. He said lines such wishing not to born as woman are the men construct
argument to gain male superiority.
So, the core message was men and women are equal, deserve to treat equally with respect for each other. So-
cially, philosophically or from Buddhist perspective, men and woman are equal.
The essence of the talk resonated Emerson’s line “Talents differ; all is well and wisely put” that substantiate the
argument over the gender equality: men and women have strength in their own ways. Both has to depend one
another and uphold each other’s dignity. Our mother is a woman; our sister is a woman. Take away message
could be ‘ All women are as great as men and so are they equal’.
Going spiritual way
By Sherab Dorji
26th June, 2015: Coinciding birthday of the Padmasambhava on the 10th June, the Zhenphen members gath-
ered at alter in the morning to offer butter lamps, and prayers for the well being of all the sentient beings.
Digging holes for Social Forestry Day
“The best way to predict the future is to invent it”
Immanuel Kant
By Sherab Dorji
To mark the Social Forestry Day on 2nd June, the members volunteered to dig the holes for plantation of sib-
lings. More than 200 holes were dug around the MPH and institute campus.
15. 14
JANGSA and Zhenphen promoting ZHIWAI LAMTOEN
“I do feel that spiritual progress does demand, at some stage, that we should cease to kill our fellow creatures for
the satisfaction of our bodily wants.”
MAHATMA GANDHI
By Tashi Choden
7th July 2015: ‘Zhiwai Lamtoen’, the Jangsa National Advocacy campaign, organized by the Jangsa Animal
Saving Trust was held in the Royal institute of Management, in collaboration with ZhenphenTshogpa. Zhiwai
Lamtoen or the path of peace is an educative advocacy campaign led by Lama Kunzang Dorje . Zhiwai Lam-
toen has advocated to the audience is an educative awareness to bring about the change one wanted to see. The
program was born out of concern over the recent debate over the establishment of slaughter houses in Bhutan.
The path to peace as Lama prescribes dwells upon the belief of being able to influence one individual in order
to set the stepping stones of achieving peace.
The program was graced by the honorable Lama Kunzang Dorje Rinpoche-the heart disciple of His Holiness
Kyabje Chatral Rinpoche, the Director General of RIM, faculty, Zhenphen members and members of the com-
munity. The program went off to an auspicious start with the recitation of the Motivational Bodhicitta Prayer
led by the Lama, followed by an introduction to Zhiwai Lamtoen. Lama also conducted an enlightening session
on Dharma Raja which embraced the significance of our Dharma country (Choedhen Gyalkhab), our dharma
kings and the importance of saving lives in awakening the Mahayana consciousness and compassion.
After Rinpoche’s awakening speech, the program also marked the 1st anniversary of Jangsem Monday with a
brief background about the Meat Free Monday Program by the founder Karma Dhendup and a musical per-
formance by Tshering Dorji. Following by the commemoration of Jangsem Monday, “Aye”, a theatrical perfor-
mance led by Ushering Orji and troupe, was held. One of the highlights of the program, the performance was
staged with the objective to rouse the compassions in human beings. The performance depicted a man saving
the life of a bird- nurturing it to have another one. However, dragged by stress and greed, he resorts to slaugh-
tering. In an emotional battle between the man’s greed and the bird’s plea to stop him, the man slays the bird
and culminates in guilt and grief.
Following on track, scientific knowledge (Tshenring Yoenten) conducted by Phuntshok Rabten from JAST,
presented clips on compassion for animals and a documentary titled ‘Earthlings’. Presentations on the scien-
tific studies on nutritional, environmental, health and moral choice of diet were also presented. The program
also included a presentation of the song ‘Pelgyi Nima’ composed by His Holiness the Je Khenpo for the love
of mother beings. The song presented animals equal to mothers around the world. After an open discussion
session, the program was concluded by Lama Kunzang Dorje Rimpoche with a prayer for the well-being of all
sentient beings.
‘Zhiwai Lamtoen’, organized by Jangsa Animal Saving Trust in collaboration with ZhenphenTshogpa with the
aim of educating compassion to the audience came to a successful end with the conferring of the vow of veg-
etarianism to the volunteers from the audience. The vow was instituted by the honorable Lama Kunzang Dorje.
With over 200 participants, the path to peace or the ‘Zhiwai Lamtoen’ has truly been an inspiring and awaken-
16. 15
ing event. If not a promise to compassion, a hope was definitely aroused.
Zhiwai Lamten, the Jangsa National Advocacy campaign, is an educative advocacy campaign of Jangsa Animal
Saving Trust. The program is led by a spiritual discourse by Lama Kunzang Dorje Rimpoche on the “Ruling
principles of a Dharma Kingdom”, and also includes presentations on scientific studies on nutritional, environ-
mental, health and moral issues of the choice of diet, LIVE Theatre on the theme of “Aie”: - “birth and death
of compassion”, a ‘vajra song’ titled “Pelgyi Nima” composed by H.H. the Je Khenpo, video screenings on ad-
dresses by Lama Matthieu Ricard, Smt. Maneka Gandhi to Bhutanese people, besides other programs such as
Open Session, and screening documentary film entitled earthlings, bestowing of Vegetarian Vows.
17. 16
Olarongchu Cleaning Activity
“Thousands have lived without love, not one without water.”
-- W.H. Auden
By Tashi Choden
8th Aug, 2015 - Following up on the adoption of Olarongchu River, Zhenphen Tshogpa members gathered for
another round of cleanup of the river. Members also emptied the dustbins within the institute and cleaned the
surroundings of Semtokha Dzong
Preparation for the 19th Convocation
If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.
Booker T. Washington
By Tashi Choden
8th & 9th, Aug 2015: Combining the elegance and enegry as Zhenphen members actively engaged in collect-
ing the pine leaves for the preparation of RIM convocation on 10 August 2015.
18. 17
Contribution during convocation
There is no better exercise for your heart,
Than reaching down and helping to lift someone up.
Bernard Meltzer
By Tashi Choden
10th Aug, 2015: The Zhenphen Tshogpa receiving donations as a part of fund raising event during the 19th
convocation of Royal institute of Management.
19. 18
Contemplation Session on Seven Branch Practice
“Just as treasures are uncovered from the earth, so virtue appears from good deeds, and wisdom appears from a
pure and peaceful mind. To walk safely through the maze of human life, one needs the light of wisdom and the
guidance of virtue.” The Buddha
By Sherab Dorji
31st Aug, 2015: As always, a monthly contemplation session was conducted in RIM Choesham alter on 31st
August. The topic was on a daily practiced of seven branch practice or the seven aspects of devotional practice
༼ཡན་ལག་བན༽. The session was blessed to have His Eminence, Chung Rimpoche, Jigme Tsulthrim Wangpo
as a resource person. “The topic was canopy of daily activities and its importance, and essence was is neces-
sary to explain”. Rinpoche said. Thus, seven teachings: prostration ༼ག་འཚལ་བ༽ offering༼མད་པ༽ confession
༼བཤགས་པ་ལ་བ༽ rejoicing ༼ས་་་རངས་བ༽ requesting to turn the wheel of Dharma ༼བལ་བ་༽ requesting not
to pass into Parinirvana ༼གལ་བ་བཏབས་པ༽ and final is the dedication of merits ༼བ་བ༽ were explained dur-
ing the session.
According to him, to prostrate is to cleanse defilement and demerits accumulated in our past and present lives
through body, speech and mind. While doing, two knees, two palms and a forehead has to touch on the floor
and has to have intention and pray to cleanse all the defilement. Rinpoche explained. Offering to him has many
types; offering tangible possessions, offering intangible, visualizing, musical, superior (like Bodhisattva’s offer-
ings) form of offering supplication are the types. These are easiest ways to accumulate merits, he said.
The third one is confession of evil deeds, bad and harmful deeds that we have committed in past and present
life through various acts of body, speech and mind.
The fourth one is to rejoicing upon seeing and hearing the meritorious deeds rather than feeling jealous of oth-
ers. According to Rinpoche, he said “It is the easiest way to accumulate merits just by appreciating other”. The
fifth is requesting spiritual gurus to preside and conduct Dharma Chakra for the benefit of the sentient beings.
“This too is the best way to add merits in our life”, he said.
The sixth one is requesting spiritual gurus, and Rimpoches to live long for the benefits of the whole sentient
beings by turning the wheel of Dharma. The seventh one is to dedicate merits of our actions to all the sentient
beings with intention to liberate all from this samsaric world to the realm of eternal bless: state of enlighten-
ment.
As great master Chökyi Drakpa says: “The seven branch practice incorporates all the key points for gathering
the accumulations.” They are: prostration, the antidote to pride; offering, the antidote to avarice; confession,
the antidote to aggression; rejoicing, the antidote to jealousy; requesting to turn the wheel of Dharma, the
antidote to ignorance; requesting not to pass into parinirvana, the antidote to wrong views and dedication of
merit, the antidote to doubts.
The session was attained by students and faculty members of RIM. And the essence of teaching is in the fol-
lowing lines:
ག་འཚལ་བ་དང་མད་ང་བཤགས་པ་དང་།།ས་་་རང་བལ་ང་གལ་བ་།།་ད་བ་ང་ཟད་བདག་ས་་བསགས་པ།།ཐམས་ཅད་བདག་ས་ང་བ་
ར་བ།།
20. 19
Which translates to “Whatever the little merit accumulated as a result of prostration, offering, confession , re-
joicing, requesting sermon, requesting to live long, I dedicate all for the enlightenment of all sentient beings”
Zhabtok at Drak Karpo in Paro
There is a tremendous strength that is growing in the world through...
sharing together, praying together, suffering together, and working together.
Mother Teresa
By Tashi Choden
20th Sept, 2015: About 32 Zhenphen Tshogpa members made a journey to Drak Karpo in Paro, contributing
a helping hand for the construction of foot paths for devotees to circumambulate the holy site. From 7.30 in
the morning to 3 in the afternoon, members were engaged in various construction works. Drak Karpo is a re-
ligious site located behind the village of Shaba, where devotees visit to pay their respects by circumambulating
the lhakhang that is attached to a mild rock face. To complete one Kora, people have to encircle the entire site.
Zhenphen Tshogpa members engaged themselves in constructing foot paths around the holy site while devo-
tees admired the service as they strode along the site. Members worked their sweats to break the rocks, carry
the soil mixtures and various other works.
While volunteers engaged themselves in the construction, an elderly woman offered a sum of money to the
Zhenphen Tshogpa members for their beneficial deed. Overlooking the beautiful valley of Paro, Zhenphen
members brought their work at the site to a tiring end late in the afternoon. While breaking for lunch and after
the end of the day’s hard work-call it a reward- Zhenphen member engaged themselves in paying homage to
the lhakhang and the holy site of Drak Karpo.
21. 20
Clothes and Foot wears Donation
Five things constitute perfect virtue:
gravity, magnanimity, earnestness, sincerity and kindness.
Confucius
By Tashi Choden
9th Oct, 2015 - To help the vulnerable and needy people in the city, ZhenphenTshogpa members collected a
variety of clothes from the RIM hostels to contribute to vulnerable families in need. Upon hearing about the
dire circumstances a family living around the vegetable bazaar area of the town, the tshogpa members sought
help for them by collecting clothes and shoes from the Semtokha community. The collected items were handed
over to the team from Jangsa Animal Saving Trust as donation who would then, ensure that the donations
reach the family in need.
22. 21
Zhabtok at Pagar Goenpa
In every community there is work to be done. In every nation there are wounds to heal. In every heart there is
the power to do it.
Marianne Williamson
By Tashi Choden
12th Oct, 2015- About 30 members from Zhenphen Tshogpa offered a helping hand at the construction site
of Pagar Goenpa. Pagar Goenpa is a lhakhang under construction located at a 2 hour hiking distance from the
Chunzom. Members were mainly engaged in collecting logs for the construction of the goenpa.
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Rabies vaccination for hounds at RIM Campus.
Individuals will achieve healthier lifestyles when prevention and wellness programs are accessible and available
in their workplace, through their health provider, and in their communities.
Rob Wittman
By Tashi Choden
21th Oct, 2015: In order to observe the World Rabies day, Zhenphen Tshogpa coordinated a vaccination event
with the help of Jangsa Animal Saving Trust to keep our surrounding free from the risks of rabies. The vaccina-
tion was sponsored by the team from Jangsa animal saving trust. Members were engaged in gathering a pool of
dogs around the campus for ensuring them safe. Pet dogs from the community were also involved at the event.
Animals are a part of the Bhutanese society where they exist harmoniously with the people. The vaccination
was geared to prevent rabies spread in ensuring safety in the community.
Contemplation Session: Teacher Student Relationship in the Modern
World
“In the beginning one should consider the person explaining the Dharma not as a guru, but as a Dharma friend.
After a year or two, when both people know each other well, the student may develop the conviction that this
person is reliable and entrust this teacher to be their guru. Then their relationship becomes one of guru-disciple.”
H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama
By Sherab Dorji
29th Oct, 2015: As a part of monthly contemplative session, a talk on teacher student relationship was the
theme for the October month on 29th and as usual it was conducted at RIM altar. This time session was blessed
to have venerable Khenchen Pema Sherub as a facilitator and it was attended by Zhenphen members and some
RIM staff.
Coinciding with auspicious 15th day of 8th month of lunar calendar, Khenchen talked on three kinds of teach-
er relationship from Buddhist perspective : tantric’s point of view and Mahayana point of view and Hinayana
point of view for teacher student relationship. Out of three, he emphasized on Mahayana point of view which
is relevant and applicable for modern teacher student relationship.
He rightly said that, to identify a right and excellent teacher or student is very difficult task. However, as in
Buddhism as said by Treasure Reveler Regain Lingam, he quoted, so in any other teacher relationship, it is
important to student to be cautious and correct; firstly to identify and recognize good if not perfect teacher,
secondly to be skillful and good enough to rely as a student, thirdly to fulfill all the wishes of the teacher after
seeking him as one’s guru. So, he indirectly said that, the students too should follow these precepts to maintain
harmonious teacher student relationship. Basically, he put this as a principle of maintaining teacher student
relationship.
However, as a Buddhist master, he emphasized his talk on spiritual teacher student relationship but said to re-
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late to any other relationship at schools. According to him, he has seen many fake and unqualified masters not
only in India and Tibet but also highly doubtful in Bhutan too. By following master or teacher he meant of his
learning and achievements, followers or students find more of flaws and misleading than wisdom later. Thus,
even right/good students get ruined by following wrong teachers.
As a realized Buddhist master, he also gave other advice which is relevant as a future leader of Bhutan. For an
instance, he said that trainees should have knowledge on spiritual values. He said “we ought to have it so that
we can pass to other because we cannot give what we do not have”.
Coming to Teacher Student relationship, he point out that good master is basically associated with all knowl-
edge and wisdom and be a good human being. In Mahayana, he said that teacher should have a quality of con-
sidering well being of others where as cause and condition principle should be in Hinayana. If these are missed,
teacher is lake of quintessence quality of teacher. So he urged audience to have good teacher in life especially
for spiritual path.
Moreover, teachers in schools play very important role in children’s life. Since children are under guidance of
teacher from the age of 6 or so, till for another more than 16 years, teachers have significant impact in their
upbringings. So, to have good teacher is very important, he said. Basically teachers should not resort to harsh
ways of dealing with students but with good motivations and for the well being of the students.
The nectar advice was to look for teacher who is learned, well disciplined and compassionate to all the living
beings.
Thus, at the end, H.E Khenchen gave Manjushri recitation (Lung) to the audience for the benefit for all. The
program was ended with audience receiving blessing from Khenchen. It was attended by more than hundred
students and staff
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Cultural Program: A melting pot of Zhenphen spirit
Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.
Henry Ford
By Sherab Dorji
7th Nov, 2015: The annual Zhenphen show cel-
ebrated Shenzhen’s unwavering spirit and determi-
nation for the cause of humanity. A blend of lively
items with pomp and hue constituted the annual
Zhenphen cultural show. The program saw variety
of items from various groups and performers.
Befitting the 60th Birth Anniversary celebration of
the Fourth King, the annual cultural show made
through itself as tribute at eve of the historical mo-
ment. It rejoiced and cherished the success of Zhen-
phen’s year long activities. It was indeed a tribute to
the Great Fourth King from Royal Institute of Man-
agement’s family. The show was marked with novelty and grandeur. The performers were from Zhenphen club
and the outside. Those from the outside added new taste and charm to the program. Dancers came from as far
as Lungten Zampa School and film industry. So, some well-know pop singers and film persona also performed
during the program.
A decent group of dancers from RIM per-
formed Welcome dance with perfect rhythm
and tunes of the song. Moreover, high qual-
ity Boedra dance was performed by graduates
from Sherubtse cultural group. The Korean
dance by Lungten Zampa school boys marveled
audience with their moves and acrobatic skills.
The ‘Handsome Dance’ performed by PGDPA
boys garnered roars of applause and supports
from the floor for their lively and simple yet en-
tertaining remix dance. A popular rap and pop
singer Kezang Dorji excited and engaged all the
audience with his rap songs. Another talented past Sherubtse Idol too added charm by performing melodious
Tibetan song. The stage hosted the dance performance by Bhutanese actress Namgay Lhamo to which every
audience enjoyed and appraised naturally. Besides many internal performers, a group of girls from Lungten
Zampa too performed during the show.
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There also turned up considerable number of
audience from various corners of Thimphu.
Apart from RIM faculties and trainees, audi-
ence consisted of people nearby Semtokha vi-
cinity; shopkeepers, children and also some ac-
tors namely Kinzang Dorji who feature in film
such as Tsechonga and Namruk Tsedungchen.
The show was a ticketing system which was de-
signed to serve two purposes. Firstly it was to
generate Zhenphen fund also for lottery draw
at the end of the show. The lottery draws too
was fun and truly entertaining which generated lots of laughter and excitement at the end.
The DG in his speech at the end of the show
said “such activity would cultivate good heart
especially the trainee which is very impor-
tant toward making good human being” He
also congratulated and appraised for Zhen-
phen’s productive activities within the campus
and outside in the community. Moreover Dr.
Sonam Chuki who was also present during the
show said that it was a fun and enjoyment. She
also pointed that it was beyond a mere cultural
show. “It incorporated various groups to whom
the good message of Zhenphen’s cause for hu-
manity passed who would become ambassador back at home and schools” she said. Audience like actor Kin-
zang expressed his appreciation and rated the show as the superb.
At the end of the show, everybody wore smiles on the face and reluctantly left the cozy seat and lively hall. It
was a great moment of celebration for RIM ZhenphenTshogpa and all.
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Butter Lamp offering on the 60th Birth Anniversary of the Fourth King
By Sherab Dorji
11th Nov, 2015: To celebrate the 60th Birth Anniversary Celebration, hundreds of butter lamps and prayers
were offered in the RIM’s alter room. It created avenue for everybody to pay genuine reverence and tribute to
the King. Moreover, prayers soliciting blessing for longevity for the legendary King was offered.
The program commenced from 6: 00AM in the morning. Everybody prostrated to the portrait of the Fourth
King which was placed on the raised seat facing from the altar. Then, the Director General lit the butter lamp
in front of portrait followed by offering of the white scarf.
The rest lit the butter lamps which were beautifully arranged in to wordings which arranged“6o”and “Long Live
K4”. It glowed glamorously with the radiance of awesome and spellbound in front of the big portrait. It was fol-
lowed by prayers for longevity.
The Director General, senior faculties, some staff and Zhenphen members attended the program.
28. 27
Zhenphen Day
“In the end these things matter most:
How well did you love?
How fully did you live?
How deeply did you let go?”
- Gautama Buddha
Tashi Choden
25th Nov 2015: To bring an official end to
the Zhenphen services for the year 2015,
the Zhenphen day commenced at 2 pm. The
theme for the day was, “The Spirit of benefit-
ting self and others”. The day was graced by
RIM Director General, Ven. Khenpo Nyul-
drup from Ati-Foundation, program direc-
tor of Tarayana Foundation some interna-
tional volunteers apart from faculties and
members.
The program was started with national anthem followed by RIM anthem. Then the DG and guests lit the but-
ter lamps. The event consisted of the progress and financial report from the reporters and treasurer, followed
by the director General of RIM launching the Annual Zhenphen Report for the year 2015. One of the main
programs of the event was the guest speaker series. The speakers spoke their perspectives related to the theme
for the day. After the series of speakers, the external speakers and the Director General were acknowledged
with Zhenphen souvenirs, followed by the awarding of the certificates and souvenirs to the Zhenphen executive
members and graduating members.
The prizes for the Zhenphen art competition
were awarded to the winners and runners up.
The competition was conducted on the themes
“Zhenphen: One Benefit and One world, One
Happiness, One suffering”. The participants
were give choice to choose eitherone of the
themes. The competition was conducted on
21st Novemebr to mark the Zhenphen day.
There were eight participants from the post
graduate diploma and diploma program. The first place was secured by Cheki Dorji, from Diploma in in-
formation and technology 2nd year. The second prize was begged by Jigme dorji from Diploma in Financial
Management, 1st year.
To encapsulate the spirit of Zhenphen in a nutshell and to bring hope for its prospective events, a short docu-
29. 28
mentary titled, ‘Timeless Zhenphen’, was screened. The documentary is a Zhenphen production, filmed by Mr.
Nima yoezer and Mr. Jigme, with the help of Mr. Phuntso Rigzin from Jangsa Animal Saving Trust. The video
was conceptualized by chief advisor of Zhenphen, Mr. Ugyen Lhendup.
The event duly came to an end with a session of Suja and tsheydrey!
Glimpses from the Zhenphen Day
Courtesy: Art Competition
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Contemplation Session for November Month
Tashi Choden
27th Nov. 2015: The last of the contemplation series for the year was held on 27th of November on the theme,
‘What makes a Good human being’. Lama Ngodrup from Ati-Foundation led the meditation and discussion.
Lama Ngodrup explained the knowledge of Khenchen Jigme Phuntsho on the attributes constituting a good
human being. According to his teachings, a good human being should possess a pure, kind heart, minimal
manipulation and corruption, enough patience, enough self-control, adaptive and should have a broad un-
derstanding. Under Lama’s coordination, the session was open and conversational where those present shared
their views on being a good human being. The session concluded with a short prayer and tea session.
The core message of talk was summed up in the following lines by Khenchen Jigme Phuntsho.
་ག་བཟང་་་ཡང་གང་་ན།། བསམ་པ་དཀར་ང་ག་་ང་བ་དང་།། ངང་བཟང་་ཐག་ང་ང་ང་བ་ང་།།ག་
ཡངས་ས་་་བ་ད་ན་།།
He who has pure thought; he who is less corrupted; he who has enough patience; he who has strong self con-
trol; he who has broad mindset and he who is highly learned can be labeled as a good human.
Photos from the last Contemplation Session for the year 2015
