Bhutan - Back to the roots, with a Buddhist monk | DW Documentary

Key Concepts

Buddhist Stupa, Sashan Monastery, Kongur Rimbo, Dilo Kense Rimi, Bhutan, Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon, Zonka, Kerimbushi, Paro Valley, Punaka, Enlightenment, Lia Highlands, Nomads, Organic Farming, Taktsang (Tiger's Nest), Black-necked Cranes, Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), Bumthang, Padmasambhava, Sacred Dances, Five Mental Poisons, Interdependence.

Matika: A Monk and Photographer's Journey in Bhutan

Introduction

The video follows Matika, a Buddhist monk and photographer, on his journey back to Bhutan, a country deeply connected to his spiritual roots and the legacy of his teachers. He aims to document the beauty of the land and its people while reflecting on the preservation of Buddhist values in the face of modernization.

Encounters and Introductions

Matika arrives in Paro, Bhutan, where he meets Arun, his local guide. Despite Matika's fluency in Tibetan, Arun will assist with communication in Zonka, the main language of Bhutan. Matika clarifies that "Gillong" is a description of his monastic status, not a title.

Following in Kerimbushi's Footsteps

The journey begins by retracing the steps of Kerimbushi, Matika's spiritual master, who fled Tibet after the Chinese invasion in 1959. Kerimbushi found refuge in Bhutan and became a respected spiritual leader. Matika visits Kerimbushi's funeral stupa, built on the site of his cremation in 1992. His body was preserved in salt for a year, and remarkably, his skull, heart, tongue, and eyes remained intact after the cremation. These relics are enshrined in the stupa.

Punaka Monastery and the Path to Enlightenment

The journey continues to Punaka, where Kerimbushi conducted a seven-day ceremony annually. The ceremony involved monks linked by white silk scarves, each holding a butter lamp, pledging to be reborn near the same spiritual master until enlightenment. The video emphasizes that Buddhism is about transformation from ignorance to wisdom, freeing oneself from mental poisons like hatred, craving, ignorance, pride, and jealousy. Liberation leads to perfect wisdom and unlimited compassion.

The Lia Highlands and Nomadic Gathering

Matika travels north towards the Tibetan border to witness a yearly gathering of highland pastoral nomads in the Lia Highlands, located at 13,000 ft. He captures the faces, colors, and landscapes of this remote region, documenting the genuine smiles and simple joys of the nomadic people. The gathering includes games, processions of yaks, horses, and mastiffs, and the sharing of news and stories.

Concerns about Modernization

Matika reflects on whether Bhutan can maintain its spiritual values and resist the negative impacts of unchecked modernization, technology, and antisocial social networks. He emphasizes the importance of genuine human connections.

Translation Work and Spiritual Legacy

Matika dedicates time to translating an 800-page Tibetan text into French or English. He considers the copy a practical tool and will eventually burn it, respecting the sacredness of the original text.

The Monastery of Kenser and Embodiment of Integrity

Matika visits a monastery built in memory of Kenser, where he spent 12 years as a close disciple. He emphasizes Kenser's constant embodiment of integrity and his selfless dedication to benefiting others. Matika recalls Kenser's voice and teachings, which continue to resonate within him.

Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery

Matika visits Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest monastery, a sacred site since the 8th century. He recalls his first visit with Kerimbushi in 1980 and meditates in the main temple, feeling the presence of his spiritual master. Cameras are not allowed inside to preserve the sacredness.

Organic Farming and Sustainable Practices

The journey continues eastward, where Matika encounters Tilling, a young organic farmer. Bhutan aims to achieve 100% organic farming by 2035 and has banned pesticides since 2012. Organic agricultural practices are integrated into the school curriculum.

Photography as a Tool for Connection

Matika discusses how photography can illuminate the potential for goodness within every human being and dissolve barriers. He recounts offering his camera to his teacher, who returned it, recognizing its value in documenting their lives and the beauty around them.

The Gangte Valley and Black-Necked Cranes

The journey leads to the Gangte Valley, a glacial valley and a winter haven for black-necked cranes migrating from Tibet. Bhutan is one of only two countries with a negative carbon footprint, prohibiting deforestation, hunting, and fishing.

The Nandry for Novice Nuns

Matika visits the Nandry, a monastery for novice nuns aged 7-20. They study reading, writing, rituals, and Buddhist philosophy. Some are there by choice, while others come due to poverty or being orphaned. They will eventually join the monastery of senior nuns and embark on nine years of studies at the philosophical college in Cisong.

Environmental Threats and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)

The video highlights the environmental threats facing Bhutan, including recurring droughts and unpredictable monsoons. The Himalayas, known as the "third pole," are affected by global warming, causing glaciers to melt and increasing the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). These floods can cause widespread devastation in the valleys below.

The Jakar Valley and Sacred Dances

The journey continues to the Jakar Valley in Bumthang, where the annual festival of sacred dances is celebrated in honor of Padmasambhava, who introduced Buddhism to Tibet. These dances are meditations in motion, liberating by seeing and hearing, and freeing from the five mental poisons.

Interdependence and the Buddhist Philosophy

The video emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living beings and the environment, a founding principle of Buddhist philosophy and Bhutanese society.

The Arrival of the Cranes

The video concludes with the arrival of the black-necked cranes, symbolizing pristine nature and freedom. Matika reflects on how his teachers have given true meaning to his life, inspiring him to become a better human being and serve others.

Conclusion

Matika's journey through Bhutan is a testament to the enduring power of spiritual teachings, the beauty of the natural world, and the importance of preserving cultural and environmental heritage in the face of modernization. He emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things and the potential for inner transformation through compassion and wisdom.