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11. The Role of English in Culture Preservation in Bhutan

Author:
Dorji Thinley and T. W. Maxwell
Publication Date:
03-2013
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Journal of Bhutan Studies
Institution:
Centre for Bhutan & GNH Studies (CBS)
Abstract:
This study explores issues surrounding the preservation and promotion of culture in the context of the secondary school English curriculum in Bhutan. The languages of Bhutan carry a rich and diverse tradition of oral literatures, but these genres and the cultural values they embody may disappear if they are not promoted. In Bhutan, schools are an active culture preservation site. For this reason, and also since English is the language of curricula for most subjects taught in school, we assumed that one of the ways in which Bhutan’s diverse cultures can be honoured and enlivened is through the study of folk literature in the English curriculum. We asked two questions: (1) “How do secondary English teachers perceive the long-term role of Bhutanese folk literature as a source of cultural knowledge in the English curriculum?” and (2) “What knowledge and attitude do secondary students show following three months of learning about Bhutanese folk literature in the secondary English curriculum?” To address the first question, 38% of all secondary English teachers (n-181) responded to a purpose-built questionnaire followed by in-depth interviews undertaken with six (expert) teachers. The second research question was addressed using action research conducted with twenty-four Class 11 science students over three months in a higher secondary school in south Bhutan. Three important perspectives on the role of English in culture maintenance were identified. First, the latter can create opportunities for students to learn English in culturally familiar contexts. Second, using folk literatures that exist in different languages but translated into English as pedagogical catalysts will not only promote the values of cultural diversity in school but will also ensure the intergenerational continuity of Bhutanese culture through the education of children. Third, since English is a global language and a language of growing popularity in Bhutan, English translations of oral literature will promote cultural diversity and continuity in the face of globalization.
Topic:
Education, Culture, Language, and English
Political Geography:
South Asia and Bhutan

12. Wangdü Chöling Dzong: The Masterpiece of Gongsar Jigme Namgyel

Author:
Gengop Karchung
Publication Date:
03-2013
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Centre for Bhutan & GNH Studies (CBS)
Abstract:
Due to political and spiritual significance, Dzongs hold a special place in the minds of the Bhutanese people. Unlike any other dzongs in Bhutan, Wangdü Chöling Dzong in Bumthang Shamkhar is quite unique due to factors like (1) the builder who was the father of Monarchy in Bhutan, (2) the accomplishment of victory over Jakar Dzongpön Tsöndrü Gyaltshen and (3) the place being used for Buddhist teachings by lama Je Jangchub Tsondrü. Constructed with elaborate Bhutanese architectural designs, it is said to have been built by Gongsar Jigme Namgyel himself in 1857, particulary the Utse. This paper attempts to figure out the significance and role of this well-known historical structure besides throwing some lights on establishment of the dzong and its renovation. It also tries to present other information related to this Dzong through available written and oral sources. Besides researching on written sources, interviews were conducted with Lam Jampel Dorje, Wangdü Chöling Lam, Agäy Rinzin Dorje, 84 (2010) and Agäy Sherub Wangdü, 76 (2010) who shared valuable information.
Topic:
Politics, Religion, Culture, and Architecture
Political Geography:
South Asia and Bhutan

13. The Old Man ‘Mitshering’ at Nyima Lung Monastery

Author:
Tenzin Jamtsho
Publication Date:
03-2013
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Journal of Bhutan Studies
Institution:
Centre for Bhutan & GNH Studies (CBS)
Abstract:
Special stage performers called atsaras wearing clownish masks are a common feature in religious festivals across the country. In their whimsical, and sometimes bawdy way, they serve various purposes like introducing dances, managing the performing arena, helping in crowd control and basically keeping the audience entertained through the long performances.1 However, a similar but easily distinguishable performer is the Mitshering which is seen in some monastic festivals of central Bhutan like Nyima Lung. The performer wears an easily identifiable mask that is completely different from the atsara. The mask clearly depicts a very old man with long white beard and a wrinkled face. He is adorned with a unique costume: he wears the dress of a monk and a mixed red and white scarf with fringes like those worn by the local leaders called Gup. The old man carries a staff in his hand, which helps him to stand upright.
Topic:
Religion, Culture, and Dance
Political Geography:
South Asia and Bhutan

14. Culture, Public Policy and Happiness

Author:
Sangay Chophel
Publication Date:
03-2012
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Journal of Bhutan Studies
Institution:
Centre for Bhutan & GNH Studies (CBS)
Abstract:
This paper explores the relationship between culture and happiness by analysing work from different disciplines as a way of shedding useful insight on policy issue. It discusses the role of public policy in furthering happiness. In addition, this paper discusses contemporary literature on identity, values, diversity, and public policy in relation to happiness and wellbeing, and corroborates some of the claims made in this paper by using the data from Gross National Happiness survey conducted in 2010 wherever it is applicable and warranted1. This paper makes limited use of the data insofar as it relates to culture and happiness under discussion in this paper. To make extensive use of the data is beyond the scope of this essay.
Topic:
Culture, Public Policy, Happiness, and Gross National Happiness (GNH)
Political Geography:
South Asia and Bhutan

15. A Zhabdrung Phunsum Tshogpa (zhabs drung phun sum tshogs pa) Thangka from the National Museum of Bhutan Collection∗

Author:
Ariana Maki
Publication Date:
10-2011
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Journal of Bhutan Studies
Institution:
Centre for Bhutan & GNH Studies (CBS)
Abstract:
Visions, and the ability to articulate them in an accessible fashion, play a crucial role in disseminating religious tradition, lineage and claims to legitimacy. Further, visions can and do stand as testimony to significant persons, entities and events. The visions of religious masters and treasure revealers give rise to new doctrines and practices, while a leader’s vision frequently provides the impetus for the development and implementation of institutions and ideals. And the visions of artists offer tangible forms to religious and philosophical concepts. The third king of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (‘jigs med rdo rje dbang phyug, 1928-1972, r. 1952-1972), was a key visionary who redefined the path of his kingdom in many ways, by bringing Bhutan into the UN, abolishing labour taxes, and significantly overhauling the structure of the government. It was also his foresight that established the National Museum of Bhutan (‘brug rgyal yongs ‘grems ston khang; Figure 1). When the National Museum opened in 1968, only a few personal guests of the royal family and some government officials visited. Today, the number of museum guests surpasses 20,000 annually. Seven floors of galleries showcase Bhutanese visual culture from its earliest phases, and span archaeological finds, paintings, postage stamps, weaponry, bronze ware, traditional crafts, natural history specimens and religious treasures. The article intends to illustrate how iconography can frequently illuminate what lies behind a particular work of art, and as a result can increase our understanding of the time, place and context that gave rise to it. This painting, like so much of Bhutanese art functions in the religious and philosophical realms, and, due to the circumstances of its creation, carries with it strong political overtones as well. Beyond attesting to a lineage, some works illustrate how particular individuals saw themselves, or, how they wanted to be perceived.
Topic:
Government, Religion, Culture, Philosophy, and Museums
Political Geography:
South Asia and Bhutan

16. From Mount Tsari to the tsechu: Bhutan’s Sacred Song and Lute Dance

Author:
Elaine Dobson
Publication Date:
10-2011
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Journal of Bhutan Studies
Institution:
Centre for Bhutan & GNH Studies (CBS)
Abstract:
For a few days in October, in the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, the population of the tiny country increases two-fold as visitors from neighbouring countries in the sub-continent, and from across the world, gather to witness one of the great, annual, Buddhist, three-to-five day, religious, dance-drama festivals or tsechus. A tsechu1 celebrates the great deeds that were performed by the religious saint and teacher, Padmasambhava (also known as Guru Rinpoche2 or Ugyen Rinpoche). Tsechus are held on the tenth day of a lunar month. The exact month depends on the location. Every valley has its own tsechu, usually with some identifying traits. These festivals reinforce the social life of the community and offer opportunities for making or renewing friendships, having picnics and drinking, or trading. In Bhutan, villagers who have moved to the larger towns are expected to return for the festival and they will often sponsor a major part of it. Tsechus accrue status for the monasteries and villages that stage them, and spiritual merit for those who are their sponsors. The spectacular dances that form these tsechus are known as cham. The subjugation of evil and the purification and protection from demonic spirits are important themes in the tsechu and dances. These themes are usually interwoven with those that are morally instructive or didactic and those that proclaim the victory of Buddhism and the glory of Padmasambhava.
Topic:
Religion, Culture, Buddhism, and Dance
Political Geography:
South Asia and Bhutan

17. Invoking a Warrior Deity: A Preliminary Study of Lo-ju

Author:
Dendup Chophel
Publication Date:
10-2011
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Journal of Bhutan Studies
Institution:
Centre for Bhutan & GNH Studies (CBS)
Abstract:
Lo-ju1 (blo ‘gyur) is an ancient Pazap (dpa mdzangs pa) festival celebrated every three years across the villages of Shar valley in Wangdue Phodrang. This study focuses primarily on its Chungsekha version. This ritual of propitiating the Dra-lha (dgra lha)2 is conducted for the wellbeing of the Shar community and the nation at large by invoking and appeasing the pantheon of Drukpa protective deities in the martial traditions of the yore. At a glance though, it would seem like a throwback into a warlike past with an enactment of a battle scene by the village pazaps. An in-depth analysis reveals this to be a show of faith, courage and battle preparedness which, by default, is a natural deterrent against possible hostilities. An attempt has been made to bear a historical perspective on this tradition which would otherwise seem like an odd cross between vainglorious machismo, anachronistic extravaganza and mindless superstition.3 The article is based on manuscript of the rituals, hagiography of eminent Drukpa (‘brug pa) hierarchs and other sociopolitical publications though none of them directly relate to the actual rationale and period of the festival’s institution. So, this work is primarily a heuristic recreation of the festival based on stray references found in these sources that are appropriately corroborated with existing myths, legends and other grapevines.
Topic:
History, Culture, and Rituals
Political Geography:
South Asia and Bhutan