HATS
OFF! You took the challenge to write something in an age where fewer people opt
to keep this dream alive. Any obstacle that you may encounter henceforth should
not deter you from writing, for it will only get better with more practice.
My
gossip with Karma Sir ( Did you mean to
keep the title so informal and personal? Does it encapsulate the essence of the
writing? Just a thought.)
Rationale:
Sometimes, it’s wonderful to reflect on what you have been doing and what you
have done so far. Believing in the words and actions of him or her would give
you only the strength to move further in life. I failed on several
occasions! I guess this would bridge the
gap between a teacher and follower. For now I would like to write and take you
through the world of Mr. Karma Wangchuk. I hope you may find something
inspiring.
(I don’t know what to write about him in the
first place, unless I read an inspiring poem or a page . Today, surprisingly I
wrote about someone-omit) I have known him for just two years, and in this
little time together I have known him as a man of modesty. Really he is the
subject of interest to me, and you too may find him as a person of your kind if
you encounter him.
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Photo
courtesy (TsheringP) near Gyemjangkhu temple, Paro.
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I
am scared sometimes that I may write wrong about him with my limited perception; however he never gets moved by either
by praises or defamation. Therefore, neither do I expect anything from him nor
would he consider this piece as my jumbling of ideas.
Of
course, many may not know about him. He is just an ordinary man with good
looking figure. He rarely similes and
never mistake him as being too serious being to you. But in this ordinary man I have discovered
'extraordinary offerings' and 'wealth.' This ordinary man is a shining
icon of literature and arts.
If
you happen to be at Paro College, you may rarely notice his presence. He would
be wearing faded clothes or walking lonely sometimes in great thinking.
He
would be the early bird to catch up the morning glory. Mornings are special to
him for he could see a bird or two. Every night, a poem is drafted and on the
next day he would polish the poem. A chronic stomach ache bothers him, but he
occasionally chants the mantra OM MANI PADMI HUNG to ease the situation.
(Following
are the reasons why "What makes him so unique?")
Every
society expects a man to get married, have children and happily settle down in
life, but he is far removed from any of these. Rather he had found the lifelong
desires to run his life in most unique ways.
I
always appreciate him for the vast expanse of knowledge he possesses on
everyday subject matters. When you ask him about the books that he has read so
far he will just smile without any straight answers. For us number matters but
for him, the contents and the words matter. Talking about likes and dislikes on
books, he lays his hands on almost all kinds of books. He read an abridged
English version of 'The Mahabharata' and other books of adventure during his
school days. Nature and spirituality are other areas of his interest.
Surprisingly, it seems that for him ideas are within a click of the head and
heart.
Language
is a problem for all of us. He suggested to me that I should read on the
subject that interests me, and also immerse in some classical books once in a
while.
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Photo
credit (I) Reading completes the story of the day for him, near college.
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He
is an active writer too. He writes very powerful poems and meaningful
articles to suit the readers. He has many self-created arts and books ready for
publication. Here, I will share his letter to my class six students. Dated:
September 12th, 2016,
Dungmaanma,
Trashigang
September 12th, 2016
Dear
Sonam,
I hope you are doing fine. Everything is good here with me.
I want to say again that school is a wonderful place to be in. You are
surrounded by friends who share your time being together and teachers who guide
you throughout. The school offers you many beautiful gifts. One special gift is
the joy of reading. I hope you have found this gift in the school. When you
come home this winter I would love to hear your story of reading.
That
is it for now. Your brother sends you his love.
With
love,
Your
dad Dorji
Note:
I requested him to write a letter to my class six students. And they were happy
to read and they have written a reply to him.
(Arts
and music as an integral part of his being)
In
college, he is known as Drama Wangchuk to his colleagues and the student
teachers. He engages students in drama workshops and role play, and enables
them to realize the benefits of drama in both personal and professional life.
Shakespeare is his most favorite playwright.
He
is a self-taught, passionate and practicing artist. He is also a food geek and a great cook.
Everyday work is fun for him because creativity pays off.
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Photo
credit (Nima) Trying out to see the magic of brushes and colors.
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He
has visited many wild places in Bhutan and a few in India. He knows the names
of most birds and butterflies. He loves snakes too. He is quite a skillful
photographer. He loves plants, and for a plant lover like him cutting down
trees is unthinkable.
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Photo
credit ( Nima). Looking for the long lost Birds and Butterflies in Lampelri.
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(Teacher
of wealth and wisdom)
He
is a firm believer in the power of silence. Being silent enables him to create
a space for contemplation and self-reflection. He doesn’t talk much, but given
a situation he can speak in some Bhutanese dialects. If you happen to visit his
home, you will be surprised to see that he doesn’t own a refrigerator or sofa
set, of course affordable to somebody of his stature. His life is so simple and
yet so unique. He is happy with what he has. I consider him as the figure
of all contentment because I see him leading a happy life.
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Photo
credit (Nima) At lamperi Botanical Park.
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(Conclusion:
To sum up, this is a story of man, who is taking the life in its own flow. It
is about a man who sings the freedom song like the enlighten beings. For me, it
was a worth meeting him in my life. I don’t know how we came to sharing of such
warm closeness, but meeting him was like finding some encyclopedic books. Being in his presence was like
knowing who we are and his modesty is the unusual gift for all of us. And this
man has been my wings of inspiration in reading, writing and learning the art
of photography. Until, further I discover the truth of his living, your
understanding of this man will remain as mystery!
Disclaimer:
It's intended for my literary exploration and experiment.
I am amazed that you chose to write about me. It is a good
move in the direction of becoming a writer of some kind. I am sure with
rigorous practice your ideas will flow more smoothly and crystallize better.
Keep writing!
