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The Balance of Monastic and Modern Life style in Bhutan
The old culture of Bhutan is the amazing factor that attracts tourists. The revered values make it stand out among other countries. This is the reason why Bhutan government takes enough actions to preserve its ancient customs. The School of Mahayana Buddhism provides unique identity to the whole of Bhutan. Children join monastery at the age of 6 to 9.
They are taught Chhokey, Dzonga and English too. But in southern Bhutan Hinduism is practiced in common. In this century, Bhutan is a country that is changing slowly to modernization. Although this country’s educational system is 300 years old which helps Bhutan to lead a peaceful way of life, the second half of 20th century introduced the computer technologies and communication facilities to these people. Bhutan is able to balance its unique cultural and linguistic traditions with its modernization.
The challenges Bhutan is facing while balancing the old culture with new developments are
• The traditional lifestyle of Bhutan should be preserved while opening up to the modern world.
• The education system should be modified to meet the challenges of outside word by the Bhutanese children
• The fine blend of tradition and technology should be a practically effective.
• These attempts should not benefit for short term. In stead focus on long term efficiency.
• This should be done in planned step by step process.
• Bhutanese people should carry out these attempts by themselves in the long run.
The National election which was successful shows the Bhutanese mental changes to absolute democracy from absolutely monarchy. Although this country is moving towards modernization, still most of the people live in villages. Their daily diet is mostly Rice, Meat, Cheese and vegetables. Their food is a fine combo of cheese and chilly domination. ‘Ema – Daste’ is the unofficial national dish which has many interpretations along every region. Salted ‘Butter tea’ and sweet ‘Suja’ are the common beverages of Bhutan. Chang and Arra are the beer and Spirit which are served during social gatherings. The life style of Bhutan is mainly influenced by religion. Every house in Bhutan has a special room for prayer. They consider the prayer beads and Twirling Prayer wheels to be holy things related with their religion. The Bhutanese have the custom of greeting each other by offering ‘Doma’ or betel nut. The Bhutanese men wear a waist belt ‘gho’. Women wear ‘Kira’, long robe with colorful and traditional pattern. This unique, deeply spiritual and mystic country is gradually opening its door to modernization.
