jackiehadel1

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PUNAKHA, BHUTAN: DOCHULA IN THE HIMALAYAS

Dochula, it’s the road where the clouds rest, a hundred and eight chortens spinning prayers into the thin Himalayan air. The wind sings like a monk’s chant, carrying whispers of Bhutan’s soul. The mountains—they rise like the spine of the earth, snowy and sharp, eternal and untouchable, holding secrets older than time.This is where the world slows down, where the Himalayas remind you to look up,…

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PUNAKHA, BHUTAN ART: PROTECTOR

Maybe this is a Mahakala?In Bhutanese Buddhism, Mahakala is seen as both a protector of the teachings and a remover of obstacles to enlightenment. The Punakha Dzong, where this mural is located, has particular significance as both the second-oldest and second-largest dzong in Bhutan, and continues to serve as an important administrative and monastic center. The presence of Mahakala’s image here…

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PUNAKHA, BHUTAN ART: CELESTIAL MUSICIAN

This appears to be an image of a Drapa Ngonshe (འདྲ་པ་དངོས་བཤད), one of the celestial musicians or gandharvas in Buddhist iconography. In Bhutanese Buddhist art, these divine beings are often depicted playing musical instruments and are considered to be heavenly musicians who reside in the celestial realms.In this particular mural in Punakha Dzong, the figure is shown in traditional celestial…

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PUNAKHA, BHUTAN ART: PROTECTOR OF THE DHARMA

This mural depicts Vajrapani, a wrathful deity in Tibetan Buddhism. He is often depicted as the protector of the Dharma and is known for his fierce appearance and powerful energy.Vajrapani is typically shown with a thunderbolt (vajra) in his hand, which symbolizes his power and ability to destroy ignorance and obstacles. He is often associated with the Buddha Shakyamuni and is considered to be…

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PUNAKHA, BHUTAN ART: THE MAIN MAN IN BUDDHISM FOR THE BHUTANESE

The painting depicts Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche. He is a revered figure in Vajrayana Buddhism and is credited with introducing Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century. 24dec24

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PUNAKHA, BHUTAN ART: FIERCE PROTECTOR

The painting depicts Vajrapani, a fierce and powerful protector deity in both Hinduism and Buddhism.Fierce Expression: He usually has a fierce expression, with bulging eyes and a wrathful demeanor. This reflects his role as a protector, who can subdue demons and obstacles.In the context of Buddhism:Vajrapani is often associated with the Buddha and serves as his protector. He is one of the most…

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PUNAKHA, BHUTAN ART: UPHOLDER OF COSMIC ORDER

This mural depicts Naga Raja, also known as Varuna.Naga Raja is a deity in Hindu and Buddhist mythology. He is often depicted as a serpent king or a dragon, and is associated with water💦 , rain 🌧️ , and fertility. He is considered to be the guardian of the underworld and the protector of treasures.He is often depicted as having a blue or green complexion, and is associated with the ocean, rivers,…

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PUNAKHA, BHUTAN ART: LOCKED AND ALIVE

Doors in Punakha, bright as the sun, dressed in yellows and oranges, flowers blooming in painted stillness. The wood whispers stories of mountain winds and monsoon rains, while a tiny demon face guards its secrets with a grin. Around it, the walls crumble with time’s gentle touch, but the colors—oh, they burn eternal, a hymn to Bhutan’s soul. Life, locked and alive. 24dec24

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PUNAKHA, BHUTAN ART: HOLINESS WITH EDGE

On the walls of Punakha, the phallus stands bold—ancient, untamed, a symbol of life and protection. Spirals of smoke wrap around it, warding off the evil eye, laughing at prudish stares. It’s not obscene, but sacred—a nod to Drukpa Kunley, the Mad Saint, whose wild, enlightened wisdom shakes the straight paths of life. This is Bhutan—spirituality with humor, holiness with edge. Punakha, Bhutan…

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THIMPHU, BHUTAN ART: A BURST OF HIMALAYAN SOUL

In Thimphu, a Garuda grips the wall, bold and alive—wings ablaze, claws clutching eternity, snakes writhing with ancient secrets. It’s both chaos and calm, a burst of Himalayan soul, where tradition and myth leap off the corner and into the sky.Thimphu, Bhutan 🇧🇹7dec24

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PARO, BHUTAN ART: GARUDA, BRING BLESSINGS

This is an image of Garuda, a divine bird-like creature in Bhutanese Buddhism, symbolizing power, protection, and the triumph of wisdom over ignorance. Often depicted with snakes in its claws, it represents its ability to overcome negativity and harmful forces. Such murals are painted to protect spaces and bring blessings. 19dec24

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PARO, BHUTAN ART: A SYMBOL OF LIFE

On the walls of Paro, the phallus stands bold—wild, unapologetic, swirling with ribbons of color. It’s not obscene, but a protector, a sacred charm to ward off envy and evil spirits. Bhutan laughs with it, prays with it, paints it everywhere, a symbol of life, creation, and irreverence spun into tradition. 19dec24

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PARO, BHUTAN STREETART: BRIGHT THREADS

In Paro, a wall bursts with gohs and kiras—bright threads of tradition spun in street art. The old ways made new, flowing in color, standing proud against the wall. 19dec24

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PARO, BHUTAN ART: WIND HORSE

This is the Wind Horse (Lungta), a symbol of prosperity, good fortune, and spiritual energy in Bhutanese Buddhism. Often depicted carrying the “wish-fulfilling jewel,” it represents the balance of strength and spiritual aspiration, connecting earthly life with higher realms. Painted on walls, it serves as a talisman to protect and bless the space with positive energy. 20dec24

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PARO, BHUTAN ART: FIERCE AND FREE

The dragon roars, a guardian of the sacred, wild and untamed, curling in fire and clouds. Above it, the mystical bird rises, feathers aflame with wisdom, perched between worlds. Symbols of protection and power, they hum with the pulse of Bhutanese Buddhism—earthly and eternal, fierce and free. December 2024

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PARO, BHUTAN: DILGO KHYENTSE RINPOCHE’S MEMORIAL RESIDENCE

Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche’s Memorial Residence in Paro, Bhutan, served as his home during his later years and was preserved after his passing in 1991 as a tribute to his life and teachings. A revered Buddhist master and meditation teacher, Rinpoche had close ties to Bhutan’s royal family, who were among his devoted students. The residence houses sacred relics, texts, and artifacts, symbolizing his…

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PARO, BHUTAN ART: FOUR FRIENDS

Alright, let me break it down for you—The Four Friends, Bhutanese style, is like the ultimate harmony anthem! Picture this: an elephant, a monkey, a rabbit, and a bird, all teaming up for the vibe of unity and balance. The bird plants a seed, the rabbit waters it, the monkey nurtures it, and the elephant stands tall so everyone can reach the fruit. It’s about friendship, cooperation, and making…