A Topic Explained Yet Finalisation Remains | S.Yeshi

Unentangling the entangled 

The floating ideas are always entangled and to stabilise and get it into a shape, it needs to unentangle. As I was to solve a crossword by finding a thesis topic, I have been in constant process of finding a start to unentangle  my thoughts to get a rational conclusion of a choice. 

Bhutan is well known today for its rich nature and culture. It has received accolades across the globe for its incomparable efforts of environmental conservation and mitigation against climate change. The kingdom's constitution commits to keep 60% of the country under forest cover. 

Spiritually and environmentally pristine 

Traditionally, Bhutanese had a very spiritual view of their environment. In both the pre-Buddhist and Buddhist systems of beliefs and thoughts, nature was considered a living force, which is essential for the wellbeing of the human species. Mountains are believed to be sacred abodes of gods, rivers and lakes as home of water spirits, forests and cliffs of territorial deities. The Bhutanese believed in a wide range of invisible beings that shared the same habitat as humans, animals and birds.

It is due to such spiritual heritage that we have inherited the most pristine parts of our environment and the rich bio-diversity. Informed by such beliefs, Bhutanese generally respected nature and maintained a harmonious relationship, and preserved and protected voluntarily.

But, sadly, with the process of modernisation, globalisation and urbanisation, Bhutan is today facing a rapid decline in its intangible cultural traditions. Spiritual beliefs and practices which have sustained Bhutan’s pristine ecosystem are now giving way to global trends and materialism where people are increasingly becoming removed from their natural environments leading to a serious loss of traditional knowledge and memory of Bhutanese engagement with their environment. Even the most scared relics and structures of worship are seen as an item of economic interest.

Culture is what Bhutan is known for 

The processes of modernisation and globalisation has reached even remote corners of Bhutan and ushered in a heightened sense of secularism and materialism. While these processes have brought about widespread socio-economic progress and educational achievement, they have also triggered a major shift in the Bhutanese worldview, mindset, values, behaviours and lifestyle.

As the spiritual beliefs and practices decline and the modern development of infrastructure, industries and facilities increase, many important natural sites regarded as sacred sites, citadels of zhidag the local spirits or menchu the medicinal water and drupchu the holy water sources and alike cultural heritages are now exposed to unprecedented threats and exploitation for economic gain.

Therefore, in this stage of my rational processing of my thoughts, I felt there is a call to understand how to promote cultural and traditional knowledge and practices for environmental conservation.

I am in of thinking that, I would like to look at the historical accounts, cultural beliefs and practices that has efficiently and effortlessly guarded the heritage sites and see if the current laws and policies of Bhutan are assuring their continued inheritance to future generations. Besides, even if the law and policies of Bhutan spells out its importance and protection, do we see and adequate action on ground. I felt there this need to check on the government’s attention in terms of action through studying their development plans, budget allocations and annual projects.

Yet, this is only the rational thinking behind my thoughts of pursuing a thesis on this field while some unrelenting thoughts are still lingering to do something about the neglected ruins of Bhutan.

I still continue to wish myself a Best of Luck.