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Get ready to embark on a spiritual journey this July 9 as we celebrate Drukpa Tsheshi, an enchanting festival of Buddhism that transcends earthly boundaries, taking its admirers on a voyage of self-discovery and enlightenment. This date hails back to the times of Lord Buddha in the 6th century BC, commemorating his first sermon to his first five disciples following his enlightenment, thus marking the propagation of Buddhism. Amidst the mystical landscapes of Bhutan, the serene monasteries reverberate with the echoing hymns and prayers, creating an atmosphere of divine bliss that can only be experienced, not described. So, let’s prepare ourselves to bask in the spiritually uplifting aura of Drukpa Tsheshi, a magical journey marinated in history and cradled in faith. Let's celebrate enlightenment, let's celebrate the spirit of Buddhism!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>6th Century BC</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Enlightenment of Buddha</div><div class='timeline-text'>Siddhartha Gautama, known as Buddha, achieved enlightenment under the Bodhi tree at Bodhgaya, India.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>6th Century BC</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Sermon by Buddha</div><div class='timeline-text'>Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath near Varanasi, India to his first five disciples, marking the spread of Buddhism.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>641 AD</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Buddhism Introduced in Bhutan</div><div class='timeline-text'>Songtsen Gampo, the Tibetan King, introduced Buddhism to Bhutan.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1904</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>British Bhutan Treaty</div><div class='timeline-text'>The British signed a treaty keeping the internal administration of Bhutan under the monarchy's rule, which allowed the Drukpa Kagyu tradition of Buddhism to flourish.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1966</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of Monastic Body</div><div class='timeline-text'>Bhutan established the Monastic body, 'Druk Gawa Khapa', for preserving and spreading Buddhism in the country.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Visit a local monastery</h3><p class='facts-text'>Embarking on a sacred visit to a local Buddhist monastery can provide an enriching experience. Meet Buddhist monks, learn about the teachings of Buddha and participate in divine rituals that promote peace and harmony.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Host a meditation retreat</h3><p class='facts-text'>Arrange a mini-retreat at home with guided meditation sessions, mindful walks, and vegetarian meals to follow the teachings of Buddha and cultivate mindfulness and inner peace.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Educate family and friends about Buddhism</h3><p class='facts-text'>Take the opportunity to educate your family and friends about the basic tenets of Buddhism. Explain the significance of Drukpa Tsheshi and how it commemorates Buddha's first sermon.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Participate in acts of charity</h3><p class='facts-text'>Buddha taught the path of compassion. Thus, engage in acts of charity, like feeding the homeless or donating to a worthy cause. Express compassion through your actions and spread the spirit of Buddhism.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Create a peace garden</h3><p class='facts-text'>In honor of the festival, create a peace garden at home, full of serene Buddha statues and lush green plants. Such a tranquil space can serve as a recurring reminder of Drukpa Tsheshi's spiritual significance and promote a calm and peaceful state of mind.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Drukpa Tsheshi offers a spiritual awakening</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>This festive day gives individuals the chance to deepen their understanding of Buddhism and its teachings of enlightenment. Through hymns, prayers, and divine rituals held at local monasteries, one can experience an enriching spiritual journey and seek personal growth.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Opportunity to practice mindfulness and compassion</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Drukpa Tsheshi celebrates Buddha's teachings promoting peace and harmony. Participating in activities like guided meditation retreats, mindful walks, and acts of charity enables individuals to cultivate mindfulness and express compassion, reflecting the fundamental tenets of Buddhism within their lives.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Celebration serves as a medium for education</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Drukpa Tsheshi provides the perfect platform for teaching others about Buddhism. Spending the festival educating family and friends about the basic principles of Buddhism not only promotes deeper understanding but also can spread the teachings of Buddha to a wider audience, ensuring the longevity of these spiritual practices.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Drukpa Tsheshi is a Public Holiday in Bhutan</h3><p class='facts-content'>The day holds such importance in Bhutanese culture that it is observed as a public holiday, allowing everyone to participate fully in the festivities and rituals.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Festival Honors Buddha's Deer Park Sermon Specifically</h3><p class='facts-content'>Unlike many other Buddhist celebrations, Drukpa Tsheshi specifically commemorates the Buddha's sermon in the Deer Park at Sarnath, where he set the 'Wheel of Dharma' in motion and revealed the Four Noble Truths.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Processions are Held across Bhutan</h3><p class='facts-content'>To celebrate this day, processions (Cham dances) are held throughout Bhutan, where monks dress up as deities and perform ritual dances to ward off evil spirits and usher in harmony.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Offerings Made to Monks are Distributed to the Poor</h3><p class='facts-content'>Following the teachings of Buddha, the offerings made to monks on this day, such as food and other necessities, are often distributed among the poor, emphasising the practice of charity in Buddhism.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Traditional Butter Lamps are Lit for Spiritual Enlightenment</h3><p class='facts-content'>As part of the celebration, Bhutanese people light traditional butter lamps as an offering to Buddha and as a symbol of dispelling darkness from their lives, leading towards spiritual enlightenment.</p></div></div>
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