The landscape in Paro Valley is turning beautifully golden, signaling the start of the rice harvest season. These fields, covered in the vibrant yellow hues of red rice, are almost ready for the farmers to gather their crops. Red rice is unique to Bhutan and is harvested only once a year. Soon, the valley will be buzzing with activity as families work together to bring in the harvest, a rhythm of life that has continued for generations.
In the photo above, you can see the valley bathed in gold, the rice paddies nestled between the lush green hills, a sight that never ceases to amaze me. This is one of the most beautiful times of the year, where nature and tradition come together in a harmonious dance.
On my way to Taklung Monastery I stopped to show you a small shrine by the roadside, where hundreds of Tsa Tsa – small clay figurines – are placed on shelves or nestled onto the rocks. These monuments serve a spiritual purpose much like our prayer flags. They bring blessings to the living and are also used to honor the dead.
In Bhutanese tradition, the ashes or bones of loved ones are often added to tsa tsa after cremation, symbolizing a connection between life and death, and ensuring that their memory lives on. The Tsa Tsa are usually placed on rocks, away from stupas, because we believe that memorials for the dead should not be placed where people can walk it around.
The photos show rows of colorful tsa tsa, painted in red, white, and gold, standing quietly under fluttering prayer flags. Each one represents a prayer, a memory, or a blessing, reminding us of the deeply spiritual nature of our lives here.
Yesterday, I ordered an incense holder for Taklung Monastery from a local workshop, and today I picked it up. The beautiful red holder, freshly painted, is ready to be delivered to the monastery. The monastery, perched high above the valley, offers stunning views of the golden fields below, as shown in one of the photos. I always feel at peace when I visit Taklung, where the stillness of the mountains and the quiet hum of prayer fill the air.
The views from the monastery are especially breathtaking now, with the green hills and golden fields spreading out below, creating a landscape that feels timeless and full of life. Standing there, I am reminded once again of how connected we are to both the land and the spiritual traditions that shape our everyday lives.
As I look out over the valley and see the rice fields ready for harvest, the tsa tsa placed lovingly on the rocks, and the vibrant colors of prayer flags blowing in the wind, I am reminded of the quiet magic that surrounds us here in Bhutan.
It is in these moments that I feel most grateful – for the beauty of nature, the strength of our traditions, and the sense of peace that comes from living in harmony with both. Bhutan truly is a place where the everyday and the sacred intertwine, creating a life that is deeply rooted in both the present and the past.
