Visiting Taklung Monastery always feels like stepping into a timeless space, where the air is filled with whispers of old prayers and the scent of pine. It’s just a short distance from my home in Paro, but every time I return, it’s like finding a quiet place within myself. Yesterday, I decided to go there again, carrying with me a warm pot of ema datshi—Bhutan’s beloved spicy cheese dish. It felt like the perfect offering to the Rinpoche, a small gesture of gratitude and connection through food, something so central to our culture.
As I arrived at the monastery, I couldn’t help but notice the stunning view of Tiger’s Nest Monastery perched on the cliff opposite. Even though I see it almost daily, the sight of it from Taklung’s grounds feels special. From here, Tiger’s Nest seems to float against the sky, a reminder of how deeply woven spirituality is into our landscape. Standing there, I thought about how these two monasteries share a certain quiet wisdom, like two old friends watching over the valley together.
The peaceful atmosphere of Taklung Monastery quickly pulls you in, but what I love most are the young monks who live here. There are 35 of them in total, each of them just at the beginning of their monastic journey. They share rooms—two to each small space—filled with the chatter of young voices and the giggles of friendship. Despite their structured days of study and prayer, they find time for the simple joys of childhood. One of their favorite activities? Playing soccer on the small field behind the monastery.
Watching them chase the ball, laughing and competing with the energy only kids can muster, fills me with such happiness. There’s a pure joy in their games, a reminder that even in the most disciplined lives, there’s always space for a little play. Sometimes, they call me over to join them or to cheer them on, and for a while, I get to be part of their world. It’s in those moments that I feel like I’m giving them a sense of home, a motherly warmth they might miss.
After the game, we walked through the monastery grounds together. They showed me their little treasures—like the beehives they keep tucked away by the trees, buzzing softly with life. And then, there’s the incense burner that fills the monastery’s air with the scent of burning blue pine needles each morning. The monks use the needles, gathered from the surrounding woods, to create their own incense offerings. It’s a simple, earthy scent that fills your lungs and your spirit, making you feel connected to the mountain air.
One of the young monks started talking about the idea of luck, and it wasn’t long before we found ourselves on a little adventure—searching for four-leaf clovers among the patches of green. The boys have learned this from stories of the West, a playful superstition that’s made its way here. And you know what? I found one! The boys cheered, and I tucked the little clover into my pocket like a small reminder that luck is everywhere, even in the most unexpected places.
The time flew by, and soon the boys had to hurry back to their classes. I lingered for a moment by the water prayer wheels—one of my favorite spots at the monastery. These wheels, powered by the gentle flow of water, spin continuously, each rotation sending out prayers into the air. It’s like a steady heartbeat for the monastery, a reminder that the prayers never stop, even when we’re not watching. I love the idea that, in their own quiet way, these wheels are connecting with the world beyond.
As I walked back down the path from Taklung, the sun was starting to dip, casting long shadows across the valley. I felt lighter, like the weight of everyday worries had been carried away by the whispers of the wind through the prayer flags. It’s the kind of peace that I hope everyone finds, at least once in a while—a moment to breathe and be present.
If you’d like to hear more about my visits to places like Taklung Monastery, or if you’re curious about what life is like in this little corner of Bhutan, I invite you to follow along on my journey. Just subscribe to the newsletter to make sure you don’t miss any new stories. Whether it’s the laughter of the little monks, the warmth of ema datshi, or the quiet magic of spinning prayer wheels, I’d love to share it all with you. 🌿✨🙏
Thank you for being a part of this journey. Until next time, may your days be filled with little moments of joy and peace. 💚
