"We believe peace and tranquility of the spirit must not be harmed." Imagine if more countries accepted this as a national policy. The first words of the constitution of Shotoku-Taishi from the year 600 stated almost the same words: "We hold that the the principle of harmony and peace is of the utmost precious-ness."
Furthermore, the Four Foundations of Chado, the Way of Tea are Harmony-Respect-Purity-Tranquility. All this is very alive in the modern day Kingdom of Bhutan, and probably because of the influence of Dingo Khyentse Rinpoche on the first King of Bhutan.
The cave of Tak-tsang or the Tiger's Lair was pivotal in the life of CTR, especially as he discovered how to present the ancient teachings of Shakyamuni to the people of the Western world. Soon after his retreat at Tak-tsang, he came to Canada first and then to America. His impact on us was amazing, and continues to be profound even 25 years after his death. At my request, Maki-san carried "KOSMOS" chawan to Bhutan, and gave her young son the chance to make "A Bowl of Tea for Peace" at the foot of this important meditation cave. Thank you very very much.
and the first King of Bhutan be successful in curbing the influences of modern day materialism, convenience, and entertainment. May they successfully maintain Bhutan as a pristine environment of natural forests. May the policy of gross national happiness inspire other countries so deeply trapped in the muck and mire of profit and loss, hope and fear. May ordinary mind remain ordinary.
