By Sivasankar venkatakrishnan (oshovenkat)
For six months, I have been living in Bhutan, a land where time slows down, and life moves in harmony with nature and spirituality. As a college professor, I came here for work, but what I found was much more than just a professional experience—it was a journey into the depths of my own soul.
Bhutan welcomed me with its unique charm, where people are incredibly kind and respectful. Their warmth and humility reminded me that life is not about rushing toward material gains but about embracing the simple, meaningful connections that exist between people. I found that respect is not just a formality here—it is a way of life.
But what touched me even more deeply was the profound silence of Bhutan’s nature. The moment I stepped outside the city and into the heart of the Himalayas, I could hear the “sound of silence.” The vast mountains, the whispering winds, and the deep valleys seemed to sing an ancient song—one that resonated with my soul. The beauty of the Himalayas wasn’t just in their grandeur but in the way they made me feel small yet connected to something much greater than myself.
Bhutan’s temples and monasteries added another dimension to my experience. Each one I visited filled me with an indescribable vibrancy. The scent of burning incense, the rhythmic chants of monks, and the intricate paintings on the temple walls transported me to a higher plane of consciousness. As a philosophical and spiritual person, I could feel a deeper energy in these sacred spaces. It was as if each temple carried echoes of centuries of devotion, filling me with a renewed sense of purpose and peace.
One of my most memorable experiences was my trip to Bumthang with colleagues. Known as the spiritual heartland of Bhutan, Bumthang is home to some of the oldest and most revered monasteries. But what made this trip even more special was our stay in a traditional Bhutanese homestay in a deep village. There, I experienced life in its purest form—away from the distractions of modernity. The simplicity of village life, the warmth of our hosts, and the taste of authentic Bhutanese food made me appreciate the beauty of a slow, mindful existence.
Through all these experiences, I have found myself evolving. I came to Bhutan as a professor, but I feel like I am also a student—learning from the land, the people, and the spirituality that flows through every corner of this country. My journey in Bhutan is not just about teaching; it is about discovering the depth of life itself.
Perhaps the greatest lesson I have learned here is the art of surrender—to let go of control and trust the flow of existence. The mountains, the monasteries, and the people of Bhutan have reinforced a truth I have come to understand: life is beyond our control, and when we embrace it as it is, it becomes a beautiful, unfolding mystery.
Bhutan has become more than just a place of work for me; it has become a spiritual retreat, a sanctuary where I have found clarity, peace, and a deeper connection with life. And as I continue my journey here, I know that Bhutan’s silence, kindness, and spiritual essence will always remain within me.
