45-day Yarney or Summer Retreat around this time of the year.

While we have to undergo occasional lockdown and compulsory 14-day quarantine ever since the pandemic, the monks in various Shedras (Monastic Institutions) have been observing what is known as the 45-day Yarney or Summer Retreat around this time of the year.

However this is neither in response to COVID-19 situation nor to the new Delta variant.

It is a tradition which was introduced by Buddha Shakyamuni more than 3000 years ago in response to a criticism levelled against the Sangha, who is said to have no regard for insects' life that are killed under their feet as the monks come out for alms in the villages.

As skillful as he is, Buddha took the criticism positively and called upon the monks to remain in retreat to avoid accidental killing of insects that increase in number especially during summer. Hence the name Yarney or Summer Retreat.

In this way, the insects are saved from accidental deaths and the critics are saved from bad karma that is generated from criticising the Sangha. By bringing the alms to Sangha, the patrons are able to generate good Karma as well.

In Bhutan, this tradition was first initiated at Cheri and now it is observed this time of the year at various Shedras in the country. The tradition was widely propagated by His Holiness Chabjey Thrizur the 68th Jey Khenpo.

During this period, the monks remain within the campus and observe three different categories of sacred vows. The merit thus generated is said to cleansed the demerits brought about through breaking of vows by the monks and the lay people. Sacred rituals and profound prayers are conducted by the monks whoes body, speech and mind remain in the purest state for the wellbeing of Tsa Wa Sum and the sentient beings.

May the spritual positivities thus generated swiftly wipe out the pandemic from the face of the world as well.

"Be kind to unkind people. They need it the most."