The Tiger's Nest

Guru Padmasambhava, often referred to as Guru Rinpoche, occupies a very important place in Buddhist philosophy. The word Padmasambhava literally means as the one born in a Lotus. (Chaturmukha Brahma, the four headed creator in Hindu philosophy, is also Lotus born and hence a parallel can be seen). Tibetan Buddhism, followed in Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan and other Himalayan areas consider him as the "Second Buddha". Guru Padmasambhava is believed to have lived in the 8th century. He is also believed to have lived in Nepal and later in Bhutan. It is said that he came to the upper Paro valley in Bhutan and sat in penance at a cliff point for three years, three months, three days and three hours. A temple was constructed at this point around the end of 17th century (1692 AD). 

This place (picture given above) is known as Paro Taktsang, also mentioned as Paro Palphug Monastery and Tiger's Nest. This building and centre has become a symbol of modren Bhutan's most important tourist destination. The importance of the place is for various reasons; its historical relevance, its location, the trek that is required to reach there and its natural beauty are among the many reasons.

Guru Padmasambhava is believed to have flown into this place from Tibet on a flying tiger. This place is therefore known as the Tiger's Nest. To reach Tiger's Nest one has to go on a trek from the Paro valley. The valley itself is at a height of 7,000 above sea level. The nest is at a height of 10,000 feet. The 3,000 feet trek normally takes about 2 hours one way. It is good for younger generation. But one can see local Bhutanese women go on the trek even with small babies in their arms!

A common painting we find in most of the Buddhist temples is the one of "Four Harmonious Friends". Four animals, an elephant, a monkey, a hare and a bird lived in a forest near a tree. They lived happily but somewhere along the way they lost respect for each other. Once respect was gone, conflict surfaced. After realising that conflict is not good for any of them, they decided to respect each other according to their age. How to measure the age? They felt that measurement of age can be with reference to the tree. Each one of them told others about how big the tree was when they first saw it. That settled the order. The bird was the oldest, the hare was next. Monkey and the elephant came later on. Once this was settled, harmony was restored. As the tree grew big, they were unable to reach its fruits. They climbed on each other, get the fruits and share them.

The celebrated principle of respecting age is brought out here, but it also lays emphasis on mutual respect. Seniority cannot be judged merely by age. While it is generally accepted that one matures with age and becomes wiser, it is not always true. Therefore, seniors should also respect the juniors as wisdom is not linked merely to age. Wisdom is a result of advancement in learning and practice. 

For visiting Tiger's Nest one should be able to walk and hike for four to five hours. Physical fitness becomes very important. This is true of other important sight seeing places as well. To enjoy the natural beauty and the adventure, one should visit Bhutan while still young!