‘If you are attached to small pleasures, you will not attain great happiness. Therefore, do not put this unceasing mind on other things; do not rest in shameless sleep; do not take joy in never ending prattle.’ These profound words of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel (1594-1651) laid the foundation for an enduring legacy of wisdom.

Building upon this philosophy of detachment and mindfulness, Zhabdrung further counselled his followers,  ‘Regard distractions, play and flattery of the young, one’s elders, and one’s friends as demons. If your mind has been turned by demons, you have no wish to study, to work, to perform recitations; you feel unhappy and you wonder if you have enough food and clothes. In that case, here is some kind but firm counsel; think; ‘Even if my heart rots and my body fall into hundred pieces, even though I am unhappy I must apply myself. Do that and you will reap your reward.’

Revered as the founder of Bhutan, Zhabdrung’s teachings balanced discipline with discernment in life and learning. He believed that one should approach life and learning with discernment. For instance, he preached: ‘If you are happy study, if not leave it; if you understand it study it, if it is difficult do not study it. If you are attracted stay; if not go. If it happens. Good; if not then that’s it. The stomach is satisfied, the clothes are warm.’ This balanced perspective, he taught, would not diminish one’s worth.

This nuanced approach to life and learning was just one facet of Zhabdrung Rinpoche’s multifaceted legacy. In the annals of Bhutanese history, few figures loom as large as this visionary and wise leader. He was not only a great statesman, outstanding general, talented artist, and extraordinary architect, but also a profound Buddhist teacher whose wisdom remains influential.

Good Qualities

Cultivating Virtues Zhabdrung Rinpoche’s teachings on personal development and spiritual growth, recorded in his seminal biography ‘Song of the Great Cloud of Dharma’ by Tsang Khenchen Penden Gyatsho (1610-84), are particularly illuminating. EmphasisSing the importance of perseverance and self-discipline, Zhabdrung Rinpoche said that virtues do not arise as an aside while you are enjoying yourself and taking pleasure in your darling children. They come by shouldering the burden of hardships while you still have freedom and independence.

Elaborating on this profound insight, Zhabdrung Rinpoche stated: ‘If good qualities arose incidentally, then because there is no-one who is not attracted to the wise and to happiness, everyone would be wise. Because that is not so, do you see how important perseverance and enthusiasm are? Look well! There is no greater advice than this, so keep it in mind. Read these words every day and keep their meaning with each movement of the mind. Have your own mind as a witness and do not be disappointed with yourself. You must be disciplined by yourself. Do this and you will quickly become wise. Therefore, please take this to heart.’

Around 1674, when Tsang Khenchen was in Bhutan, he wrote the biography. It is a 383-page and written in classical Tibetan. In 1975 Dr John Ardussi, widely regarded as one of the foremost scholars on Bhutanese historical studies from the United States, undertook the monumental task of translating it into English. He completed the translation of the first four volumes of , ‘The Song of the Great Cloud of Dharma,’ marking a significant milestone in making Bhutanese historical texts accessible to a wider, international audience.

Within this tapestry of Bhutanese historical and spiritual wisdom, we find the teachings of Zhabdrung Rinpoche, who elaborated on the level of determination required for success in both worldly and spiritual pursuits. He counselled: ‘Think well on this! Whatever works you do whether worldly or religious, of importance or not, begin at the beginning and having started, be certain that you can carry it through. If you are not sure that you can do it, do not regret but leave it. That is best because once you have started it is not right to give up.’

Power of Commitment

Expanding on this principle of commitment Zhabdrung Rinpoche advised that once committed to a task, one must see it through to completion, regardless of circumstances. Using a common metaphor, he said that even if lightning strikes, the earth quakes, or there are world-ending collisions; whether you encounter personal perils such as your head catching fire or venomous snakes slithering onto your lap; or whether you experience fluctuations in your schedule, hunger levels, or emotional state—none of these factors should deter you from your goal. Whatever challenges arise, you must persist.

Zhabdrung Rinpoche further elaborated on the consequences of abandoning one’s commitments, stating, ‘If you begin but then give up, you will be embarrassed in front of your friends, your relations, even those you dislike. You will make your teachers, your elders, your friends, everyone, whether close or distant, very unhappy. Would that be right?’ This powerful statement underscores the importance of follow-through for personal growth, reputation, and relationships, highlighting the broader social impact of our commitments.

Building upon this theme, Zhabdrung Rinpoche cautions against distractions that can derail our commitments: ‘Time wasting meaningless activities, mental distractions, visual distractions, enjoyments, leisure activities, laughter; do these things have any meaning? Think: Knowing that I have certain qualities, how will they ever improve in this situation? Forcibly remind yourself of this every day.’

You discipline yourself; you look to your own faults. Likewise, constantly ask yourself; ‘One month has passed; have I done my recitations? Have I memorized the scriptures? Am I more capable? Am I any wiser? If the answer is yes, then rejoice. If the answer is no, you should hang your head and consider that such a person as yourself, no matter what religious or worldly tasks he undertakes does not rank among human beings. And you should make some strong resolutions.’ This guidance emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, discipline, and focused effort in personal growth.

Zhabdrung Rinpoche asserts that true knowledge and wisdom require diligent effort, not just natural talent. He poetically states, ‘Learning is sorrowful when studying, but when learned is more joyful than jewels and gold,’ challenging the notion of easily acquired wisdom.

‘Also; The wise suffered when they were learning; if you understand this, your joy will be greater than gold and jewels.’ And; ‘Having developed perseverance you should apply it.’ This vivid imagery reinforces the idea that true achievement and happiness come through hard work and perseverance.

As Zhabdrung’s close disciple, Tsang Khenchen possessed unique insights into the great master’s life and teachings. This privileged perspective, coupled with his scholarly acumen, resulted in a biography of unparalleled authenticity and depth.

The preservation and dissemination of Zhabdrung Rinpoche’s teachings have been further enhanced by unexpected contributions from diverse sources. One such example is the ‘History of Ladakh’ by Tashi Rabgias (1927-2020). This text captures Zhabdrung’s speech where he cites powerful metaphors to illustrate the value of perseverance. For example, Zhabdrung says, ‘A person who lacks perseverance is like the dust.’ He further elaborates, quoting Lama Guma: ‘Wear the hat of straw on your head, the clothes of straw on your body. Keep your hands dirty; do not avoid mental suffering. If you do not work hard, you will not find sweet food. If you do not know the taste of suffering, you will not know the taste of happiness. The hands that wish for food need iron tongs.’

The significance of this text extends beyond its original context, reaching far corners of the world through unexpected channels. A serendipitous encounter between Rabgias and Steve Berry, a mountaineer and a long time well-wisher of Bhutan, brought this wisdom to light in a new setting. Recognizing the profound nature of Zhabdrung’s words, Berry had portions of the text translated and even incorporated an extract into his 1988 wedding ceremony in the United Kingdom, where it was recited by his Best Man. This cross-cultural exchange exemplifies how ancient wisdom can find new relevance and appreciation across time and borders.

These translations from classical Tibetan to English serve a vital role in preserving and disseminating Zhabdrung Rinpoche’s teachings. By bridging linguistic and cultural divides, they ensure that Zhabdrung’s profound insights continue to resonate with and inspire diverse audiences across generations. The fact that these teachings found their way into personal milestones, such as Berry’s wedding, underscores their enduring relevance and universal appeal.

Conclusion

The wisdom of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, though centuries old, remains remarkably relevant in today’s world. His emphasis on commitment, perseverance, self-discipline, and the pursuit of wisdom offers a timeless guide for personal and professional growth. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, Zhabdrung’s teachings on commitment and persistent effort provide a timeless framework for personal and spiritual development, challenging us to apply these principles in our own pursuits and to remember that the joy of personal growth and achievement is indeed ‘greater than gold and jewels.’

Contributed by Tshering Tashi