Oct 30, 2024 -Day 3 in Bhutan, Completion Ceremony for Rimapong and Rebati Water Projects
Hello. Today is the third day of our visit to Bhutan. We are scheduled to hold a completion ceremony for the water projects in Rimapong and Rebati villages, with Sunim and the Zhemgang Governor in attendance.
After completing his morning practice and meditation, Sunim had breakfast at the lodging at 5:30 AM. Due to a power outage that began at 3 AM, he had a meal of fruits and vegetables brought by the house owner yesterday, using the light from his mobile phone. Without electricity, it was not possible to cook rice.
After finishing his meal, Sunim took a walk around the village to survey potential accommodations for JTS volunteers who might be dispatched in the future. After inspecting three houses with vacant rooms in the village, he returned to the lodging to conduct the Weekly Dharma Assembly.
At 10 AM Korean time, 7 AM local time, everything was prepared for the live broadcast of the Weekly Dharma Assembly. However, just before the broadcast, the internet signal suddenly weakened, making it impossible to stream. Electricity was restored 3 minutes after the assembly was scheduled to start, but the internet signal remained weak. As a result, it was decided that the Dharma team in Korea would play a recorded video for the assembly. The internet signal strengthened after 10 minutes, but by then the recorded Dharma talk had already begun.
“There’s nothing we can do. Let’s let go of our attachments.” (Laughter)
Thanks to not being able to broadcast, we left for Goshing Gewog 30 minutes earlier than planned, at 8 AM.
After a 50-minute drive through mountain roads, we arrived at Rimapong Chiwog in Goshing Gewog. Sunim met with the Zhemgang Governor at the village entrance and together they climbed up to the newly built water tank.
The villagers lined up to welcome Sunim, the JTS volunteers, and the Zhemgang Governor. Young monks played traditional instruments.
A new cement water supply tank was built on higher ground in the village. We walked up to the water tank and began the completion ceremony in front of the commemorative plaque made by the villagers themselves.
First, the village lama offered a prayer of blessing, followed by a ceremony of gratitude to Buddha and the spirits of heaven and earth using locally brewed alcohol.
Then, Sunim held the flag and offered a prayer of blessing.
Afterwards, all the guests participated in a ceremony to unveil the commemorative plaque by pulling a rope together. The villagers had even made a roof over the plaque. They neatly arranged bamboo like roof tiles, creating a clean and beautiful shape.
As the plaque was revealed, everyone applauded with joy.
“Wow!”
We all took a commemorative photo in front of the plaque, shouting the village name.
“Rimapong!”
When the Zhemgang Governor opened the lid of the water tank, it was full of water.
Seeing the tank full of water, Sunim smiled brightly.
“Wow! It’s well-made. Is this amount of water sufficient for drinking water use?”
“It’s enough for use in the school. This water tank supplies water to the school, and there’s another one that supplies water to the village.”
“Has the water shortage problem been completely resolved now?”
“Yes, it has been completely resolved.”
“You’ve all worked very hard.”
Sunim highly praised the Tshogpa, the village leader.
He then walked down to the school, following the young monks playing traditional instruments.
About 100 residents of Rimapong village were seated in the school classroom.
There are about 70 households living in this mountain village. As the villagers and the school were using the same water source, there was a shortage of water. The project was initiated at the request of the Tshogpa (village leader) who wanted to solve the water shortage problem by using a newly discovered water source exclusively for the school. Led by the Tshogpa, the villagers worked well together from early September to mid-October, spending 45 days burying a 4km long pipe from the water source to the village and constructing the water tank. Everyone set a daily work quota and voluntarily came out to work from 6 AM, continuing the construction every day without rest, even on rainy days or holidays. As a result, they were able to complete the project earlier than planned. By separating the water sources, they were able to provide a stable water supply to the entire village, and the severe water shortage in the school was also completely resolved. All the residents gathered today to commemorate this achievement.
First, the Gup (county head) representing the villagers gave a speech of gratitude.
“The water shortage problem at the school was serious. Sunim visited our village, listened to our situation, and provided a lot of support. Now that the water problem has been resolved, life has become very convenient. We are sincerely grateful.”
The Gup (county head) then asked Sunim to say a few words. Sunim expressed his gratitude, mentioning everyone who had worked hard.
“All of you residents have worked hard to lay pipes for the water supply. It was difficult while doing the work, but now that it’s completed, you can use water conveniently, and all the past efforts have become memories that bring joy every time you use water.
Of course, this is the result of JTS providing materials and your efforts, but the water itself originally comes from nature. Therefore, we should recognize the preciousness of nature that provides us with water and all other food that sustains our lives, and be grateful. However, modern people are increasingly forgetting to be thankful for nature. Currently, humanity is facing climate crises and many disasters as a result of excessive desires and consequent development. So even if there is enough water, we should always use it sparingly and be grateful.
We successfully completed our first project at Zhemgang
We were able to complete this first project in Zhemgang thanks to, firstly, the blessings of Buddha and the care of the King. Because of this, we can live peacefully and do such valuable work. Secondly, the administrative officials like the Governor, Gup, and Tshogpa here have been very helpful in ensuring this work progressed well. Last time at the Zhemgang training center, we had many discussions on ‘How can civil servants and administrative officials be helpful to residents?’ The Governor came and encouraged us then, and today he has come a long way because this is the first project carried out in Zhemgang. Please give a big round of applause to the Governor. The Gup and Tshogpa have also worked very hard. Please give them an encouraging applause. Lastly, please applaud for yourselves who have worked the hardest. (Applause)
You have all worked really hard. I also wanted to make time to work together, but unfortunately, I couldn’t. Once again, thank you for your efforts in completing the first project in Zhemgang in such a short time. Today, the sign only says ‘Supported by JTS’, but in the future, please write ‘Created together by JTS and the villagers’. (Laughter)
Not just this, but if there’s anything else needed for the people in our village in the future, JTS will always be ready to work together. If you can cooperate like this time, we will do whatever it is together.”
All the villagers applauded loudly and shared in the joy.
Next, the school principal gave a speech of gratitude, followed by the Zhemgang Governor.
“This is the first JTS project to be completed and have a completion ceremony in Zhemgang. These good results came about because JTS provided support and you, the residents, put in your sweat and labor. Look at this. Our efforts have made life more convenient, haven’t they? Now there won’t be a water shortage even in winter. South Korea is a country very far from here, and Sunim is a very busy person, but he has come all this way out of compassion for you and is providing support. Everyone, please don’t forget your gratitude towards Sunim and JTS. Don’t just leave it alone now that it’s finished. Please check regularly for any problems and make repairs.”
Next, a health center staff member shared the results of using the hearing aids that Sunim had distributed last time.
“This time, JTS provided hearing aids for people who can’t hear. There are 26 people in Goshing Gewog who can’t hear, and 6 of them tried using the hearing aids as a trial. They said they could hear sounds better when wearing the hearing aids. So it would be good if you could provide support for the rest of the people as well. The problem is that since they are all farmers, the hearing aids often fall off when they’re working.”
As the health center staff’s evaluation was positive, additional hearing aids were provided.
“We’ll give you more hearing aids, so please test them a bit more.”
Next, storybooks were gifted to the school. The owner of Sanmaru Restaurant, a Korean restaurant in Thimphu, made the donation.
A school teacher received the storybooks on behalf of the school. Then, socks were given as gifts to the villagers who participated in this construction.
“I couldn’t bring many gifts due to flying. Although it’s a small gift, I wanted to express my gratitude for all your hard work.”
The Tshogpa received the gifts on behalf of the residents and briefly shared his thoughts.
“The work was really enjoyable. It was because the residents worked together. I want to continue doing more work enjoyably in the future.”
One of the residents also stood up to share his thoughts.
“What we needed most was materials, and when JTS provided the materials, we had no worries. We can do as much labor as needed. In the future, we’d like to build houses for those who don’t have homes and also pave roads.”
After hearing the residents’ thoughts, Sunim explained the principles by which JTS works.
“There are seven principles that JTS pursues that you should keep in mind from now on.
First, we try to spend as little money as possible.
Second, we try to make it as efficient and useful as possible.
Third, we involve as many people as possible to participate.
Fourth, we try to benefit as many people as possible.
Fifth, we try to use materials from our local area as much as possible.
Sixth, we try to use the skills of our local people as much as possible.
Seventh, not only should the result be good, but the process of doing it should also be joyful and good.
How was it working together this time? It might have been a bit physically challenging, but it must have also been enjoyable to work together. The main goal of JTS projects is to make our hearts happier rather than building large houses or improving facilities. This is precisely the policy that increases GNH (Gross National Happiness) pursued by the Bhutanese government.
It seems that in Bhutan, as more people are going abroad to earn money, there’s a strong trend towards building larger houses and improving facilities. Instead of constantly trying to go abroad, it would be better if we worked together with the mindset of ‘Let’s beautify our own neighborhood ourselves.’ Yesterday, I heard someone say that parents are leaving their newborn babies to go work abroad, leaving others to raise their children. I don’t think this is right. They might earn some money, but children growing up without parents will face greater difficulties later. Of course, material improvements are necessary, but we shouldn’t pursue happiness solely through material means.
Let’s Cultivate Our Own Village
However, people need water to live. That’s why we worked together to secure drinking water. Also, whether big or small, people need a house to sleep in. That’s why the governor designed a small sample house for homeless people to see and follow. If the villagers think, ‘This person needs a house built,’ and everyone agrees, JTS will provide materials to build the house. You all need to cooperate to build the house too. Also, if some of you have houses but the interior facilities are too poor, we need to repair those facilities.
Paving the entire road is something the government should do in the future. However, if parts of the road are too eroded by water coming down from the mountains, or if they’re too steep, these problems can be fixed through cooperation among residents. Even if it’s an unpaved road, paving just a small part can make it passable even when it rains. If all the villagers agree, anything can be improved and fixed. If you maintain this attitude of ‘We will do what’s necessary for our village,’ we can review and proceed with anything. We need to have the perspective of ‘Let’s cultivate the village we live in.’ If you have this perspective and then say, ‘We’re a bit short on materials,’ and request JTS, we will support you. When you take the initiative to do the work and find that something is lacking, that’s when JTS will join in. In this way, you should always be the owners. When the harvest is over and winter comes, you’ll have a bit more free time, so prepare as much as you can and start with anything.
Health and medical support for people who can’t hear, have no teeth, or can’t see takes some time. For now, we’ve provided hearing aids on a trial basis, and in the future, we’ll cooperate with the government to hold medical camps for eye and dental treatments.
Students, you should thank the village elders, saying, ‘Thank you for making it possible for us to use water like this.’ This water supply wasn’t provided by JTS, but by your parents. So you should always be grateful to your parents when you drink water.
Now, all students, please stand up. Turn around to face your parents and say, ‘Mother, Father, thank you for providing us with tap water.’
The students bowed and said in a loud voice:
“Mother, Father, thank you for providing us with tap water.”
The parents responded with loud applause.
Sunim continued:
“This water supply didn’t appear by itself. Your mothers and fathers carried pipes all the way up to the distant mountains and buried them in the ground. It’s through this difficult process that you’re able to drink water now. So, what should you do to repay this kindness?”
“We should study hard.”
“Oh, well answered.”
After praising the students, Sunim went outside with everyone to examine the completed water supply. Tshogpa was very pleased as he introduced the water supply.
“This was the original water supply, but we repaired it to the point of almost rebuilding it. Now the water flows well. Not only here, but water also flows in the toilets and dormitories.”
Sunim turned on the faucet to wash his hands and drink some water.
“The water flows well.”
Sunim gave instructions to Tshogpa and the administrator who had worked hard:
“You’ve done a great job. Don’t stop here, but continue to do what the residents need. The road is very rough, so some sections need to be paved, and many of the houses people live in need repairs.”
“Yes, understood.”
After finishing the completion ceremony 30 minutes earlier than scheduled, they left Rima Phong Chiwog and headed towards Rebati Chiwog in Nangla Gewog.
They traveled by car for an hour along mountain roads and arrived at Rebati Chiwog at 11:10 AM.
As Sunim and the Zhemgang Governor got out of the car, the villagers lined up to welcome them.
The villagers had carefully prepared the event venue by laying leaves on the open ground and setting up tents.
After performing a traditional ceremony to thank Buddha and the heavenly deities, Sunim held the flag and gave a blessing.
In Rebati Chiog, the residents undertook a project to bury water pipes over a distance of 7 km. Led by Tshogpa, many young people participated. The men connected the pipes while the women dug the ground to lay them. They divided the roles efficiently to complete the construction. Fortunately, there were plumbers and masons in the village who volunteered, so no labor costs were incurred. Tshogpaencouraged the residents to save as much money as possible from the JTS fund so that more people could benefit.
Sunim encouraged the hardworking villagers.
“You’ve worked really hard laying pipes over a 7 km stretch. At first, I thought it wouldn’t be possible because the distance was too far. I visited twice and tried to dissuade you, saying it was too difficult, but you insisted on continuing. In the end, we started, and you did a great job. And to complete it in less than two months is really amazing. How do you feel now that it’s finished?”
“We’re very happy. Thank you so much.”
“This is your accomplishment. If we were to calculate the monetary value of your efforts, you’ve contributed more than half. This isn’t something JTS did alone, but something JTS and the Rebati residents did together. How many days did those who worked the most put in?”
“Most of the villagers participated. Some worked every day for 28 days.”
“That’s almost a month. You couldn’t have earned money while working on the construction. What did you live on for a month?”
“We ate properly while working.” (Laughter)
“Well, water is more important than earning money. Although you’ve had a tough month, I’m really happy to meet you today after completing this project. I visited this village twice, and I honestly thought to myself, ‘Can they really do this?’ You probably thought, ‘Will Sunim really help us?’ We both had some doubts, but now those doubts have been resolved, and we’ve come to trust each other. Right?”
“Yes!”
“The reasons we can enjoy this happiness today are, first, thanks to the Buddha’s grace. Second, thanks to the King’s grace. All these projects are being carried out under the King’s attention. Third, the Governor has shown great interest and support despite his busy schedule. Zhemgang is a large area, and it’s difficult for the Governor to come to such remote villages. But because you completed the project faster than any other place in Zhemgang, the Governor personally attended the completion ceremony. Let’s give a round of applause to thank the Governor.”
Everyone expressed their gratitude with a big round of applause.
“I told Gup and Tshogpa several times that this project wouldn’t be easy, but they persevered and pushed forward with it. Let’s give a round of applause to the government officials as well. Above all, the people who did the most work are all of you. Thanks to your hard work over the past month, we were able to complete this project. So let’s give a round of applause for all of you.”
Everyone clapped and rejoiced.
“When we join forces like this, we can accomplish anything. In the future, if there’s anything else the village needs, let’s work together to make it happen. Many government officials in Bhutan are also working hard to make your lives more convenient and happy. However, the national budget is not that abundant. It takes a long time for benefits to be distributed evenly. So we have to choose whether to wait for benefits to come or to do what we can with our own strength. If you gather your intentions and say you want to do something like this time, saying ‘Let’s secure our own drinking water,’ JTS will support you as much as possible.
Thank You for Setting an Example!
We were born in this village, grew up in this village, and will live in this village until we die. So it’s up to us to make this village a good place to live. No one else will do this for us out of consideration. So let’s continue to create what we need through our own efforts. Although we may be poor, let’s build our lives so that we have no inconveniences. Let’s make a village that we can proudly say, ‘We envy no one.’ Once again, thank you for your hard work. You’ve done a great job.
JTS activists sent me videos, so even while I was in Korea, I could see you all working hard, bringing packed lunches and sweating together. I’m sorry I couldn’t come and help. You’ve really accomplished something great. From now on, when you show other villagers how you worked, I think it will give them courage, making them say, ‘Compared to what the people of Rebati village did, we’re nothing!’ You’ve set the first example.”
Next, the Zhemgang Governor gave a thank-you speech.
“We knew there was a shortage of drinking water in this village, but the government couldn’t proceed due to budget constraints. However, with JTS’s support, we were able to start the project. This completion ceremony marks the beginning of many more projects to come. Sunim said that no one helps us out of consideration, but he himself has come from afar to help us now. If Sunim and JTS hadn’t provided the materials, we couldn’t have done the construction. We should be deeply grateful to Sunim and JTS. As Sunim said, you’ve done something that will give courage to people in other villages. Now that we have abundant water, we shouldn’t waste it. It’s important to check regularly and maintain this condition. Let’s give a round of applause for Sunim and JTS as well.”
After the applause, Sunim asked the residents for their thoughts.
“I heard that women dug the ground. Wasn’t it hard?”
One woman answered with a smile.
“It was very hard, but we worked diligently because it was our task. Even if we die, our descendants will be able to use it.”
After the conversation, they moved to the newly constructed water station.
They connected pipes from a water source 7 km away from the village and created 23 water stations. They plan to build 5 more in the future. They arrived at the water station closest to the event venue and began the completion ceremony.
After the lama gave a blessing prayer, they all grabbed the rope connected to the faucet.
“One, two, three!”
Everyone clapped joyfully. When Sunim turned the faucet, water gushed out.
“Oh my, the water flows well.”
The Zhemgang Governor also washed his hands and was very pleased.
“The construction was done very neatly.”
They took a commemorative photo with the hardworking villagers.
“Rebati!”
They moved back to the event venue set up in the open space for lunch. The villagers offered homemade alcohol, cassava, and eggs as offerings, and Tshogpa thanked Sunim.
Sunim gave a donation to the women’s association president who prepared the meal.
“I will gratefully enjoy the meal.”
While the residents were preparing lunch, Sunim discussed with the Zhemgang Governor about improving toilets in each school. They agreed to try pilot projects in a few places, and then pursue building new toilets or improving cleanliness in all schools in Zhemgang.
“If you can set standards for toilet improvement at the Zhemgang Dzongkhag level, we will work on improving toilets in all schools in Zhemgang.”
When lunch preparations were complete, one person representing the villagers thanked Sunim.
“Without JTS’s support, we couldn’t have even started this work. I sincerely thank Sunim, not just in words.”
Then Sunim added a few words.
Connecting 7 km of Water Pipes in a Month Is a Miracle
“Of course, JTS provided support, but this was accomplished through your efforts. I’m more grateful to you than you are to me. It’s truly a miracle that you connected a 7 km stretch in just a month when it’s difficult to manage your own lives. In the future, if you gather your strength and say you want to do something, I will support you in any way. Because you’ve successfully completed this project, I will consider any project you propose very positively in the future. Above all, it’s really difficult for skilled people in the village to volunteer without receiving any money. These days, young people don’t want to do this kind of labor, so I’m deeply grateful that many young people participated.”
Then Sunim gave socks as gifts to all the villagers.
One by one, they came forward to receive the gift from Sunim, and then everyone had lunch together.
After eating the food carefully prepared by the villagers, Sunim discussed with the Zhemgang Governor about how to proceed with future projects.
They exchanged opinions on how to generally proceed with projects such as conducting household surveys to start treatment for eyes, ears, and teeth, paving roads, and creating irrigation channels. Finally, Sunim emphasized the importance of building houses for poor people.
“Road paving or building irrigation channels are for public benefit, so it’s easier for residents to participate. However, building houses for the poor is the most difficult project for residents to join. They don’t want to volunteer to build houses better than their own. But if we build them too poorly, rumors will spread that they’re useless. We need to find a balance and build houses of appropriate quality.”
“Still, these houses should be built well to some extent, considering they’ll be lived in for over 30 years.”
“That’s right. If the governor could build sample houses using stone, wood, and cement, we can compare the prices and make a final decision. If there’s a significant price difference, we’ll need to discuss how to adjust. For example, if a stone house is most suitable but expensive, we should research how to reduce costs.”
It was decided that more discussions would take place when Sunim visits Zhemgang in late December, and the meeting concluded. The villagers lined up to see Sunim off.
“Thank you for your hard work!”
At 1:20 PM, Sunim departed from Lhuentse Dzong for Trongsa.
On the way to Trongsa, Sunim dropped off the JTS volunteers at their temporary accommodation in Panbang and said goodbye.
“Thank you for your hard work.”
“Thank you, Sunim.”
The journey from Zhemgang to Trongsa took 5 hours and 40 minutes along mountain roads. Even in the bumpy car, drowsiness set in.
As the sun set, Sunim arrived in Trongsa at 7 PM. When he got out of the car, the governor of Trongsa warmly welcomed him.
They moved to the dining area and had a conversation over dinner.
“Did the completion ceremony go well today?”
“Yes, it went well. At first, I thought it would be impossible when the residents said they would connect a 7km water pipe in the mountains, but they managed to do it.”
“The Bhutanese people have greatly improved their skills in burying pipes over long distances. In Trongsa, there’s even a place where they’ve connected pipes for 10km.”
Sunim shared the details of his site visits over the past two days. Using a map, he explained how to build farm roads in Nabji Cheok, how to improve the area around the temple, and how to utilize unused land. After explaining his findings from the direct inspection, Sunim listened to the Trongsa governor’s opinions. The governor also decided to visit Nabji Cheok next month for a personal inspection.
After the conversation, the governor asked one question.
“From my observation, you carry out activities with tremendous energy. Where do you get all this energy from?”
Sunim smiled and answered:
“Since I live alone, I don’t need to use energy elsewhere. So I’m using the energy I would have spent on other things for this work.”
Sunim and the governor continued their conversation naturally. The governor hoped that JTS’s working method would be widely spread.
“As a government official, it takes a lot of time to follow procedures. But your way of working is very effective, and I hope it spreads more widely.”
“If the government adopts the JTS method, it could be spread throughout Bhutan. That’s why I’m trying to work with the government as much as possible, even if there are some difficulties at first.”
After presenting gifts to the officials, Sunim said goodbye to the governor.
After 9 PM, Sunim concluded the day’s schedule and retired for the night.
Tomorrow, Sunim will depart from Trongsa at 6 AM, pass through Thimphu, and travel to Paro Airport. In the afternoon, he will leave Paro Airport, arrive at Bangkok Airport, then change planes and travel overnight to Incheon Airport.
