The Chorten That Ate Our Salaries: A Spiritual Adventure in Deductions
The significance of a Chorten (known internationally as a stupa, or "that dome-shaped thing you see everywhere in Bhutan") is said to be abundant. Apparently, it not only takes one closer to heaven—handy for those of us worried about the climb—but also protects one from any kind of evils. Evils like bad grades, lost chalk, and perhaps unexpected budget meetings.
The idea of this chorten construction came to us as a surprise. A big, holy, wallet-emptying surprise. In the beginning, everyone thought constructing this kind of small monument is a very easy and effortless kind of work. You know, like making a sandcastle. Or baking a cake. How hard could it be, right?
Oh, sweet summer children of Darla.
When the construction began, it turned out to be a huge work and incurred lots of money. Because of course it did. So, the coordinators—bless their spiritual but financially terrifying hearts—counted on every one of us staff. We were told, very gently, that Nu. 1000 (One thousand, yes, you read that right) will be deducted every month. For two months. Then we had "collected." .
Not only that, every student in the school was requested to donate any amount for the chorten. "Any amount" in school language means "bring something, preferably not just good wishes." They also sent many letters of contribution to many localities and people—because why limit the financial pain to just one campus?
So, when the budget presentation was done in one of the meetings, the budget had amounted to almost 2 lakhs. Two. Lakhs. That's a lot of Nu. 1000 deductions. And the contribution and donation didn't stop coming. There were contributions of both cash and kind. "Kind" included firewood, rice, and the silent tears of teachers.
Now, I really appreciated the man behind this chorten. He is a thorough spiritual person. His name is Mr. Ugyen Wangdi—and no, he is not accepting donations at this time. He really worked hard to complete the chorten so that the school could consecrate it on 11th November, coinciding with HM, the fourth Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. We dedicate this chorten for his long and peaceful life—and also, let's be honest, to remind ourselves that nothing spiritual comes cheap.
And truly, miraculously, and against all budget forecasts, it was completed on 11th November. Here is the picture story of the chorten. Please enjoy the photos. Your Nu. 1000 is in there somewhere. Look closely.
