Vajrayāna Summit,
28 to 30 March 2018, Thimphu, Bhutan
The Second
Vajrayāna Summit will be held in Bhutan from March 28 to 30, 2018. The summit
will focus on experiencing and understanding how Tantric Buddhism continues to
creatively adapt to the modern world. In-depth elucidations of Tantric
Buddhism’s core methodologies will be presented by Bhutanese, Tibetan and
international practitioners, teachers, scientific researchers, academics, and
independent scholars towards a greater appreciation of Tantric Buddhism’s
current role within contemporary global society.
Tantric, or Vajrayāna
Buddhism arose in the Indian sub-continent, and by the eighth-century its
practice extended to China, Java, Sumatra, Japan, Nepal, Sikkim, Tibet, and
Bhutan. Vajrayāna is characterized by esoteric ritual as well as yogic
disciplines that seek to enlighten humanity through the cultivation of
self-transcendent wisdom and engaged compassion. Many of Vajrayāna’s earliest
teachers were women. Buddhism in its Tantric form not only plays a central role
in Bhutan and other Himalayan nations, but continues to spread throughout the
world as a practice and existential disposition that unifies spiritual and
worldly concerns, empowers ethical action, and promotes both individual and
societal wellbeing.
The three-day
series of talks and presentations will exchange knowledge and perspectives on
Tantric Buddhism’s core practices while exploring their relevance and function
within contemporary culture. Panels will specifically address elements of
Tantric Buddhist practice such as the function of mandalas and Buddhist art;
mantra practice; active imagination and meditative identification with deities;
transformational dance; yogic disciplines based on internally cultivated flows
of energy within the physical body; approaches to dreaming, sleeping, and
dying; health and longevity practices; ‘non-dual’ forms of cognition associated
with enlightened, altruistic awareness; and Tantric Buddhism’s engagement with
evidence-based cognitive neuroscience and psychology.
The conference
will be open to the general public and will include interactive workshops and
discussion groups. For more information on participating in any aspect of the
‘Vajrayāna Summit’, please contact Mr. Tshering wangchuk nationaladventuretour@gmail.com
Bhutan Tour cost.
2 pax : $ 120 per
day
4 Pax : $100 per day
6 Pax : $ 95 per
day
8 pax : $ 90 per
day
10 Pax : $ 85 per
day
20 pax : $ 80 per
day
The above Bhutan
tour package prices includes the following:
- Twin sharing hotel rooms at 3 star hotels
- All meals ( breakfast, lunch, dinner & light refreshments) at 3 star hotels/tourist standard restaurants
- English speaking tour guide service
- All transfers and excursions by private vehicles
- All entrance fees to museums and monuments
- All internal taxes and fees
- Mineral drinking water
The above tour prices do not include
the following:
- Single room supplement of US$40/room/night during low season and US$ 50/room/night during high season (optional)
- Bhutanese Tourist Visa fee of US$40/person (must be paid in advance with tour cost)
- Airfares (optional)
- Travel issuance (recommended)
- 4 star and 5 star accommodations and meals (optional)
- Other personal expenses like overseas calls, laundry,etc
6 Night 7 Day Wonderful Bhutan Tour
27
Mar 2018 Day 1: Arrive Paro & Paro-Thimphu
(Distance: 54 km,
estimated driving time: 1 hr)
Arrive Paro.After
immigration formalities you will be received by our representative who will be
your tour guide throughout your tour.
Then travel to
Thimphu which will take you through Chunzom (confluence of Pachu- the river
flowing through Paro valley & Wangchu –the river flowing through Thimphu
valley). On the way, enjoy walking over a suspension bridge to view 15th
century iron chain bridge suspended over the Pa chu and also walk for about 10
minutes to visit Tachog Lhakhang (temple), this 15th century temple
located on the base of a mountain across the Pa chu on the Paro-Thimphu
highway.
After crossing
Chunzom, the drive will take you along the Wangchu upto Thimphu city.
On arrival at
Thimphu, Check into your hotel and relax for sometime after early morming
flight. After lunch visit the following:
- Archery Match (National Sport of Bhutan) at Changlimithang National Stadium. Normally you will spot Bhutanese men playing archery game during weekends or public holidays. Good opportunity to interact with local people.
- Centenary Farmers’ Market (open from Thu-Sun only): Most of the Thimphu’s population and many valley dwellers converge on the bustling weekend market, held by the side of Wangchu River. A wide range of foodstuffs and local arts and crafts are sold at the market, which runs from Friday afternoon till Sunday evening. A visit to the market provides great photo opportunities, as well as the chance to mingle with local people.
- Craft Bazaar -A one stop place to witness Bhutanese culture and buy Bhutan made art and craft product.
In the evening
explore Thimphu town on your own.
Dinner and
overnight at Namgay Heritage hotel or Thimphu Tower or similar in Thimphu.
- 28/3/2018 Day
2: After
breakfast attendance International
Conference after lunch sightseeing
Buddha Point /Kuenselphodrang: This massive Buddha statue is
51.5 meters in height and it is one of the largest statues of Buddha in
the world. The statue is made of bronze and is gilded in gold. The throne
that the Buddha Dordenma sits upon is a large meditation hall.
The Buddha Dordenma is located atop a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park and overlooks the Southern entrance to Thimphu Valley. The statue fulfills an ancient prophecy dating back to the 8th century A.D that was discovered by Terton Pema Lingpa (Religious Treasure Discoverer) and is said to emanate an aura of peace and happiness to the entire world. - Changzamtok Weaving Center to observe women weaving intricate patterns of colourful silk and cotton textiles into shawls, scarves and traditional Bhutanese dresses.
- The School of Traditional Painting of Arts and Crafts where students undertake a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan.
- Traditional Bhutanese paper making factory. The handmade paper making in Bhutan stemmed from the age old tradition originated in 8th century of Bhutanese history. The handmade paper constitutes as valuable National heritage of Bhutanese cultural identity and is preserved through all the ages Dinner and overnight at International Conference Hall.
- 29/3/2018 Day 3: After breakfast attendance International Conference After lunch sightseeing Bhutan Post Office Headquarters to get personalized Bhutanese postage stamps with your photo on them. You can bring along your favorite photo to put on the stamps and put these stamps on your postcard to send to your family and friends.
- Traditional Bhutanese paper making factory. The handmade paper making in Bhutan stemmed from the age old tradition originated in 8th century of Bhutanese history. The handmade paper constitutes as valuable National heritage of Bhutanese cultural identity and is preserved through all the ages. The Traditional paper is recognized and held high esteem both in home and outside world. Jungshi Paper Factory was established in November 1990 as an undertaking of the Royal Government of Bhutan. The unit now boasts as a major and sole dealer in handmade paper and its products. Dinner and overnight at International Conference Hall.
.30/3/2018
Day 4: After breakfast attendance
International Conference after lunch sightseeing The Dochula
Pass is a mountain pass in the snow covered Himalayas within Bhutan on the road from Thimphu to
Punakha from where 108 memorial chortens or stupas known as "Druk
Wangyal Chortens" have been built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk, the
eldest Queen Mother.Apart from the chortens there is a monastery called the
Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (temple), built in honour of the fourth Druk Gyalpo (head of the state of
Bhutan), Jigme Singye
Wangchuck;the open grounds in its front yard is a venue for the
annual Dochula Druk Wangyel Festival.The pass with 108 memorial chortens is
adjacent to the country's first Park. Dinner Dinner and overnight at Conference
Hall
31/3/2018 Day 5: : After breakfast travel to Thimphu & Paro sightseeing
visit Ta
Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses
National Museum. Its extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings,
textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of
natural and historic artifacts.
Ta Dzong
visit followed by a short walk to visit Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), meaning (‘fortress of
the heap of jewels’), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the
wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings
illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the
wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic
Mandala.Evening take a stroll around Paro main street, visiting shops & local market.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2200m)
01/04/2018 Day 6: After breakfast embark upon a fascinating excursion to Taktshang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest (approx. 5 hours round trip walk). Taktshang is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognized as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime.
02/04/2017 Day 7:
After early breakfast at the hotel, drive to airport for flight to your onward destination. Our representative will help you with exit formalities and bid you farewell.
