Annual International Festival

A Belly Dance!

Today happens to be the annual international festival day, held on the campus of Florida Institute of Technology. Although the festival didn't kick start until noon, by default of being a member of International Student and Scholars Organization (ISSO) I had to be there since 8:45 AM to help put up the flags of the various countries.


The festival featured numerous songs and dances performed to  hundreds of people gathered at the college Pantherium surrounded by about a dozen booths representing various countries, organizations, and fraternities. The weather was so pleasant and the sight of fifty or so different flags flattering to the gentle force of the afternoon Melbourne breeze was nothing short of a spectacular. The audience which comprised of students, faculty and their family members, and people of the locality were treated to various songs, and dances notable of which was Indian dance performed by two young girls. As always the dance drew a huge crowd and if the applause they received is anything to go by, it really was something special which everybody was dying to see. Good job ISA (Indian Student Association)!!

People enjoying the show!

Despite my tight schedule (with a couple of mid term exams up for coming week, and few more assignments in line!), I spent whole day walking around and taking pictures with my recently procured Cannon camera. It was a good experience. Only complain I have about it is that once you have your own camera, its hard to take your own picture. You end up taking pictures of other, and at the end of the day you have just few pictures of your own. Well, anyway, I think I didn't waste my time that terribly-at least I got to meet some new people, and learn new culture. After all, every day and moment is now becoming to be my last and final ones, since this is my final semester. I barely have three months before I am headed back to my homeland-Bhutan in May or June.


For now, I gotta get back to business-studies!


Cheers International Festival!!!!

The Nicest Teacher?!

Ever since I moved out of the college dormitory after my freshman year, I have been living with Thai roommates. Every semester, a new student or two comes from Thailand and end up staying with their seniors who happen to be my roommates. So this semester as well, two students named Sanya and Sonthi came to pursue masters degree here at Florida Institute of Technology. Like all my previous roommates are (except one), they are both in Thai Army, Lieutenant and Captain respectively. They work as lecturer in the Military Academy in Thailand.

Generally Thai people are known for their friendliness, so I am not surprised to see them being nice to me all the time. In fact, I should say I am so glad to have them as my roommates. While they are all equally entertaining and inquisitive, Sanya, in particular, is very outgoing and talkative. Although they face hard time communicating in English, he talks nonstop to their friend's hysterical laughs. One thing I noticed about all my Thai roommates was-they are all good at cooking. They cook a lot. And Sanya within no time, became the head cook due to his outstanding cooking skills. (lol) Ever since he came here, he's seen cooking everyday. He would call my name, and ask if I am hungry, and he would cook for me. Unlike other friends, he would knock come in to my room, and ask if it was okay for him to talk with me. We talk about topics ranging from personal lives to careers to cultures so and so forth.

As I will be a teacher in near future, naturally, I asked how he feels being a lecturer and whole teaching learning thing. He says he loves what he is doing, and that he enjoys his life to fullest wherever he goes. But what amused me most was his grading policy! "All my students get at least C", says he, adding that no matter how bad they perform or ill mannered they are, he gives 'C'. Unlike in Bhutan, in his country the grading system is based on letters as also the case in schools and universities in the US. A-being outstanding, B-being very good, C-being good, D-Pass, and F-Fail. On enquiring about the logistic behind his generous grading scheme, he says:
"Let them pass. If I give 'F', they will have to come back, take the class again with me. It is wasting
both my time and their time, and government resources too. The government is spending so much
money on food, so by letting them pass, we can save food for other students. Else they will come
back and eat more food, and its a loss to the government!...."

His reasons are just endless. Not knowing what to say at the beginning, I kept laughing. But as I keep pondering over, it makes lot more sense. I couldn't agree more! I am sure he must be the best teacher of his students.

Now I wonder if I should ever try his ways, lol.

“When in Rome, do as the Romans do”?

It says it all. Photo Source: Google Images

For those of you who visited my blog, and particularly read the article titled “Dinner with Linda Mom” would have no problem understanding what I will be talking in the paragraphs that follow. But for those who are new, I will try to refresh and walkthrough a bit. Last month, I with three of my friends (all international) went to have dinner with Ms. Linda. She is one of the hosts who help acquaint international students with American life-styles, and cultures. No doubt, they are doing a commendable job helping we the international students who are away from home, and feel home sick time to time.

So today’s article has connection to that dinner conversation. As we are all international students, Ms. Linda seemed very curious to learn about our cultures and tradition, to which we in rotation shared about our unique cultures and traditions alike. But she had one very particular incidence, which interested her the most, and needed our clarifications/opinions. It was aimed to Asian as a whole. Here is what she had to say: “Last year, I was attending a graduation commencement on invitation from one of my graduating international students. After the official ceremony, we were outside waiting for his friends. One of his friends, a female, approached him, and congratulated-‘Congrats, Uncle!’ I am still wondering why would she call him Uncle. Isn’t it so rude to say that?” Adding that she knew him so well that he didn’t have any nephew or wasn’t even married.

Almost immediately all four of us responded in unison. But later a female friend from India made it clear by relating to Asian cultures. As expected all of us had same reasons to offer-that in our culture we don’t address anybody older than us directly by their names. So she might have addressed him ‘Uncle’ considering the age difference, and that it is very normal, we said. I added that it was due to the very reason why we Asian students feel strange calling Professors directly by their names, which we feel is very disrespectful. She looked surprised upon hearing that, which eventually led to a small debate among us-Asian vs. American. LOL. But it was a healthy debate.

On enquiring what was rude about calling somebody older than us “Uncle” when they (Americans) were calling everybody, including their mom and dad, by their names, she gave us her reasons, and some insights of American cultures. “If we call someone uncle when he/she is not even related to you, its not okay. If you prefix ‘sir’ to their names, too, it gives them a false impression that you are distancing them away. The word ‘Sir’ or ‘Mr./Ms’ creates that gap. So if you use sir, he will think that you have either forgotten him or trying to be stranger…” she said in motherly tone. Although I was very shocked in my first year here seeing the students calling the professors by their names in class, I didn’t know until then that it would in fact offend people, when actually we are trying to be respectful!

So the moral of the story is- when in Rome, do as the Roman do! The culture differs, and we got to respect them!

Happy LOSAR!!

The whole World has seen and welcomed the NEW YEAR 2011, already. Champagne toasts have been made, wishes have been exchanged, resolutions have been set, kisses have been planted, so on and on. Those are typical visible scenes everywhere as people eagerly wait for the final ‘count down’.

'Sikkam'-Dried Pork!

But not quite yet done for Bhutanese people! This is because only today marks the official new year, according to the Bhutanese Buddhist Calendar. It is known as LOSAR, or to be specific ‘Chu Nyi Pai Losar’. The day is declared a national holiday, and it is a festive day. Family members gather, wish for the successful years, and throw a grand party. While elderly people settle over some dosage of locally brewed alcohol called 'Ara' and 'Banchang', after the lunch, men normally engage in playing some games like Archery, Khuru (darts), Dego, etc, as their female counterparts engage in dances and merry-making.

The day is particularly significant in a sense that everybody gets to meet and spend a quality time together. As the night falls, the young boys and girls go around the villages, singing and dancing. After doing a few rounds of dances, they would proceed to other houses, and eventually call of-which usually doesn’t happen until early in the morning. The day is normally followed by series of games played between villages. The festive mood sustains for about a week.

But I have been deprived of such merry-making festive moments for quite sometime now, as I am away from home. This is the fourth year since I am away, which means I have missed four such events. I do really miss such occasions, and looking forward to enjoying next years’ LOSAR. However, this time I thought of doing a little bit of a Bhutanese-thing. Last week I went to an Asian grocery, and bought frozen pork.  I cut them into thin layers, and hung on the window pants to let them dry. With that I got what we called as  ‘sikkam’. I recollected what my mom and dad used to do while I was with them back at home. They would start preparing dishes a night before the actual day. So here too, I cooked the Sikkam last night, and kept readied for today. After waking up quite late, (which is very untraditional for such occasions?), I celebrated LOSAR in my own ways!  Happy Losar to everyone!

Ready to Eat; my Losar!

Thank You So Much!

Thank You; Kadrin Che La! Source: Google Images

Okay, we are finally down to the near end of the year 2010. Everybody seems excited waiting for the ‘count down’. Within matter of minutes, and seconds, the New Year 2011 will unfurl right in front of our eyes. It is kind of weird to see other part (other half?) of the World already in 201l while rest half still in 2010, and eagerly waiting for 2011 to officially set its foot.

Traditionally, people make various resolutions for the year; which they would strive to fulfill in the year before they either end up disappointing themselves for failing to live up and yet make another resolutions for the following year. Wishing for good health, to receiving a promotion or raise, to promising to quit smoking, to finding a lasting relationship, to cutting down the weight, so and so forth, the resolutions are varied. Some truly work for it, and live up to their promises. But mostly, they are forgotten midway through the year. It shouldn’t come as surprise to anyone, though. It is a human tendency! You agreed? Say yes.

So today afternoon, I was voice chatting in the Skype with a friend of mine who studies in St. Francis Xavier University, Canada. We are in the same batch, graduated high school from the same school, and now headed for the same profession-teaching. Like I did to many other friends, I wished him a happy New Year before I threw an anticipated question: “What’s your new year resolution?” “My resolution is to have no resolutions,” he replies as a matter of factly. I wasn’t surprised, because I myself feel the same regarding the resolution. I know I may not be able to live up it. So I don’t make any.

For now, I am just waiting for the clock to tick 12:00 AM! That is the moment, which everybody is waiting for, and the moment that marks the beginning of 2011. Sadly, though, I won’t be able to make a toast and shake first handshakes (or hugs) of 2011. Because, I am the only residue at home, and although I have few drinks in the fridge, I am not going to drink like I regrettably drank the last New Year. I don’t want to start my first day of the year sleeping whole day like I did then.

As whatever I do/did finally become “the last thing that I did in 2010”, this article marks the last article of the year. I have ventured into blogging some 9 months or so ago, and written 40 articles on various topics, both good and bad. Hope year 2011 will give me even more reasons to write more, and break this years record! I thank each and everyone who has “followed” me, read my articles, commented on it, and encouraged me to "keep on writing". Without all these, I wouldn’t have found good enough reasons to continue writing. Hoping for the same support, and encouragement in future as well!

Once again, my heartfelt thanks to each and everyone who paid visit to my blog, and made effort to comment. Please don't stop coming.

Tashi Delek!

Happy New Year 2011

Goodbye 2010, Hello 2011! Photo Courtesy: Google Images

Greetings to all my dear friends!

By this time, I am pretty sure, everybody has something to thank for. It is very obvious not everybody might have had a good year; some might have lost the loved ones, while some might have failed to make a good living. But no matter how rough or bad the Year 2010 might have been, we know nothing remains for eternity, even the Year 2010 is on the verge of leaving us soon. For ones who had terrific year, you may feel emotional seeing years coming to an end. Its okay, that’s the part of life. But for some who might have had a tough year, it is only understandable that you would be waiting to get it over, and look forward to the New Year. 

Anyway, lets look back to the bygone days, weeks, and months and feel proud that we have been able to survive the year 2010. That in itself lies a purpose for us to be thankful for. However, we are not to dwell with the past; marveling the goods or lamenting for the bad. In fact we are to focus more on the coming future. Putting it in the words of His Majesty the King, when we talk about future, it is nothing that we are unaware of. Today what we struggle with our two hands is the nature of tomorrow's future. Future comes with new opportunities, new challenges, new environment, so and so forth. We should be longingly mindful of the future, and accordingly be ready to live up to its level. Life is a journey; don't just focus on the single point. Learn from the past mistakes, work towards correcting it, and move on. If the need be, don't be afraid to make compromises. Life is full of compromises, so we should learn to live by it. Hope everybody will do what it takes to make one's life meaningful to live. Lets welcome the New Year 2011 with full heart. For many of us, it will be a new beginning with fresh resolutions, while for some it will be simply a continuation of the past. In whichever side of the fence you may fall, make the best of it so that by this time next year, we will be able to look back with great pride and joy.

I wish each and every one of you a very happy New Year 2011. Wishing successful, and wonderful years ahead!! 

Cheers!!

Tashi Delek 

Non-duality: Being Negative, and Trying to be Happy.

Silver lining in the darkest clouds! Source: Google Images

I woke up late today- at 11: 30 AM. I was okay, then. A few hours later, though, I began to feel something strange. I was feeling anxious, restless, dull, and many more. I just hate these creepy feelings! My heartbeat seemed to race abnormally high that left me in a complete scare. I didn’t know what was wrong with me, but I was very certain I was still breathing-alive. So I recomposed myself, monitored my breath, and lay back -hoping to calm myself. Just on time, quite coincidentally, I remember what I read in Mingyur Rinpoche’s book of “Joyful Wisdom” about tackling the stress, and the so called abnormal feelings. His Eminence provides the ways and methods to approach the stress, and help tackle it. Loosely paraphrasing, he advises to confront the stress directly rather than shying away and avoiding it for it will become worse. Digging deeper, and figuring out the source(s) of stress is what one of the authors of New York Times Bestseller the “Joy Of Living” is talking about and meaning when he said to “confront it”.

Thanks your Holiness for your, indeed, “Joyful Wisdom(s)”. Although I may not have nailed all that Holiness has mentioned about tackling the stress, I tried my best, and it seems to be working. Deep down in my mind I knew I didn’t have any valid reasons to be feeling the way it did, so I traced it back to their root causes. Eventually, I came to know that I was being too negatively judgmental about myself. That seemed to have resulted in such feelings, a creepy one.

Negative feelings don’t need to necessarily arise from negative sources. Sometimes they don’t even need any external sources. Our mind makes everything up, and the body bears the brunt of it. Today I am alone at home. My roommates just left for a weeklong trip to NYC earlier today. The house looks abandoned and quiet. I feel lonely, and sad. When everybody seems to make great time out of the vacation, and specifically coming of the New Year, I am a guy confined in this house without any plans. It makes me sad having to stay at home and nothing productive to do. I am not privileged of such enjoyments and merrymaking. I watch guitar-lesson tutorials, get crazed about it, I try playing, I fail and then I become upset. I chat with friends, they seem joyful, and I feel sorry about myself. So and so forth contributes to unease feelings, restlessness, and low self-esteem.

But in considering all those mentioned afore, what I haven’t noticed or failed altogether is to look at the positive part of my life. Yes, I’ve truly failed. If I put his Holiness’s approach into practice, I find so many things in me to feel happy about. There was absolutely no point to feel the way I began to feel. It was because of my truer perspective gotten clouded by negative aspects of mine. It does no good, but results in low self-esteem. I have felt carried away by someone else’s good things that I completely failed to acknowledge some goodness that resides in me all the time. I am battling with spotting a silver lining in the darkest clouds. It isn’t easy, but certainly not impossible. If one is very true to oneself, and acknowledges the goodness in you, there is no reason to feel dejected about anything. Good and bad are not absolute entities; they depend heavily on one’s reference point. So what I learnt today in quest of tackling my stress is that we always have to try to look at the brighter and positive side, than worrying about the negative sides. We have everything that takes to make oneself capable of being a good human being, but what we lack is our truer sense of looking at us. So assessing oneself, being contented, and remedying the stress is very tantamount in making a happy living.