In Bhutan, conversations about death are not hushed away but are part of daily life. Rather than dark or sorrowful, these reflections often bring comfort and even joy. In Buddhism, life is sometimes pictured as a journey toward a cliff. The question is not whether we reach the edge, but whether we take the scenic path or rush straight to it.
As Sogyal Rinpoche reminds us:
"What is born will die, what has been gathered will be dispersed, what has been accumulated will be exhausted, what has been built up will collapse and what has been high will be brought low."
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For the Bhutanese, this is not a dark thought but a gentle nudge to treasure each day. Reincarnation, too, is seen as a continuation rather than an end, with revered teachers such as Geshe Lama Konchog recognized in new forms, carrying their wisdom into future lives.
This spirit of impermanence weaves through Bhutan’s landscapes and traditions. At Dochula Pass, 108 white chortens rise against the Himalayas, inviting quiet reflection. In Punakha, festivals like Druk Wangyal transform remembrance into vibrant celebration, with music, dance, and colour filling the valleys. Even a simple walk through Paro or Thimphu reveals how temples and chortens anchor daily life, reminding locals and visitors alike of the threads connecting past, present, and future.
In the end, Bhutan’s view of death is really a lesson in living. As one local guide said, “If we remember we won’t be here forever, we’re kinder to each other while we are.” It is a perspective best appreciated when shared, something at the heart of Craig Travel’s Group journeys.
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