One
of the most amazing and important pieces of architecture
in Bhutan, the Taktsang Dzong defies logic, gravity,
and reason in the quest for spiritual enlightenment.
Monks spent years creating this fortress on the side
of a cliff above Paro. It consists of both the superficial
structure we see ("lhakhang") as well as Pelphug Lhakhang,
the spiritual temple made out of a cave that has been
in use for centuries. Legend is that this is the location
where in 747 Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava) landed
on the back of a flying tiger, bringing Buddhism to
Bhutan from Tibet. His actions helped tame the evil
spirits in the area. This, combined with its amazing
location is the reason it is the most visited monastery
in the country, and the location where many of Buddhism's
most famous clerics have meditated. It is said that
Buddhist monks wearing traditional slippers can walk
to Taktsang Dzong from Paro in as little two hours,
while even experienced westerners outfitted with the
most modern hiking boots can take twice as long.
- 19
April, 1998 - The monastery burns down. Three monks
are killed. Hundreds of priceless artifacts are
lost: paintings on silk, religious texts, and icond.
The lone monk who takes care of the site is never
found. The dzong is lit by hundreds of oil lamps.
It is believed that one of those lamps started the
blaze. Reconstruction begins soon, but takes time
because only a few people can work at the site simultaneously.
