Case Study

Acknowledgement

The saying "Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why it's called the present" rings true for me as I reflect on my recent experience with Mrs. Jyoti. Her unparalleled support and guidance have led me through the intricate path of a case study with ease. Her presence throughout my journey has been invaluable in shedding light during times of uncertainty.

As the adage goes, "Only a lighted candle can light others," and Mrs. Jyoti has exemplified this by being a beacon of true enlightenment in every instance where I required it. She has been a source of unwavering support and guidance, helping me achieve the successful and timely completion of my project.

In the words of Anacreon, "Life is like a chariot-wheel that ever rolls along." Throughout this case study experience, I have gained profound knowledge under the tutelage of Mrs. Jyoti, propelling me forward on the enduring journey of learning.

The saying that "a one-winged bird can't fly up in the sky, and we can't clap with one hand" applies to my recent case study experience, as it would not have been possible without the cooperation of my client, Mr. Puspalal Sharma.

Despite his busy schedule and limited availability, Mr. Sharma generously devoted his time and attention to answering my questions and providing me with the necessary personal information. It was only through his patience and cooperation that I was able to produce a comprehensive project that met all the requirements.

I owe a great deal of gratitude and respect to Mr. Sharma for his unwavering support during this critical time. Without his cooperation, I would not have been able to complete the project successfully.

Completing this project has been a delightful experience, despite the challenges that come with being a novice in this field. It is especially satisfying to know that this project has the potential to be immensely helpful for future research, and to have had the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of art and science.

Albert Einstein once said, "The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science." This quote resonates with me, as I found the project to be both intriguing and challenging, with many mysteries to unravel.

I would like to express my utmost gratitude and appreciation to both my field guide and the client for their support and guidance throughout this journey. Without their assistance, this project would not have been possible, and I am truly grateful for their contributions.

Introduction

This case study assignment explores the life of a Bhutanese National Football player, who has dedicated nine years of his life to the sport. Through interviews and questionnaires, I have gained insight into his true identity and experiences as a professional athlete who has traveled beyond his home country.

Human life is a blend of joy and sorrow, and this player's life is no exception. His journey is marked by a series of fascinating tales and anecdotes, which have added a unique flavor to this case study. As James Freeman Clarke once said, "We are either progressing or retrograding all the while; there is no such thing as remaining stationary in this life." In this case study, I have documented the various challenges and obstacles that this individual encountered during his time as a student, a professional athlete, and a responsible member of his family.

In addition, this project includes various snapshot features that highlight key events throughout the individual's life. I delved into his social and psychological history, exploring his social interests and psychological relationships. The latter part of the case study focuses on potential solutions and remedies for the challenges faced by the client.

 

The targets that I aim to achieve through the case study of the National Goal Keeper of Bhutan are as follows:

Objectives:

     i. To gain insight into the life history of the client.

    ii. To determine the factors that have contributed to his success as a soccer player.

    iii. To explore the relationship between games, sports, and academic studies.

    iv. To assess the impact of games and sports on his later life.

    v. To identify the challenges encountered throughout his career.

    vi. To gain a deeper understanding of the personal experiences gained during his professional career.

The Case Study about Genius National Soccer Player of Bhutan

1.           General information:

      Name: Puspalal Sharma

      Age: 30 Years

       Sex: Male

      Date of Birth: 8/11/1983

       Time of Birth: 8:24 AM

2. Family Data information:

a.            Father’s Name: J. N Sharma

Age: 63 Years

Religion: Hinduism

Education Qualification: Graduation

Occupation: School Principal

Relationship: Friendly, frank and approachable.  As saying goes; "The grass isn't greener on the 'other side’, the grass isn't greener on your side. It's Greener where you water it." He has strong bond of love and attachment with father. They use to share every twists and turns of experiences, feelings and thoughts without any hesitation. They use to bring every issue and matter at the center of discussion and derive consensus base upon mutual understanding.

b.   Mother’s Name: Tila Rupa Sharmas

  Age: 58 years

 Religion: Hinduism

 Education Qualification: Nil

 Relationship: He holds strong tie of Caring, charming and enclosed relationship with mother. As Rodney Dangerfield said, “On Halloween, the parents sent their kids out looking like them.” It is very difficult to get loving, caring, generous and heartwarming person like mother in the world. So he  owes a lot to parents, especially mother and father. He believes that without mother in the world would have no progeny and generation at all. Mother is one that has been first teacher to teach all essence of life that eventually shines future of children. So he pays greater homage to mother being provided meaning of life to live worthwhile.

c.            Sisters:

i.             Name: Krishna Maya Sharma

         Age: 34 years

         Religion: Hinduism

         Education Qualification: 10 Passed

          Occupation: Technician 

ii.           Name: Tika Devi Sharma

        Age: 28 years

          Religion: Hinduism

         Education Qualification: 10 Passed

          Occupation: Tourism and Hospitality

iii.          Name: Bishnu Maya Sharma

         Age: 26 years

         Religion: Hinduism

         Education Qualification: 10 passed

         Occupation: House wife

Relationship with Sisters: He says that, the best relationship is the one in which our love for each other exceeds our need for each other. And the love of family and the admiration of friends are much more important than wealth and privilege. Margaret also said, “Sister is probably the most competitive relationship within the family, but once the sisters are grown, it becomes the strongest relationship.” They have strong bridge of love and caring relationships and maintain unity and solidarity of family bloodline.

d.           Brother’s Name: Nil

e.            Grand Father’s Name: Late Purna Nandha Rimal

         Age: 90

         Religion: Hinduism

         Education Qualification: Nil

        Occupation: Farmer

f.             Grand mother’s Name: Ishori Rimal

        Age: 101 years old

        Religion: Hinduism

        Education Qualification: Nil

        Occupation: Farmer

3.  Family Type: Nuclear Family

4.         His attitude toward Family:

He projects innate love and care for family since they have been his constant source of inspirations and guides in his due course of difficulties and times of need. He truly remains indebted for being source of strengths for his pinnacle success. “Every family has a story that it tells itself, that it passes on to the children and grandchildren. The story grows over the years, mutates, some parts are sharpened, others dropped, and there is often debate about what really happened. But even with these different sides of the same story, there is still agreement that this is the family story. And in the absence of other narratives, it becomes the flagpole that the family hangs its identity from.” This is exactly how family is, according to A.M. Homes. The bond that links our true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life. Quite often he does remember members of one family grew up under the same roof. Now as a responsible person and employed civil servant, he had to drift away from same roofed home for the interest of family and his own survival. As Chanakya Richard said “He who is overly attached to his family members’ experiences fear and sorrow, for the root of all grief is attachment. Thus one should discard attachment to be happy.” He worked as lecturer in Education College in Bhutan and now pursuing Master Degree in Physical Education in Lovely Professional University, Punjab.  

5. Health Information:

i.             Height: 5.9 inches

ii.           Weight: 70kgs

iii.         Blood Group: O₊

iv.      Food habits: He prefers healthy food items like fruits, meats, green   leaves, dhal, rice, vegetables and avoids junk foods, sweet foods, and fast foods.

v.           Exercise: Gym, games and sports, jogging, and mountain climbing

vi.         Hobby: Playing games, hiking, trekking and rock climbing.

6.       Biological health information

        i. Complexion: Brown

       ii. Eye color: Blue

iii.         Hair color: Dark brown

iv.         Teeth: 32

v.           Psychology problem: He is psychologically sound and physically fit. There is no record of mental illnesses and neurotic problem.

vi.         Physical problem: Till date, he did not meet with any kind of accident, physical problems and physiological disorder. He is physically fit and sturdy.

7.       Physical Condition of home:

 i. Cleanliness: His beliefs that “cleanliness is the next to Goodliness” Room         

 ii. Information: one room, shared by three of his friends.

iv.         

Interior decoration: His room is festooned with many portraits of Kings, Queens, western footballers, Gods and 

8.           Recreational Facilities: table tennis bats and balls, football, volley ball, badminton rackets, lawn tennis rackets and skipping ropes.

Disciplines at home: He maintains good discipline at home respecting parents, elders, loving and guiding younger.  As saying goes “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.” Discipline is a tactic that creates harmony in the family. Thus, their family dwells in peace and harmony by respecting each other.

10.        Mother’s health during Pregnancy:

          Age: 28 years

          Due Date: 9/11/1983

          Weight: 3.5kgs

          Hospital: Government Hospital

11.        Development history of Child:

Since his mother was a housewife and did not have to go anywhere he had enough breastfeeding till 18 months. From commencing 10 months he was also supplemented with juicy fruits, healthy solid foods and green leaves. He was very fast growing and healthy child. He was taken good care and fed good foods, growth rate was progressive. He had not suffered any chronic diseases and physical accident. He could reflect back himself as one of the energetic and stout child among many of his age mate. He used to spent most of the time playing games which indeed prepared him to become soccer professional later. As Abraham Lincoln said, “If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I'd spend six hours sharpening my axe.” He had taken keen interest in learning the tactics and skills of playing games. He was fan of good professional footballers and loved spending hours watching football match every evening. He had no sign and symptoms of chronic disease, accident, and psychological disorder. He had never been involved in any kind of substance abuse, drug addicts, gang fights, criminal actions, and vandalism. He grew up as fully fledged and sound human being.

12.        Emotional History:

Team in Myanmar

He is emotionally healthy. He could tolerate pain and suffering at zenith as physiology could withstand. He is extrovert, outgoing, generous, jolly, and laughing gas. He draws an analogy; Crops grow up under the influences of ground and environment and as a result, bear fruits. So does a soul. So does consciousness. Consciousness can be active vivaciously or make the better self by knowledge, Enlightenment, and the influence of environment. He always remains conscious to avoid unpleasant episodes happening and offset every negative event with optimism. Whatever unpleasant, tragedy and awful faced are taken care with positive attitude and dynamism. Thus, he is emotionally stable and generous fellow.

13.        Social History:

He is out going and extraversion guy. He love socializing, mingling and getting together with social groups, peer groups, family, teachers and siblings.

He generously loves playing games, singing, dancing and participating extra co-curricular activities. Right from the pre-primary level he was genius footballer. He has many historical achievements in the field of games and sports. He holds numerous medals, certificates and prizes that he achieved as a games and sports captain, teacher and lecturer. All those achievement owed to his friends, family, and teachers who had been source of inspiration and supporters.

He firmly believes that society are people with whom we share our feelings, thoughts, dreams and fears and a true society will keep the secrets and love us without judgment or conditions. He quotes the dictum, “True friendship is essential to happiness in life. Although the nature of friendship cannot be fully described, finding a true friend is a priceless gift that can be cherished at all phases of life.” which vividly denotes that he is extraversion and sociable.

14.        Educational History:

According to Chinese proverb “If you are planning for a year, sow rice; if you are planning for a decade, plant trees; if you are planning for a lifetime, educate people.” His parents planned his life by providing a quality education right from the tender age. The object of education is to prepare the young to educate themselves throughout their lives. Thus, he got enrollment in of the pre-primary class at age of six on 10^th march, 1989, in one of the remote schools in Bhutan. Although he was skilled and intellectual sport man, his studies gradually declined as he ascended higher classes. The reason behind was the diversion of time and interest towards games and sports.

i.             Pre-primary to classes IV  ----- Samang Community primary School, 

                                                                                          Mongar District, Bhutan.

 Aggregates Obtained in different grades:

 PP ------ 60.5%

 I -------- 67.2%

 II ------- 64.7%

III ------- 69.6%

IV ------- 71.2%                        

ii.           Class VI first Year -----Khasadrupchu Primary School, Thimphu Capital

                                       City, Bhutan from year 1990 to 1996.

  Aggregate Obtained in Class VI, 1^st year: 72.1% but failed in National Language Paper Dzongkha. He obtained only 33 marks and failed by 7 marks.

iii.          Class VI second and third Year ---- Zilukha Primary School, Thimphu,   

Bhutan. In year 1997 and 1998.

In 2^nd Year of class VI, he obtained 75.3% but failed in National Language paper Dzongkha by two marks. In 3r Year of Class VI, he obtained 78% and successfully completed class VI.

iv.          Classes VII to VIII ------ Changangkha Lower Secondary School,

                                              Thimphu, Bhutan in year 1999 to 2000.

In class VII he obtained 72% and in class VIII 70%

v.            Classes IX to XII ------ Yanchenphu Higher Secondary School, Thimphu,

                                              Bhutan from 2001 to 2002.

Aggregates Obtained:

Class IX ------ 67%

Class X ------- 65%

Class XI ------ 63%

Class XII ---- 62%

vi.          Graduation............ Paro College of Education from 2004 to 2006.

Degree 1^st Year ------ 66%

Degree 2^nd Year ----- 64%

Degree 3^rd year ------ 65%

vii.         Career …… He worked as a Lecturer in Physical Education, Paro College

                             of Education from Year 2007 to 2011 mid.

viii.       Master Degree in Physical Education……. Lovely Professional University,

                                      Punjab, India, from Mid-2011 to 2014.

Mid-term result for 1^{st year} 1^st Semester, he obtained 63% only.

Conclusion:

Positive Aspects: He is very good at games and sports. He earned many medals and certificates in schools, colleges, universities, national level and international level. As a national soccer player, he got adequate opportunity to socialize with various kinds of peoples, exchange cultural diversities, learn new knowledge, inculcate integrity, and respect others. He also developed sense of team spirits, competition, unity and solidarity. It was also time for him to showcase country’s customs, disciplines, morale values, conventions and traditions to outside world.

As a representative of country, he could act as the role of good will ambassador of his country by showcasing the country’s unique cultural diversities, traditions, national dress code, cuisine, talking about nation’s guiding principle of development ‘Gross National Happiness.’  As Earl of Beaconsfield rightly quoted “The secret of success in life is for a man to be ready for his opportunity when it comes.” He also grabbed the opportunity provided by the government and innate talent that he possessed to become successful in life.

As a professional football player, he has deep and profound knowledge about world Olympic Games and sports rules and regulations. He also emphasizes of Olympic sports code of conduct, ethic and motto of ‘Fair Play.’

Negative Aspects or Problems:

Every coin has two faces, and every success is followed by failure. He could not literally perform well in academic comparing to games and sports. Interest of games and sports dislodge his interest for studies that’s why he failed three times in 6^th grade. Daily exercise was hectic and tiring that hampered concentration in the class.  He has to maintain his physical body and reduce diet amount. Thus, has no power of choices for foods and meals.

He is so outgoing person and we could hardly see him in the room. He has developed instinct of disliking room and wanting to go out with friends. Whereby, he landed up many times not completing assignments, home works and other important works on time. He devotes less time for studies and talking with roommates.  Most of the time, he goes loitering in towns and streets which are indeed not good places. 

Suggestions:

He needs to learn how to keep track of time and division of works to accomplish on time and minimize other useless activities that would thwart his profession. Over ruled exercise obstructs learning in classes, hence need to reduce the length of play time. Need cozy and hospital home environment to cage him within the four walls of room to prevent loitering unnecessarily in towns and streets. That would at least save time, money and energy doing productive task. Roommates and friends need to push him along the routine of work for accomplishment of his assignments and other academic tasks on time. Need him interesting and healthy resources and books to entangle in reading world. Facilities like music, television, internet, video game, indoor games; table tennis, chess, Chinese checker, reading resource; comics, magazines, newspapers, story books, novels and scripts must in placed for personal development and professional enhancement.

Provided, if all those measures are taken into account, certainly problems embedded within him would be rid of and ensure perfect personality development and professionalism. Because problems are the stepping stones for betterment of an individual in times to come. One can learn sweet lesson from bitter problem and step up for necessary rectification which would factually stabilizes lifestyles completely.

 As James Joyce  said, “A man's errors are his portals of discovery.” I, being an infant in the field of research and with very limited knowledge might have counterfeited innumerable information that perhaps would touch the heart of readers. Thus, I humbly like to urge everyone to bear with my ignorance and be portal of discoverer in future research. I sincerely welcome the trunk of criticisms and amendments for better development.

   The End

      

Four Great Places of Buddha

Vacations offer more than just a chance to escape from work or enjoy leisure activities. They can also serve as a valuable opportunity to acquire fresh experiences, acquire novel abilities, and rejuvenate your mental and physical well-being. 

We embarked on a pilgrimage on December 28th, 2013, departing from our residence towards the Jalandhar Cantt train station in Punjab at 11:30 PM. At exactly midnight, we boarded the train and embarked on a two-night, one-day journey that culminated in our arrival at Gaya on December 30th at 7 AM. Upon reaching Gaya, we secured an auto for RS. 150/- that conveyed us to Bodhgaya, arriving at approximately 8 AM. After settling into our guest house, we prepared breakfast utilizing our cooking utensils, and by 9 AM, we were ready to commence our circumambulation of the great stupa.

On December 31st, our itinerary comprised visits to a multitude of temples including Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Sri Lankan, Bhutanese, Tibetan, and Japanese. In the evening, we were joined by three additional members from Bhutan: Dorji Wangchuk, his wife, and child. Together, we celebrated New Year's Eve with a diverse group of individuals from India, America, France, and Hong Kong around a bonfire.

On January 1st, 2014, our group unanimously decided to embark on a circumambulation of the great stupa where Buddha attained enlightenment and liberation from samsara whilst meditating under the papal tree. This particular papal tree is held in high esteem by every Buddhist aficionado and worshiped with great devotion and respect. Many people prostrate and meditate beneath the tree while others wait for its leaves to fall. Obtaining a leaf is quite challenging as everyone rushes to grab one when it drops.

On January 2nd, we visited several sacred locations where Buddha meditated and searched for the truth of life.

Bodhgaya boasts of seven pivotal locations that hold immense significance for Buddhists:

1. Holly Pallanta (The Papal of the Enlightenment): This is where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment while meditating under the Bodhi tree in 625 BC. The tree is worshiped by Buddhist devotees with great esteem and devotion.

2. Animesa Locana (The place of unwinking gazing): After enlightenment, Lord Buddha spent the second week in meditation, gazing unwinkingly at the Bodhi tree.

3. Cankamana (Cloister Walk): Lord Buddha spent the third week there walking up and down in meditation. The platform has lotuses that indicate the places where the Lord's feet rested while walking.

4. Ratanaghara (The place of basic contemplation): Lord Buddha spent the fourth week there in meditation, reflecting on the Patthana or the causal law.

5. Ajapala Nigrodha Tree (Banyan Tree): After enlightenment, Lord Buddha spent the fifth week meditating under a banyan tree. Here, he replied to a Brahmana that one becomes a Brahmana only by one's deeds and not by birth.

6. Mucalinda Lake (The Abode of Snake King): Lord Buddha spent the sixth week in meditation here. During his meditation, a severe thunderstorm broke out, and a snake came out to protect him from the violent wind and rain.

7. Rajayana (A kind of Forest Tree): After enlightenment, Lord Buddha spent the seventh week in meditation here. At the end of his meditation, two merchants, Tapussa and Bhallika, offered rice cake and honey to Lord Buddha and took refuge in him with the words "Buddham Saranam Gacchami, Dhammam Saranam Gacchami" (there was no Sangha at the time).

We relocated to Rahgir, Bihar on January 3rd, 2014, to visit the famous hot springs known for their medicinal properties. During our visit, we also went to the Bimbisar jail, where the father of the king was imprisoned by his own son, who aimed to take over the throne. According to historical records, the jail was the place where King Bimbisara (558 BC to 491 BC) was kept by his son, Ajatashatru (492 BC to 460 BC). The king himself had chosen the site for the jail, as he could see Lord Buddha ascending to the Mountain retreat at the Griddhakuta hill. Despite being a great devotee and follower of Lord Buddha, the king admitted the audacity of his son, as he believed in peace.  

 

On the 4th of January, 2014, we made our way to Bjagay Phugpo, also known as the hill of the vultures, where Lord Buddha gave his first teachings of the prayer Sherab Nyingpo. The rope way, a popular tourist attraction in Rahgir, was built by the Japanese for the convenience of visitors to access the Griddhakuta hill. At the site, there are remnants of the Nalanda Buddhist University, which was destroyed by Muslims. The history of Nalanda dates back to the days of Mahavira and Buddha in the 6th century BC. It was the birthplace and nirvana of Saviputra, one of the famous disciples of Buddha. The place gained prominence in the 5th century AD with the establishment of a great monastic and educational institution for oriental art and learning, catering to the entire Buddhist world. If it had not been destroyed, it would have become one of the most renowned universities in the world today.

Rahgir has a unique and fascinating mode of transportation called Taagh, which is a horse-driven cart. Unlike taxis and autos that are commonly found in other parts of the world, visitors in Rahgir must hire Taagh to reach their desired destinations. The cost of hiring these carts ranges from thirty thousand to one hundred thousand. This clearly reflects the significance of horses as a vital means of transportation and a source of income in the region.

 
On the evening of the 4th, at 11 PM, we boarded a train headed towards Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. We arrived at 8 AM on the 5th of January and immediately went to visit the ruins of the Buddhist sites where Buddha gave his first teachings at Sarnath. We also took a boat ride on the river Ganga for a few minutes and lit butter lamps while freeing caught fish, as Buddhists believe that this strengthens the longevity of our own lives. At 2 PM, we boarded another train headed to Gorakhpur, arriving at 10 PM. It was 12:30 AM when we finally settled in for the night after having dinner.

On January 6th at 7:30 AM, we began our journey by bus towards the Sonauli border of India and Nepal. The bus dropped us off at the Indian border around 10 AM, and we walked for 7 to 10 minutes to reach the entry gate to Nepal. Luckily, we caught a bus to Lumbini that arrived at 11:30 AM. After checking into our hotel, we headed straight to the Maya Devi Temple, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. We were amazed by the architectural beauty of the various temples and monasteries belonging to different countries. We spent the entire day exploring and revisited the places on the morning of the 7th, ensuring that we didn't miss anything.

At 11 AM, we checked out from the hotel and went to the local market to shop for a few goods. We found the prices to be cheaper as the Nepalese currency value is lower than that of the Indian rupee. At 4 PM, we boarded a bus to Gorakhpur and arrived at 9 PM. We checked into a hotel and had a self-prepared meal in the room.

On the last day of our pilgrimage, which was on January 8th, we visited Kushi Nagar where Lord Buddha was cremated after passing away. We also visited other significant Buddhist temples and sites, which are echoed all over the world. In the evening, around 9 PM, we boarded a train to Jalandhar, Punjab. The train dropped us off at Jalandhar Cantt at 10 PM on January 9th. We hired an auto to take us to our residence, and we finally went to bed around 12:30 AM.

 

The pilgrimage was extremely satisfying as we were able to cover all four important sites of Lord Buddha within a short span of time. The places we visited were incredibly significant, and there is no other place that can compare. We owe a great deal of gratitude to our program planners Norbu and Dorji Wangchuk, who orchestrated every detail of our trip perfectly. It was a wonderful experience, and we hope to visit these places again in the near future. This trip was just the beginning of many more to come.

Travelling Circus

Six men embarked on a tour to Ladakh, a region in India known for its rich Buddhist culture and breathtaking scenery. This region attracts many tourists, especially those interested in Buddhism, who come to explore the numerous temples and monasteries and to experience the stunning natural beauty of the area.

Ladakh is a region in the northernmost part of India, located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is known for its rugged terrain, high-altitude desert landscape, and unique cultural heritage. The region has been influenced by both Hindu and Buddhist cultures, and the people of Ladakh are known for their warm hospitality and friendliness.

Ladakh is a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site, and many tourists come to explore the numerous monasteries and temples in the region. The Buddhist culture in Ladakh is deeply ingrained, and visitors can witness the daily life of the monks and nuns, listen to their chanting and prayers, and explore the ancient artifacts and murals that adorn the monasteries.

Apart from its rich cultural heritage, Ladakh is also known for its breathtaking natural beauty. The region is surrounded by towering mountains and vast stretches of barren desert, which create a unique and awe-inspiring landscape. Visitors can take in the stunning views of the landscape, trek through the rugged terrain, and visit the beautiful high-altitude lakes and rivers.

Ladakh is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the rich cultural heritage of India and experiencing the stunning natural beauty of the region. With its unique blend of Buddhism and Hinduism, Ladakh offers visitors a glimpse into a world that is both exotic and enchanting.

On the evening of October 16th, 2013, we boarded a bus from Jalandhar bus stand bound for Mande, Himachal Pradesh. We arrived at the Mande bus station around 4:30 AM and waited for an hour to catch another bus to Manali. However, upon reaching Manali, we were informed that the bus service to Ladakh had been halted a month prior. Nonetheless, there were some small vehicles that operated at night for the benefit of tourists and pilgrims. When we spoke with some taxi drivers, they mentioned that they typically operated at midnight for their own convenience, as the journey involved crossing snow-covered mountains in frigid and icy conditions. The deserted terrain added to the challenging nature of the travel. After wandering around for a bit, we met some people from Ladakh who directed us to the Ladakhpa's taxi stand. There, we negotiated with a taxi driver who had just dropped off some tourists. Despite the fact that the usual cost of a taxi from Manali to Ladakh is between two and three thousand rupees, he only charged us eight hundred each since it aligned with his return journey. We agreed to depart at 6 PM and spent the remaining few hours exploring Manali and visiting the national park. Our journey to Ladakh began at 6 PM and lasted the entire night, finally arriving at Hemis Monastery on October 18th at 11 AM. We proceeded to visit Thiksey Monastery and the town of Ladakh. At 6 PM, we decided to return as we didn't have much time left. We hired a taxi to take us to Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir state, which cost us 2500 rupees each. The taxi dropped us off at 5 AM and we then reserved another taxi to take us to Jammu for 700 rupees each. Upon reaching Jammu, we rushed to the ticket counter to purchase a bus ticket to Jalandhar. We were able to secure a ticket for the 4 PM bus and finally arrived at Jalandhar bus station at exactly 10 PM on October 19th. It was midnight by the time we made it back to our residence.

Ladakh literally means "land of high passes". It is a region of India in the state of Jammu and Kashmir that lies between the Kunlun mountain range in the north and the Himalayas to the south, inhabited by people of Indo-Aryan and Tibetan descent. The region once was a separate part of the erstwhile Kingdom of Ladakh and for almost 900 years existed as an independent kingdom. Its dynasties descended from the king of old Tibet. After 1531, it was periodically attacked by the Muslims from Kashmir, until it was finally annexed to Kashmir in the mid-19th century. The early colonizers of Ladakh included the Indo-Aryan Mons from across the Himalayan range, the Darads from the extreme western Himalayas, and the nomads from the Tibetan highlands. While Mons are believed to have carried north-Indian Buddhism to these highland valleys, the Darads and Baltis of the lower Indus Valley are credited with the introduction of farming and the Tibetans with the tradition of herding. Its valleys, by virtue of their contiguity with Kashmir, Kishtwar and Kulu, served as the initial receptacles of successive ethnic and cultural waves emanating from across the Great Himalayan range.(http://www.ladakh-tourism.net/Ladakh_History.htm)

The most remarkable aspect of our journey was spending three consecutive sleepless nights, as we spent our days sightseeing and continued our travels at night without checking into any hotels. We were incredibly fortunate to have safely passed through a cease-fire between the Pakistani and Indian armed forces in Jammu state, thanks to the blessings and prayers we received. We were all amazed by the protective power of Buddhism and expressed our gratitude to the TRIPLE GEM.