Monday, December 20, 2010

The four harmonious friends


Such painting takes place in most Bhutanese homes, lhakhangs and monasteries, and dzongs in the form of a wall painting or a Thanka, there are few who understand its real connotations.
While many believe that the painting symbolises harmony and unity in family or society, it has a world of meaning contrary to its commonplace perception as an obvious symbolism of harmony.
According to a Bhutanese scholar,the Puen Zhi can be traced back to various life cycles Lord Buddha attained before his enlightenment. "Bhutanese believe it as a context of the teachings of Lord Buddha," 
"It symbolises interdependence despite the difference in size and strength of the animals. It is an epitome of friendship, cooperation, good relation without considering hierarchy, strength, power or even size. It depicts the virtues of Buddhist morals. At a single glance one will know that four different species of animals are united in harmony."
He explained the animals are representations of Lord Buddha himself and his close advocates: the bird is Buddha himself, the rabbit is Sheribu (Shari Putra), the monkey Mou-Gelgi-Bu (Mugyalyana), and the elephant Kingau (Ananda). "The painting teaches most of the Bhutanese values of etiquette like respect for elders, cooperation, and generosity. You need not become a monk or a nun to practice religion, the four animals can be an example," said a buddhist scholar.
In modern Bhutan, the concept of the Puen Zhi can also be interpreted as the basis of His Majesty's concept of Gross National Happiness, according to the scholar. "To achieve Gross National Happiness we need harmony and unity among the people. The four animals can be compared to the four pillars of GNH,"
The painting of the Puen Zhi, like many other Buddhist paintings, depicts Buddhist morals. "It depicts harmony, unity, and integrity despite their sizes and strength". "It can be also interpreted as the need of unity in the country despite having different races. People paint the four friends at home with a belief that there will be no separation, discord, and partition within the family."

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