If you are looking for a space that helps shape who you become, Antifragile Temple, a lifestyle centre that recently opened in Thimphu is doing just that, in its own small way. The space, focused on personal growth and well-being, allows members to build both physical and intellectual strength. And for those willing to commit to reading 10 books available at the centre, membership is free.
Opened since last weekend, the space may look like a gym, but it is far from what meets the eye.
As it is winter break, youths have been frequenting the centre, reading, exercising, and engaging in meaningful conversation, fostering deeper human connection.
“So, accessing this space by reading a book, really enables me to grow my mental capacity as well as build my physical abilities,” said Laxmi Prasad Dhakal, a student in Thimphu.
“Since I have recently graduated, there was nowhere I could attain knowledge. So, this place was of great help to build both my mind and my body at the same time,” added Donga Tempel Gyeltshen, another student in Thimphu who has been visiting the centre regularly since it opened.
At the centre of the space is a reading list titled 10 Books for Life. The books have been selected by Tshering Dorji, a health and happiness mentor at Antifragile Temple.
The books are intended to encourage reflection and practical application. The space also hosts wellness seminars, offering members a chance to transform into their best versions. “The first pillar is to exercise, understand nutrition, and movement. The second pillar is through what I’ve called the 10 books for life, books that I’ve assembled, that will help the students of this space understand themselves and the environment we inhabit. And then the third pillar is through the talks, seminars and discussions that I’ll host in person while I’m here and when I’m abroad through online,” said Tshering Dorji, health and happiness mentor at Antifragile Temple.
He added that the sessions focus on topics such as health, human behaviour, and everyday life, and are conducted both informally and in structured settings.
Antifragile Temple is open on weekdays and welcomes people of all ages on paying a membership fee of 12,000 ngultrum annually.
Antifragile Temple introduces an alternative approach to how physical activity and reading are combined in a shared community space, where people leave the centre feeling more complete than when they arrived.
Singye Dema
Edited by Phub Gyem
