From birth to death, astrology or Tsi in Dzongkha plays an important role in Bhutanese life. It is a must for many Bhutanese to consult astrologers to do almost everything as it is believed to provide psychological guidance predicting your best and worst days. However, some astrologers in the country use the Tibetan Book of Astrology which doesn’t always tally with the Bhutanese version. To address this issue, Pema Gatshel Rabdhey conducted a workshop sensitizing astrologers in the district on the usage of the astrology book, recently.
Astrologers from the eight gewogs of Pema Gatshel took part in the three-day workshop. The discourse centred on the usage of the two books of astrology or Datho that is widely relied upon. To provide uniform services, they have decided to refer only to the Bhutanese Book of Astrology hereafter.
“Today, there are two books of astrology in the country. While the Tibetan Book of Astrology might predict a good day to start a job, the same day will be sometimes considered as bad by the Bhutanese astrology. Such readings confuse the general public which leads them to doubt astrology at times. Therefore, we feel that it has become imperative to follow only one to have the same readings,” said Jampel Sangay, the Pema Gatshel Lam Neten.
About 70 people practising astrology in the district attended the workshop. According to them, the decision to adopt the Bhutanese Book of Astrology as the only reference will solve most of the problems that they face while they refer to two books in the past.
“The programme helped us in addressing the doubts we have while practising astrology back in our village. Moreover, we are glad that they have now decided to stick to one book. I think this will benefit everyone,” said Loday Jamtsho, an astrologer from Tshatshi in Nanong Gewog.
“It’s quite difficult for us to learn astrology when don’t have many people well versed in astrology in our village. Coming here and being part of this programme has helped us in clearing our doubts after meeting so many good astrologers,” added Pema Tshering, the Head of Tshatshi Goenpa.
They also said it would ease the service delivery if the Rabdhey conduct such programmes every year.
“This is the first kind of such programme here. We hope that it becomes a yearly event as we could review what was discussed earlier and also thrash out any issues that come up while we provide the service to the people,” Pema Tshering added.
The Rabdhey says it is exploring ways to continue such programmes in the future as well.
“This is like pilot programme. If the participants feel that it is helpful, then we will take it up to the Central Monastic Body and search for funds to implement it as a yearly programme. We hope the benefit will be passed to the community,” the Lam Neten added.
The programme is a part of the Silver Jubilee celebration of the Pangrizampa College for Astrology.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Sonam
