What is the meaning of “respect”? For most of us, we normally think about how do we get respect from others or about whether others do respect us? We seldom have the understanding that respect is a two way street. If we start to respect and appreciate others, we will automatially be respected and appreciated. This goes without saying. But for most of us, we don’t believe in this, so we keep on disrespecting others and keep on stepping on the toes of others, because we think that we are the best. So when others do not seem to be paying attention to us, that we get crazy.

Take our environment as an example, we have not been respecting it, so when it reacts negatively by showing some disasters, some bad and abnormal weather, we have to suffer. Similarly, this is the same for our relationship with others. Most of the time, we always feel and think that we are the best and therefore we are always the correct one, others are always wrong. When something goes wrong, we always blame others, never looking at the situation or checking ourselves. I don’t think this is a smart way to live in this world. This kind of treatment will only make our life difficult.

I was very happy this time in Ladakh during the 4th ADC. The discussions and meetings went very well, I think it was mainly because we opened to the public for their contribution as well. The cultural performances were spectacular. Everyone performed with their heart and no one was doing anything with a superficial intention to get famous or publicty. We were there to enjoy each other’s company. There was no stress, no complaint. I especially want to thank His Eminence Thuksey Rinpoche and His Eminence Langna Rinpoche for their leadership and fantastic organisation. I also appreciate the hard work of Young Drukpa Assocation and the monks of Hemis. I could see the entire Hemis being transformed into a living mandala of compassion and wisdom.

As I always say, we have been talking too much, so let’s get up and do something. I think ADC is one of the ways of doing something. Of course one of the main highlights was the tree planting. It was such a wonderful deed to contribute to mother nature. Instead of taking, at least this time we are giving. It has to be a give and take situation in every relationship, whether it is among humans, living beings or with nature. We are all interconnected, it is very foolish if we think that we can live independently in this world.

The support from local government of Ladakh, India and also from Bhutan is heart warming. From the depth of my heart, I thank Bhutanese government for sending a great friend, Lyonpo Minjur Dorji and many delegates to attend the ADC. The government of Ladakh and the army have given enormous support throughout the entire preparation. Without the help from everyone from different corners, it would have been impossible to have ADC at Hemis during this time of the year.

I look forward to the next ADC, and I deeply believe that each year will always be better than the last.