Phallic Obsession

Bhutanese Roads | Archery | Phallic Obsession | Tsechus

An unhealthy obsession with phallic symbolism, euphemistically referred to as the Magic Thunderbolt of Wisdom, seems to permeate every part of Bhutanese culture. Whether it is a brightly painted wooden dildo being waved suggestively in the face of the dancing girls (and occasionally boys) at festivals or being proffered to bemused female tourists who are then cajoled into performing questionable rituals and then subjected to the further indignity of having to make a donation, or embellishments of furniture, scarecrows, whatever, there appears to be no end to their pubescent fascination with the object.

They claim it is a spiritual symbol, hence the Thunderbolt thing, but that does not seem to deter them from infantile exploitation at every turn. Chimi Lhakgang is home to the mad monk who is blamed/credited with starting it all, but you can find graphic paintings and tasteful souvenirs ("ooh look, a wooden penis key ring, just what I need") at every turn. Apparently Christian missionaries did not get on particularly well in Bhutan...

Click here for the Magic Thunderbolt of Wisdom at Chimi Lhakgang.