Reviews

1.Review on the Story "Buddha and the Mad Man"

Title: Buddha and the Mad Man

Source: Facebook

Author: Unknown

Genre: Nonfiction Story

Summary: Many ages ago, when Budhha was once giving teachings to his disciples, an arrogant man suddenly approached him and tried embarrass Buddha infront of his disciples. Moreover, he also spitted on the Buddha's face and tried to console his disciples that what Buddha has taught are all lies. With no reactions taken by the Buddha, it questioned his (the man) mind. The next day, he went to the same scene and apologized to the Buddha for his behavior the other day. The Buddha then forgave him and told him to take it as a lesson.

My Opinion: I truly believe in the words of the Buddha as it taught me lessons on being patience, realizing our misdeeds and having a forgiving heart. No one is perfect in life and everyone makes mistake. But what matters is how we take in lessons and not repeat it again. It isn't just a story but a value that one can institute in real life.

2. Review on Finding the Right Path

Title: Finding the Right Path

Author: Choki Dorji

Genre: An Essay (persuasive essay)

Reflection: The essay, "Finding the Right Path" is written by a young man named Choki Dorji who highlighted on setting our goals in life before we achieve it. Before we embark the journey, we must first choose our destination. Accept, adapt and achieve are the keys for success in our everyday situation. At times we should change our pathways and it requires immense courage. Simply relying on our personal experience isn't enough. We must take a look at other's book and and we can write our own story. Prioritizing our goals and ambitions are the main key to success in life. We may lend help from other's but we shouldn't forget that every story has it's own creativity and uniqueness.

3.Review on Tilopa and Naropa

Title: Tilopa and Naropa

Author: His Holiness Patrul Rinpoche

Genre: Non-fiction Story

Summary: The story titled "Pandita Tilopa and Naropa" is a religion based non-fiction story of a disciple named Naropa, who went through a lot of difficulties in life to wash away his sins. When Naropa first met with Tilopa, he asked for teachings and to consider him as a disciple of Tilopa. To this, Tilopa granted the request and took him along wherever he went but never gave him teachings. In total, Naropa went through twenty-four hardships in life and he finally received the teachings from his master, where by he became the enlightened one.

Reflection: This story made me realize the importance of having one's devotion towards its master. It reminded me of all my supporters like my parents, teachers and guidance, who always tries to brighten my future. It also made me emotional that even though Naropa had to risk all his life for his master in order to get the teachings, he never lost his patience and went against his teacher. Tilopa on the other side, acted so rude to Naropa but he always had a soft heart for Naropa. Thus it was worth reading the story.

4. Review on My Eyes can't Hold the Tears

Title: My Eyes Can't Hold the Tears

Poet: Pema Norbu

Genre: Poem (elegy)

Reflection: The poem titled "My eyes can't hold the tears" is written by Pema Norbu, where by he shares the facts and reality of today's world. It says that people do not care about others and just aims to fulfill their desires. The rich ones fly through plane high above, where the poor ones suffocate on the streets without a drop of water. Some wealthy people have a lot to spend on building houses but doesn't have a penny to spare for those, suffering under the street lights. People do not wonder about their short lifespan and hold onto their temporary beauty, fame and money. Thus the poet reminds us that the world is home for all and we must aim to lift everyone up. The poem really touched my heart as I could imagine the world suffering and half of the people being ignorant. It doesn't cost a penny to be kind so why can't we create a peaceful world with no sorrow and pain?

5. Review on the Poem 'The Fourth Druk Gyalpo

Title: The Fourth Druk Gyalpo

Poet: Bagawath Bandhari

Genre: Poem (ode)

Reflection: The poem "The Fourth Druk Gyalpo" is written by Bagawath Bandhari, highlighting on the hardships our Fourth King had to go through during his reign to secure our country's sovereignty. Just after the death of our third Druk Gyalpo, king Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo, king Jigme Singye Wangchuck became the youngest, energetic king just as the age of seventeen. His Majesty is the sole inspiration to every Bhutanese, for whom he is a kind, wise, loveable, heartwarming and truly the unmistaken reincarnation of the Great Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The poem reminded me of all the sacrifices that His Majesty made for the well being of his people, especially during the war of 2003. It made me realize how much we should be grateful to our Great Fourth for all the unwavering love, care and compassion for us.

6. Review on the Poem "Youths"

Title: Youths

Poet: Bagawath Bandhari

Genre: Poem

Reflection: The poem titled "Youths" is written by Bagawath Bandhari expressing about the current situation of today's youth. We, the young people are the wealth and the future of our nation, but it is seen that the youngsters are all over the town roaming around, badly abused, mistreated and hopeless. And this is a sign that we are at the risk of losing our country's identity and uniqueness. The poem is simply a reminder and a glimpse of our country in a long run if today's youth are not aware of what they are doing. This country belongs to each and every Bhutanese. Therefore it's the responsibility of each and every one of us to serve our nation as it would be the best gift that we could give back to our country and to fulfill the wishes of our Fifth Druk Gyalpo, king Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.

7. Review on the Poem "Embrace Yourself"

Title: Embrace Yourself

Poet: Tandin Wangmo

Genre: Poem

Reflection: The poem titled "Embrace Yourself" is a well crafted poem written by Tandin Wangmo expressing on how hard she tries to comfort herself from judgements. She realizes that the world itself is suffering and people view her as a worthless girl. Yet she tries to comfort herself by saying that being born isn't the reason to be a failure and to believe in other's thought. Even after being judged, she learnt to love herself a little more and to show the world that she is worthy. This poem is a note to remind ourself that no love is greater than self love. It made my realize that everyone is perfect in their own ways and the pen of our story doesn't belong to anybody else, but to ourselves.

8. Review on The Ultimate Trainers

Title: The Ultimate Trainers

Author: Paul Shipton

Genre: Short Story (fiction)

Reflection: Jake couldn't believe when he first saw the trainers (shoes) on the top of a cardboard, piled on some rubbish bins. He then decided to take them and practice for the upcoming marathon. As days passed by, the day finally approached for the marathon. But unfortunately, Jake's trainers were stolen by Beadle and this disheartened Jake. There was nothing he could do but to try to run as fast as he could and at the end, he won the race. Thus the story has taught me that there's no short cuts in life to accomplish great things and hard work is the fuel to reach our destination. This story gave me hope and motivation that no matter how hard life gets, I will get rewarded at the end for staying true to myself.

9. Review on the Poem Women

Title: Women

Poet: Bagawath Bandhari

Genre: Poem

Reflection: The poem titled "Women" is beautifully written by Bagawath Bandhari, expressing on what 'Women' actually really means. Woman doesn't just refer to a lady or a girl. It isn't just a five letter word, but it is a charm that she holds. Women are the ones who brought life into this world, after enduring the pain of all sorts. She is a warrior, who hides all her pain with sweet lies and pretty smiles. She's the one who wears worn-out shoes and wait belatedly for her husband for meals. However, they are being mistreated and judged by the society when she actually deserves all the love and happiness in the world. Thus, it teaches us that be it a mother, wife or a daughter, we must empower every woman as they are wonderful people in the world. The poem reminded me of my beloved mother, sister and all the women in the world who are just so wonderful. It gave me courage to take pride in being a woman and to empower every other woman.

10. Review on the "Beauty" by Tawla

Title: Beauty

Writer: Tawla

Genre: Article

Reflection: The author emphasizes on the reality of today's world, where everyone wishes to be someone else better. At times we put our blame on god for unfair creation of human beings. But imagine how dull the world would be if all flowers were red roses. Cactus are considered to be the ugliest plant of all, not knowing its importance. Like wise, each and every individual of us are beautiful in our own ways. Desiring to be someone we admire won't make us feel any better. Thus it taught me that everyone has their own flaws so why don't we embrace ourselves and try to be a better version of ourselves. His words encouraged me to love myself a little more and to know that life is a competition between me and myself.

11. Review on A Lesson that Life Taught Me

Title: A Lesson that Life Taught Me

Author: Ugyen Lhamo

Genre: Essay

Reflection: The author highlights on how important it is to cherish things in life before it becomes a memory. In this essay, she shares her past experience on how she felt when her parents passed away with thousands of unsaid words embedded in her heart. She lost her parents in a car accident when she was just a tenth grader. While her parents were alive, she never expressed her love, care and gratitude to her parents. And now that they are in another world and just lives in her memory, her heart is heavy with regrets and unsaid words. Thus she teaches us to appreciate and value the people around us before it's too late. We must grateful and express our love and gratitude to our parents and supporters because even they are aging with each passing day.

12. Review on The Path of Life

Title: The Path of Life

Author: Kinzang Dema

Genre: Essay

Reflection: It is a persuasive essay where by the writer tries to convey the readers that no matter how much we fail in life, we shouldn't forget to stand again. In life, we stumble and fall but what matters is rising up after every fall and that's the true victory in life. Obstacles in life try to falter our steps but we must stand firm and strong, fighting against with the power of patience and perseverance. Thus it taught me that giving up in life isn't the solution for every problem, but having the willingness in us is the fuel to keep us going. It made me realize that every little effort can make a big difference.

13. Review on Uma Lengo, A Dumb Outcast in Wangdue

Title: Uma Lengo, A Dumb Outcast in Wangdue

Story retold by: Chimi R Namgyal

Genre: Folktale Story

Summary: Even though this story is narrated in many different ways, from what I read, this story is story of romance between a dumb man named Uma Lengo and a mermaid. One night when he went to search for water, he saw a beautiful girl on the side of the river and that was the first time when Uma Lengo was shocked for being able to speak. Every night they would spend time together and the mermaid would bring him food secretly. The next morning, he was back to being dumb like before. One night, when Uma Lengo went to fetch some water with his fish curry on the stove, a strong wind blew and burnt down his house. With no other place to go, the chilly winter breeze froze him to death and this disheartened the mermaid. Even today, it is believed that the mermaid would come out of the river and roam around with the hope to see him again.

My Opinion: At a first glance, I was fascinated by the title and cover page of the story when in saw it online. As I went on reading, it filled my heart with emotions and feelings. It actually sounded quite magical to me by the fact that a dumb man actually fell in love with a mermaid which is very rare. I could feel a strong bond of connection between the dumb man and the mermaid as their love was unconditional. Therefore, I would like to suggest this tale as it's a fascinating story, filled with emotions. (pc: google)

14. Review on the Poem "Procrastination"

From the Book: Poems with No Rhymes and Reasons

Title: Procrastination

Genre: Poem

Poet: Bagawath Bandhari

Reflection: The poem "Procrastination" is a reminder for all of us to start now before it's too late. Procrastination just robs our time and fails to discipline our personal time flow. It says that procrastination is just as the harsh and chilly Winter wind that just makes us pile our work for pending. Nothing makes us do the work until the submission date line forces us to do so. However, that shouldn't be the case and we must remind ourselves to begin now than later because time is one of the precious things in life that cannot be bought and limited. A rich man may have the world's precious diamond or gold but if he procrastinates things, even his wealth cannot buy back his time again. Thus, the poem is a gentle reminder for all of us to start now than later.

15. Review on The Light in the Darkness

Title: Light in the Darkness

Author: Norbu Jamtsho

Genre: Non-fiction story

Reflection: Light in the darkness is a story of a boy named Sonam Jamtsho, who shares about the difficulties and challenges he had faced in life being the eldest brother to his three younger siblings. After the death of his father, his mother got remarried and left him with his three younger siblings. That was the moment when he had the darkest days of his life, yet his teachers and friends motivated and inspired him to keep going in life. No matter whatever challenges he faced in life, he never gave up on his studies as it was the only key for a brighter future. Beside that he was still a good brother to his three younger siblings. Regardless of whatever difficulties we face in life, at the end education is the only seed to have a fruitful life. Overall, it was an emotional story and worth reading it.

(pc: google)

16. Review on Buy One, Get Two Free

From the Book: What I Wish I Knew When I Was Twenty

Title: Buy One, Get Two Free

Author: Tina Seeling

Genre: Short Story (fiction)

Reflection: The teacher assigns his students on a project on what they would do if they had five dollars. The students then realized that focusing on the little amount of money is nearly nothing. Instead, they focused on, "What can I do to make money if I start with nothing?". Then the students decide to help book reservation in several restaurant and offers to fill air in bicycles in tire for one dollar. With this idea, they could earn a lot more than just focusing on the five dollar. Thus what I learnt from this story is, in life we should view problems from different angles and be broad minded because problems in life are opportunities for us to look beyond the boundary. We need not have to be great to be successful. We can start from nothing. (pc:google)

17. Review on The Great Mystic, Nagarjuna

Title: The Great Mystic, Nagarjuna

Source: Facebook

Reposted by: Ngawang Tenzin Namgyal

Genre: Non-fiction Story

Reflection: Nagarjuna was just an ordinary man, who just had a wooden begging bowl. One day, the queen invited him over the palace and offered a golden bowl filled with diamonds. While going back to the cave, a man silently followed him and Nagarjuna actually knew about it. Out of the blue, Nagarjuna threw the golden bowl outside the cave and the thief was quite surprised and curious. The thief then went in where he was advised by Nagarjuna to be mindful and conscious. Following his instructions, the thief stopped stealing there after. Thus the story is a lesson for all of us that if we are mindful and conscious, nothing in life will go wrong, just as how the thief became a decent man after being aware and mindful.

pc: google

18. Review on the Poem "There is Another Sky"

Title: There is Another Sky

Poet: Emily Dickinson

Genre: Poetry (Petrarchan sonnet)

Reflection: The poem titled "There is Another Sky" is a Petrarchan sonnet that illustrates the beauty of nature. It was a poem taken from a letter which was written by the poet to her brother, Austin. The poet tells him that there's another sky where they can live without any worries, which actually refers to their home. The poet compares her poetry to an evergreen garden and requests her brother to come there and enjoy the place. Her world is more brighter and colorful than the physical world where aging and changes are present. The poem was very inspirational and I could visualize the world that she describes to her brother with many imageries used by the poet. The poem is rich with many poetic devices used, such as enjambment, metaphor, metonym and alliteration. To sum up, the main theme of the poem is how important and comfortable our home is. It is the only place where we feel free and less stressed.

19. Book Review on Mr. Stink

Title: Mr. Stink

Author: David Williams

Genre: Story (fiction)

Published in: 2009

Point of View: Third Person Point of View

Summary: After the death of his wife, Mr. Stink became a homeless man, who just went around the town. One evening Chloe, a twelve years old girl meets with Mr. Stink on her back home from school. After having a conversation with Mr. Stink, she didn't want him be sleeping on the streets so she quietly took him to her place. Chloe knew that her parents wouldn't allow someone stink to be staying in their house, so she secretly hid him in the shred, outside the dwelling. After several days, he parents saw him living in their area and chased him away. Mr. Stink had no other choice but to sleep on the streets. When Chloe returned back from school, she was badly scolded by her parents for letting a stinky man sleep in their area. Realizing how her parents acted, saddened her even more. From that day onwards, Mr. Stink was out of sight and Chloe was reminded of all the joyful days that she had spent with Mr. Stink.

Theme: Be wise and think twice before you judge someone else. Just as how Chloe's parents judged Mr. Stink by his appearance, it must have saddened him even more, beside the fact that he was left alone by his wife. The story also shows the lack of humanity as the parents didn't even invite over a tea and instead chased him away.

My opinion: Since the story ends in suspense, from my opinion I think the parents must have regretted for judging the man without knowing his story, so they might have searched for him and called him back home. It was really heart touching for me as I could imagine how Mr. Stink must have felt for being mistreated and the fact that his wife left him alone.

Recommendation: I would like to suggest this book to anyone who is interested in reading as it actually shows the wanning of humanity in today's world. Thus it's meaningful story and a must read book.

pc: google

20. Book Review on the Life of Jetsun Milarepa

Title: The Life of Jetsun Milarepa

Author: His Holiness the Seventeenth Karmapa, Thaye Dorje Rinpoche

Genre: Non-fiction Story

Point of View: Third Person Point of View

Summary: On the death bed of Mila's father, he requested his younger brother and his wife to look after his children. At that time, the brother agreed and promised to Mila's father that he would take care of them and hand over the properties when they grow up. However, after the father's death, Mila and his mother and sister were harshly punished and mistreated by his uncle. To satisfy his mother's wish, Mila left the place and secretly went away to learn the art of black magic. After he became perfect in the art of black magic, he returned back to his village and destroyed everything out there by causing strong lightnings and thunder storms. After claiming the life of thousands, he realized his misdeeds and decides to look for help to shed away the bad karma he accumulated. So, he goes on searching for his teacher when he finally meets with Marpa on his way. Mila was bitterly treated by Marpa to wash away his sinful deeds. He was then instructed to build a build a nine-storey tower out of rocks with his bare hands. After facing many challenges and hardships, he finally received the teachings from Marpa. He then stayed meditating on isolated mountains when he actually attained enlightenment.

Theme: Realizing your mistakes and not repeating them is the best way to improve yourself, just as how Mila realized his misdeeds and followed the right pathway. Secondly, teachers are the only the light in every student's life so respect and love them eternally. Even though Marpa gave many hardships to Mila, he never went against his teacher and because of that, he attained enlightenment at the end.

My opinion: It brought tears in my eyes to know that no matter how much Mila was punished, he never said no and betrayed his master. It made me realize that teachers are the only brightest light in every student's life and therefore, we must respect all our beloved teachers for making us who we are today.

Suggestion: I would like to recommend this book to everyone as you will not regret reading it. It's a really good story with a strong moral.

pc: google

Page updated

Report abuse