Death
Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal died in 1651, and power effectively passed to the penlops (local governors) instead of to a successor Shabdrung. In order to forestall a dynastic struggle and a return to warlordism, they conspired to keep the death of the Shabdrung secret for 54 years. During this time they issued orders in his name, explaining that he was on an extended silent retreat.
The passing of the Shabdrung is modernly celebrated as a Bhutanese national holiday, falling on the 4th month, 10th day of the Tibetan calendar.
Read more about this topic: Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal
Famous quotes containing the word death:
“We often see malefactors, when they are led to execution, put on resolution and a contempt of death which, in truth, is nothing else but fearing to look it in the face—so that this pretended bravery may very truly be said to do the same good office to their mind that the blindfold does to their eyes.”
—François, Duc De La Rochefoucauld (1613–1680)
“For ‘tis not in mere death that men die most.”
—Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806–1861)
““... War on the destiny of man!
Doom on the sun!”
Before death takes you, O take back this.”
—Dylan Thomas (1914–1953)