Signs of the degenerate age: The desecration of chorten and lhakhang in Bhutan

According to the official figures issued in July 1999, 136 lhakhangs and 1,132 chortens had been subject to theft, arson, desecration and their caretakers attacked and murdered. The thefts and the desecrations were a recurrent topic which fuelled discussion, and at times, disagreement. Arguably, they serve as a metaphor for the changes and the problems facing contemporary Bhutan. The events discussed focus on a major issue, which has caused widespread concern amongst both the government and the ordinary people. As if to reinforce the significance of the chorten and lhakhang in Bhutan, there have been several recent examples which highlight their importance. One photograph in Kuensel showed a new "Enlightenment Stupa" erected by high school children at Daga High School to mark the Silver Jubilee in 1999. More recently, in late December 1999, the Khamsum Yuelly Namgyel chorten was formally consecrated in Punakha valley. It's purpose to "help remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in a changing world".