Image Source: enlightenmentthankat.com

The Four Friends, also known as Thuenpa Puen Zhi in Bhutanese, is one of the most beloved and enduring stories in Bhutanese culture and Buddhist tradition. This story is not only a popular folktale but also a profound allegory representing harmony, cooperation, and interdependence.

The tale centers around four animals—a bird, a rabbit, a monkey, and an elephant—who, despite their differences in size and strength, come together to achieve a common goal. According to the story, these animals once lived near a large fruit tree. They argued about their rights to the fruits of the tree and debated who had the most claim. Each animal recounted their experience of when they first saw the tree to justify their seniority.

The elephant said that the tree was fully grown when he saw it for the first time as a calf. The monkey remembered the tree as a seedling. The rabbit recalled it as a sapling when he was just a bunny. However, the bird explained that it had eaten the fruit of another tree and excreted the seeds, which eventually grew into this very tree. Realizing that the bird was the oldest among them, followed by the rabbit, the monkey, and the elephant, they decided to respect each other based on seniority and merit.

Through this understanding, the four friends began to cooperate harmoniously. The bird flew to the top to pick the fruit, the monkey passed it down, the rabbit gathered it, and the elephant shared the fruit with everyone. By working together, they all benefited from the tree’s bounty.

The story of the Four Friends carries deep moral and spiritual lessons. It symbolizes the values of cooperation, mutual respect, and living in harmony with others. Each animal represents a different aspect of the community, and their unity despite differences serves as a model for human relationships.

In the Buddhist context, the story emphasizes the importance of interdependence, a key concept in Buddhism. It teaches that all beings are connected and that cooperation and understanding are essential for peace and harmony. The tale also illustrates the Buddhist principle of karma—that our actions, no matter how small, have significant impacts on the world around us.

The image of the Four Friends is widely recognized and revered in Bhutan. It is commonly depicted in Bhutanese art, including murals on temple walls, thangkas, and household decorations. This image often serves as a reminder of the values of friendship, teamwork, and respect for all living beings, which are deeply ingrained in Bhutanese culture.

The Four Friends also play a role in Bhutanese education and social life, where the story is taught to children to instill these important values from a young age. The story’s message resonates throughout Bhutanese society, reflecting the country’s emphasis on community and the collective well-being of its people.

The story of the Four Friends is a timeless and cherished narrative in Bhutanese culture, embodying the principles of cooperation, respect, and interdependence. It serves as a moral guide for both children and adults, reinforcing the importance of unity and the positive impact of working together for the common good. Through this story, Bhutanese people celebrate the virtues of harmony and the strength that comes from collaboration.

Product 0018 showcases the depiction of four friends carved from ‘Bogh’.

Our Timber Source is a remarkable piece with a rich history. It was originally utilized as a Bogh element in Chagri Monastery and is believed to be around 400 years old. The age and significance of this timber element make it a valuable addition to any collection.