Druk : The Thunder Dragon

Druk

Introduction

In addition to being mythical creatures, dragons are also an integral part of the culture and life of the Tibetan people. Like other Asian countries, they play an important role in the spiritual and cultural identity of the region especially since Tibet is additionally known as the “land of snow and dragons.” It took a long time before the teachings of Feng Shui and Zen could influence the local traditions of the Tibetan dragon.

It’s surprising that some elements of Indian folklore, such as the Naga, have infiltrated the ancient culture of Tibet. This occurred long before the Tang Dynasty’s influence was felt in the region. The cultural fusion between China and India suggests that Tibetans are more likely to perceive dragons as mythical creatures than their Asian neighbours.

Physical Traits

The Tibetan dragon is about 40 feet long, which is shorter than its Chinese cousin. Its thinness can be explained by how it adapted to the high altitudes in the region. Its body is also made up of vibrant colors, such as orange or red, because it doesn’t need camouflage. Its eggs are usually laid in snow, and its neck and head are smaller than that of the Chinese dragon.

Other Names

The Druk is also known as also called “dug”, “drug” or “zhug”. Their most common name however is either Tibetan Dragon, Thunder Dragon or Bhutan Dragon.  Bhutan is called Druk Yul “Land of Druk”, and Bhutanese leaders are called Druk Gyalpo, “Thunder Dragon Kings”.

Powers and Abilities

The Tibetan dragon is a solitary creature that has the ability to communicate ideas and discern lies from fiction. According to Tibetan legends, it can also help people understand what’s real and is also known to spend time with monks. Although dragons are usually invisible to the human eye, they can still be found carrying a powerful thunderbolt, which can be used to awaken people who are in the wrong direction. This is a way to help them get back on track and avoid repeating their false beliefs.

As one of the four mythical creatures, Dragon represents power. The dragon thunders in the sky with the sound of compassion that awakens us from delusion and increases what we know through hearing. Thus, it can be said that dragons bring forth our awareness to things that we cannot see.

Modern Day Influence

According to a legend, Tsangpa Gyare, who is a well-known meditation teacher and the ancestor of Bhutan’s founding father, Zhabdrung Namgyel, was in a village in Nam to establish a spiritual centre. During his visit, he was reportedly able to see nine dragons flying across the sky. These creatures were said to have been able to trigger a loud clap of thunder as they moved away. He then named the area after the dragons.

Due to the importance of dragons in Tibetan culture, people have placed them on various objects, such as prayer wheels and prayer flags. They’re also commonly found on the roofs of Tibetan temples and traditional houses. The dragon is regarded as a powerful symbol of luck and can help people achieve good fortune.

The powerful creatures have been depicted in various forms throughout history. While the Western world is mainly known for featuring dragons in movies and television shows, Asian dragons are also widely seen. They are often depicted in clothing and other products, and they’re believed to bring luck and wisdom to people. Although most Westerners are scared of the evil depiction of dragons in their myths, many Asian people see them as benevolent and helpful.