The Monk and the Gun

In 2006, Bhutan is gearing up for its first democratic election, and the government organizes a mock election as a training exercise for the citizens. This event aims to familiarize the population with democratic processes and build civic awareness. The scene sets the stage for political and social changes in the country.

In the town of Ura, an old lama instructs the young monk Tashi to procure firearms in preparation for the upcoming upheaval. Tashi is tasked with acquiring weapons, which symbolizes the potential violence and resistance during the national changes. The lama’s guidance indicates a deeper connection to local beliefs and resistance movements.

American gun collector Ron Coleman arrives seeking to acquire an antique rifle. He is driven to Ura by a guide named Benji, indicating his explicit interest in rare firearms. His presence introduces foreign interference into the local setting and highlights the international demand for Bhutanese guns.

Ron meets with an elderly man who owns the antique rifle and agrees to buy it. This purchase symbolizes the gathering of historical weapons, which may have cultural or spiritual significance. It also marks the beginning of Ron's deeper involvement with the weapons trade in the region.

Tashi arrives at the bank to withdraw cash for the gun purchase, but the monk gives the gun to Tashi as a gift before completing the transaction. This act indicates a transfer of symbolic or spiritual power associated with the firearm, possibly linked to local beliefs or traditions.

Ron and Benji learn that Tashi has the gun and attempt to convince him to sell it to them. Tashi resists at first, but eventually agrees to trade the gun for two AK-47s smuggled from India. This exchange introduces illicit weapons into the local conflict.

The police get involved after learning about Ron's interest in guns. They seek to question him, highlighting increasing law enforcement concern over foreign and illegal weapon activities. This complicates Ron's plans and emphasizes the tension between local authorities and foreign interests.

Tshomo and Choephel, a married couple, come into conflict over Choephel’s support for a political candidate. This discord reflects the divided opinions during the election period and affects personal relationships, including the well-being of their daughter Yuphel.

Yuphel, their daughter, receives an eraser from an official hosting the mock election. The eraser symbolizes the hope for a new beginning and the importance of education and democracy, despite the political tensions surrounding her family.

The lama starts a ceremony to initiate the construction of a new stupa using the antique gun, which he seeks as a symbol of evil to be buried. This act is part of a spiritual ritual aimed at purification and spiritual cleansing.

The lama buries the antique gun in the foundation of the new stupa, symbolizing the repurposing of an object associated with evil into a spiritual monument. This act signifies a spiritual rebellion against violence and evil.

The police arrive at the ceremony intending to detain Ron, suspecting him of illicit activities involving weapons. Benji intervenes by claiming Ron's donation of AK-47s to the ceremony, which Tashi supports, leading to a tense standoff.

As a token of gratitude, the lama gives Tashi a large phallus, symbolizing fertility or perhaps a blessing, after the ceremonial act of burying the gun. This gesture underscores local cultural and spiritual symbolism embedded in the ritual.