“A man's life has nine transformations; if it isn't nine, it's eighteen.”
A person's essential nature and sense of self shift again and again through the different stages of life.
— Traditional Bhutan Wisdom, Bhutan
Source: Traditional Bhutan proverb, recorded in George van Driem, The Grammar of Dzongkha (Dzongkha Development Commission, 1992; revised ed. 2015)
More Proverbs from Bhutan
Don't put an easy tongue in an easy mouth.
A warning against careless, excessive talkativeness — speak thoughtfully rather than freely.
If the thought is good, your place and path are good; if the thought is bad, your place and path are bad.
A person's inner intentions shape the course and quality of their life.
The stripes of a tiger are on the outside; the stripes of a person are on the inside.
An animal's nature is visible on its skin, but a person's true character is hidden within and only known over time.
A trustworthy person steals one's heart.
Genuine trustworthiness wins people's affection more surely than any other quality.
Do not start your worldly life too late; do not start your religious life too early.
Practical duties should be taken up promptly in youth, while spiritual devotion is best approached with the maturity that comes later in life.
A girl with a dedicated heart and good behaviour is more precious than your own heart.
Loyalty and good character in a loved one are valued above all else.