A group of senior monks from the Central Monastic Body of Bhutan, led by His Eminence Tshogi Lopen Sangay Khandu, is currently on an eight-day spiritual and educational tour in India. They started their journey in Delhi on 15 October 2023, and met His Holiness Chamgon Kenting Tai Situpa. Subsequently the delegation left for Ladakh for a six-day visit.
This tour is a collaborative effort between the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) and the Central Monastic Body in Thimpu, Bhutan, aimed at fostering cultural exchange and spiritual learning. During their time in Ladakh, the Bhutanese monks will explore the region’s rich spiritual heritage, visiting notable sites like Leh Palace and monasteries such as Thiksey, Hemis, and Stagna.
The visit is also an opportunity for the Bhutanese monks to interact with the Ladakh Gompa Association (LGA) and Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA), with the added privilege of meeting Tashi Gyabon, Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC). This visit strengthens the strong spiritual connection between Bhutan and India, rooted in shared beliefs, ideologies, and the socio-cultural traditions of the Drukpa Kagyu sect of Buddhism.
Monasteries in Ladakh are highly respected in Bhutan and vice versa, demonstrating the enduring strength of cultural links. The tour serves as a reaffirmation of these traditional connections and aims to fortify historical ties between the two regions.
Additionally, the idea of exchanging Buddhist masters between Bhutan and Ladakh to impart teachings in respective Buddhist institutions holds great promise in deepening the spiritual and religious connections between the two regions, expanding avenues of friendship and cooperation, and reinforcing the spiritual bond that unites Bhutan and India.
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