INTRODUCTION- Traditionally known as Drukyul, or the The Land of Thunder Dragon; the Kingdom of Bhutan (Druk Gyal Khap) is geographically situated between India and China. Landlocked and predominantly guarded by a mountainous terrain, Bhutan thus holds access to several key passes. The capital of Bhutan is Thimphu. Bhutan became a member of the United Nations in 1971; and also maintains its presence as an engaged member within the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). Bhutan operates under a constitutional monarchy wherein the King (Druk Gyalpo) serves as the Head of the State. Concurrently the affairs as the Head of the Government are undertaken by the Prime Minister. It is a democratic, constitutional monarchy. Bhutan has maintained independence from any external control since atleast the 10th century CE. However, there have been multiple occasions where significant cultural and political influence were yielded by its neighbors.
HISTORY- Before Buddhism was introduced in Bhutan, shamanism and nature worship was predominantly followed. Buddhism was assimilated in the existing religious current and instead of Buddhism coming out as a different religion, it consolidated and synthesized the practices. The recorded history of Bhutan thus commenced through Buddhist literature. As Tibet and Buddhism evolved as a cohesive neighbouring force, Srong Stsen Gampo, the 33rd Tibetan king ordered the construction of two Buddhist temples; one at Bumthang(Central Bhutan) and the other at Kyichu Lhakhang (Paro). The Vajra master, Guru Rinpoche (PadmasambhavA) was called from India, for subduing spirits in Bhutan by a local king named Sindhu raja from Bumthang. Guru Rinpoche supervised the establishment of monasteries in Bumthang and Paro, and introduced fresh dimensions to the Bhutanese society. The absence of centralized government, led to the emergence of small independent monarchies, ruled by king (deB); by the 11th century CE, Bhutan was under the Mongol-Tibetan forces.
SECTS- Guru Rinpoche, introduced the Nyingmapa sect - Red Hat Sect in Bhutan; although with time Buddhism experienced a decline in Tibet during the 11th century CE; and various factions and subsects led to contention. The prevailing anarchy on one hand and the emergence of Gelugpa Sect in Tibet on the other; prompted sectarian rivalry leading monks to flee to Bhutan. The founder of Lhanangpa subsect of the Kagyupa school, was one of them. Another subsect of Kagyupa, the Drukpa, headed by Phajo Drugom Shigpo (disciple of Tsangpa Gyare; the founder of Drukpa Kagyu) eventually spread throughout Bhutan. Around the 16th century CE, Ngawang Namgyal (Zhabdrung) left Tibet for a fresh base in Bhutan after unifying the preiously fragmented areas regions of Bhutan under his leadership, by establishing a central government and Drukpa-Kagyu, as the state religion.
FESTIVALS - "Tshechus," or religious festivals, are an essential component of Bhutanese religious and cultural life. Communities come together for these bright and colorful events that feature religious rites, traditional dances, and mask performances. Devotees frequently travel to holy places and monasteries on pilgrimages in search of blessings and spiritual comfort. The important festivals of Bhutan are as follows:
PARO TSHECHU -
A) WHEN - Held during March or April
B) WHERE - Paro, Bhutan (Paro Dzong)
C) WHY - To commemorate the birth anniversary of Guru Rinpoche.
NOMAD FESTIVAL -
A) WHEN - Held during March
B) WHERE - Bumthang, Bhutan
C) WHY - To celebrate the nomadic herders and their traditional way of life, showing their culture, customs and skills
THIMPU TSHECHU -
A) WHEN - Held during September or October
B) WHERE - Thimphu, Bhutan (Tashichho Dzong)
C) WHY - To commemorate the birth anniversary of Guru Rinpoche.
JAMBAY LHAKHANG DRUP -
A) WHEN - Held during October
B) WHERE - Jambay Lhakhang, Bhutan
C) WHY - To commemorate the birth anniversary of Guru Rinpoche.
GASA TSHECHU -
A) WHEN - Held during Spring
B) WHERE - Paro, Bhutan
C) WHY - To commemorate the birth anniversary of Guru Rinpoche
URA YAKCHOE -
A) WHEN - Held during May or June
B) WHERE - Ura Valley, Bhutan (Ura Lhakhang Monastery)
C) WHY - To honour Yakchoe, a protective local deity.
PUNAKHA DRUBCHEN -
A) WHEN - Held during February or March
B) WHERE - Punakha Dzong, Bhutan
C) WHY - To honour the victory of Bhutan in the Tibetan invasion of 17th century CE.
CHORTEN KORA FESTIVAL -
A) WHEN - Held during March or April
B) WHERE - Trashiyangtse, Bhutan (Chorten Kora Stup
A)
C) WHY - To honour the stupa that was built to honour a Bhutanese princess.
TRONGSA TSHECHU -
A) WHEN - Held during December or January
B) WHERE - Trongsa, Bhutan (Trongsa Dzong)
C) WHY - To commemorate the birth anniversary of Guru Rinpoche.
WANGDUE PHODRANG TSECHU -
A) WHEN - Held during Spring
B) WHERE - Wangdue Phodrang, Bhutan
C) WHY - To commemorate the birth anniversary of Guru Rinpoche.
MATSUTAKE FESTIVAL -
A) WHEN - Held during September
B) WHERE - Ura, Valley
C) WHY - To cherish the taste of Matsutake mushrooms, a Bhutanese delicacy.
GOMPHU KORA FESTIVAL -
A) WHEN - Held during March or April
B) WHERE - Trashigang, Bhutan (Gomphu Kora Temple)
C) WHY - To honour the victory of good over evil
DOCHULA DRUK WANGYEL FESTIVAL -
A) When - Held on December 13th
B) WHERE - Dochula Pass, Bhutan
C) WHY - To commemorate the victory of the Bhutanese armed forces over Indian insurgents in 2003; and to honour the martyrs.
THE ANNUAL BLACK NECKED CRANE FESTIVAL -
A) WHEN - Held during November.
B) WHERE - Phobjikha Valley, Bhutan (Gangtey Gonpa )
C) WHY - To honour the arrival of the black-necked cranes from Tibet
ZHEMGANG FESTIVAL -
A) WHEN - Held during November
B) WHERE - Zhemdang, Bhutan
C) WHY - To commemorate Guru Rinpoche through Bhutanese folklore.
TSIRANG TSHECHU -
A) WHEN - Held during April or May
B) WHERE - Tsirang, Bhutan (Tsirang Dzong)
C) WHY - To commemorate the birth anniversary of Guru Rinpoche.
LHUNTSE TSHECHU -
A) WHEN - Held during March or April
B) WHERE - Lhuntse, Bhutan (Lhuntse Dzong)
C) WHY - To honour the introduction of Buddhism to Bhutan by Guru Rinpoche.
KURJEY FESTIVAL -
A) WHEN - Held during late October or early November
B) WHERE - Bumthang, Bhutan (Kurjey Khakhang)
C) WHY - To commemorate the cave nearby where Guru Rinpoche meditated.
TAKIN FESTIVAL -
A) WHEN - Held during May or June
B) WHERE - Thimphu, Bhutan (Takin Preserve)
C) WHY - To honour the national animal of Bhutan, the Takin; which is a symbol of the unique biodiversity of Bhutan
PEMAGATSHEL FESTIVAL -
A) WHEN - Held during March or April
B) WHERE - Pemagatshel, Bhutan
C) WHY - To commemorate Guru Rinpoche.
BUMTHANG NIMALUNG TSHECHU -
A) WHEN - Held during June or July
B) WHERE - Bumthang, Bhutan
C) WHY - To commemorate the birth anniversary of Guru Rinpoche
SCRIPTURES - Apart from Kangyur and Tangyur; the Mahamudra Texts and various creation and realisation meditations-- the texts of the six yogas or treaties of Naropa (the yoga of psychic heat, the yoga of illusory body, the yoga of clear light, the yoga of consciousness transference or transmigration, the yoga of dreams, and the yoga of intermediate period); six- fold transmission of equal taste or instructions on experiencing the single taste of all phenomena (taking conceptualisation as a path, taking delusions as a path, taking illness as a path, taking gods and ghosts as a path, taking suffering as a path, and taking death as a path); and the seven-fold teachings of Tsangpa Jare on interdependence origination bestowed by the seven Buddhas (Vipasiyan, Sikhin, Visvabhu, Krakuccanda, Kanakumuni, Kasyapa and Sakyamuni) are practiced. These practices are exclusive to the Drukpa Tradition only and are still prevalent in Bhutan.
FAMOUS TEMPLES AND MONSTERIES- Kurjey Lhakhang - Kurjey Lhakang, alternatively known as the Kurjey Monastery, occupies a significant place within the Bumthang valley of the Bumthang district in Bhutan. This site serves as the eternal resting ground for the remains of the initial three Kings of Bhutan, bestowing upon it historical and cultural significance. Additionally, within the premises stands a prominent tree, behind one of the temple edifices, purportedly housing a terma, a treasure left behind by the revered figure Padmasambhava, adding to the spiritual aura and reverence associated with the monastery.
TAMZHING MONASTERY- The Tamzhing Lhündrup Monastery, alternatively known as Tamzhing Lhungrub Choling in the Bumthang District of Bhutan, stands as a prominent Nyingma gompa within the Bhutanese cultural and religious landscape.The foundation of the temple dates back to 1501, attributed to Pema Lingpa himself. The monastery complex comprises a temple and a vihara, although the structures are reported to be in a state of deterioration. Despite this, the monastery continues to accommodate a community of over 95 Buddhist monks, sustaining its role as a center for religious practice and study.
THE JAMPA TEMPLE - Also known as the Temple of Maitreya, is situated in Bumthang (Jakar), Bhutan. Legend has it that it is one of the 108 temples erected by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in 659 CE, all constructed on a single day to subdue an ogress and facilitate the spread of Buddhism. These temples were built atop the body parts of the demoness, spanning across Tibet, Bhutan, and neighboring regions. Notable among these temples are Jokhang in Lhasa, Kichu in Paro, Bhutan, and Jambay Lhakhang in Bumthang District.While some of the lesser-known temples in Bhutan have been lost to time, it's believed that remnants of the 108 temples may exist in places like Kongchogsum in Bumthang, Khaine in Lhuntse, and two temples in Haa District.
KYICHU LHAKHANG - Kyichu Lhakhang, alternatively referred to as Kyerchu Temple or Lho Kyerchu, holds a significant position as a Himalayan Buddhist temple located in the Lango Gewog of Paro Dzongkhag, Bhutan. With a rich historical legacy, the Jowo Temple of Kyichu stands as one of Bhutan's oldest temples, tracing its origins back to the 7th century. Constructed under the patronage of Tibetan Emperor Songtsen Gampo, the 33rd ruler of the Yarlung dynasty and a pivotal figure in Tibetan history, the temple is recognized as one of the 108 border taming temples attributed to his reign.
PARO TAKTSANG (TIGER'S NEST) - Paro Taktsang is a sacred Vajrayana Himalayan Buddhist site located in the cliffside of the upper Paro valley in Bhutan. It is one of thirteen Tiger's Nest caves in historical Tibet in which Padmasambhava practiced and taught Vajrayana. A later monastery complex was built in 1692 by 4th Druk Desi Tenzin Rabgey around the Taktsang Senge Samdup cave, where Guru Padmasambhava meditated and practiced with students including Yeshe Tsogyal before departing the kingdom of Tibet in the early 9th century CE. Today, Paro Taktsang is the best known of the thirteen taktsang or "tiger lair" caves in which he and his students meditated.
GANGTEY MONASTERY- Gangtey Gonpa or Gangtey Monastery, stands as a prominent institution within the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism; in Wangdue Phodrang District in central Bhutan. Each winter, the valley becomes a sanctuary for the majestic black-necked cranes, who grace the vicinity with their presence, a phenomenon marked by their traditional circling of the monastery three times upon arrival and departure, believed to be a gesture of reverence. With origins dating back to the early 17th century, Gangteng Monastery traces its lineage to the prophetic visions of the terton, Pema Lingpa, in the late 15th century CE. Gangteng Monastery fosters intellectual and academic pursuits through the establishment of a Nyingma monastic college, Do-ngag Tösam Rabgayling, situated above the village, further enriching the cultural and educational landscape of the region.
CHAGRI MONASTERY - Chagri Dorjeden Monastery, dates back to 1620, are intertwined with the visionary efforts of Ngawang Namgyal, the esteemed 1st Zhabdrung Rinpoche and the architect of the Bhutanese state. Nestled at the northern fringe of the Thimphu Valley, approximately 15 kilometers from the bustling capital, the monastery occupies a position of profound tranquility and natural beauty.
CHORTEN KORA -Chorten Kora stands as a significant stupa situated adjacent to the banks of the Kholongchu River, of Trashi Yangtse village in East Bhutan. In close proximity lies a town sharing the same name, adding to the cultural and spiritual allure of the area. Constructed during the 15th century by Lama Ngawang Lodrö, the nephew of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, Chorten Kora holds a profound historical significance rooted in legend and spirituality. Legend has it that the stupa was erected with the purpose of quelling the influence of a malevolent demon believed to have resided in the vicinity prior to its construction.
PRESENT STATUS- The concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH) originated with the Bhutan's 4th King, Jigme Singye Wangchuk, building on the legacy of his predecessor, Jigme Dorji,and the idea of "Gaki Phuensum" (Peace and Prosperity). Introduced in 1972, GNH prioritizes holistic development over GDP; emphasizing on wellbeing; as equally important to economy; consisting off Nine Pillars:
Psychological Wellbeing
Standard of Living
Health
Education
Cultural diversity and Resilience
Time Use
Good Governance
Community Vitality
Ecological Diversity and Resilience
Gross National Happiness Index was enacted on 18th July 2008; as a part of Bhutanese Constitution. Even the swift transformations within society, coupled advancements in technology, Bhutan remains steadfast in its dedication to striking a harmonious equilibrium between advancement and the safeguarding of its spiritual legacy. Measures such as the integration of mindfulness practices into educational frameworks and the fusion of sustainable development principles with Buddhist ethos are actively being explored. Collaborative efforts between Bhutan's governmental bodies and religious institutions are underway to ensure the enduring guidance of Buddhism in steering the nation towards both spiritual fulfillment and societal coherence.
ORGANIZATIONS -
BHUTAN FOUNDATION - Founded in 1986 and re-launched in 2002, the Bhutan Foundation; Thimpu with offices both in Thimpu and Washington, DC along with 40 partner organizations in Bhutan and more than 20 international partners. It focuses on Gross National Happiness, the immediate emerging needs of the population of Bhutan; the Bhutan Foundation is fundamentally aligned with the vision of His Majesty the King, the Royal Government of Bhutan.The primary focus of the Foundation, through all its program areas, is to build the professional capacity of Bhutanese citizens while supporting the work of government and civil society partners. The Foundation has no alignment with any political partyt political party. The Foundation's vision is Bhutan as a progressive society enriched by GNH values, and our mission is to enable the people of Bhutan to reach their full potential by developing local capacity and facilitating global support. The Bhutan foundation works in five important sectors:
Conserving the environment,
Preservation of culture,
Equitable development,
Good governance,
Creating greater awareness and understanding of Bhutan in the United States and around the world.
link -https://www.bhutanfound.org/about/
TARAYANA FOUNDATION - Founded by Her Majesty, The Royal Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk and formally launched by Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk, the then Crown prince of Bhutan in 2003. the foundation focused on integrating approach to addressing the whole spectrum of basic needs in vulnerable communities, such as housing, sanitization, and income generation.
link - https://www.tarayanafoundation.org/
BHUTAN NYO FOUNDATION - The foundation is registered with the Commission for Religious Organizations (CRO) in October 2017 under the Religious Organization's Act of Bhutan. It is an organizational body and a charity society of the Sumtrhang Monastery which was first founded by Nyö Gyelwa Lhanangpa and his son Nyöton Trulzhig Choje in the 1220s, and sustained by its successive line of hereditary incumbents called the Sumtrhang Choeje . The Foundation is aimed at working towards conservation and preservation of ancient spiritual thoughts and the cultural heritage of the kingdom. The key aims of the foundation are as follows:
Restoration and revival of the spiritual and cultural education of Sumthrang Monastery through the development of the monastery.
The continuous promotion of Buddhist teachings and Sumthrang's traditional Vajrakilaya practice and research.
The preservation and promotion of both tangible and intangible; cultural and heritage sites in Bhutan through sustaining indigenous tradition and cultural values through the propagation of Buddhist principles to bring about enlightened societies through documentation, research, education and development.
The promotion of green and organic initiatives to bring in environmentally and agriculturally organic society in Bhutan through Buddhist principles of co-existence with non-human spirits and nature.
The promotion and cultivation of religious and spiritual voluntarism into social benefit as through socially benevolent activities in the Bhutanese communities.
link - https://nyoefoundation.org/founded-by/
BHUTAN NUNS FOUNDATION -In 2009, under the Patronage and initiative of Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Tshering Yangdoen Wangchuck, the founding Executive Director, Dr. Tashi Zangmo, helped actualize the BNF as an organization, and today continues to guide and implement its plans and programmes. The mission of the Bhutan Nuns Foundation (BNF) is to empower and educate Bhutanese women and young girls who are in the nunneries.It focuses on improving the living conditions, health and well-being of nuns, provide quality education and services, and foster self-reliance.
link - https://bhutannuns.org/
GROSS NATIONAL HAPPINESS CENTRE BHUTAN - The GNHCB was established to bring into action the the vision and philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH) as introduced by His Majesty the Fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck in the early 1970s. The GNH Centre Bhutan (GNHC
B) is a non-profit civil society organization under the Patronage of Her Royal Highness Ashi Kezang Choden Wangchuck. It was registered under the Civil Society Organization Authority of Bhutan on 18 October 2012. Through the values of happiness; nationally and internationally it aims to transform learning to achieve sustainable societal change; therby creating a better world with true happiness; sustainability and compassion.
link- https://www.gnhcentrebhutan.org/
JAMYANG KHYENPA- MANJUSHRI'S INTENT - The Jamyang Khyenpa - Manjushri's Intent is a Buddhist organization in Bhutan, established under the auspices of Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Norbu Rimpoche. Its mission is to promote Buddhism, preserve the wisdom of the Buddha, and create opportunities for people to follow the path of enlightenment.
link - https://www.jamyangkhyenpa.org/
ZHUNG DRATSHANG: THE CENTRAL MONK BODY OF BHUTAN - In 1620; it was Zhabdrung Rinpoche who instituted the Sangha at Cheri, as the base for administration at the time. According to the Constitution of Bhutan, the Zhung Dratshang is an autonomous institution, financed by an annual grant from the Royal Government. At the head of this institution is His Holiness the Je Khenpo, the crown jewel of the religious hierarchy. The present Je Khenpo, His Holiness Ngawang Jigme Choedra, is the 70th in line and assumed office in 1996. He is assisted by five Lopen Lhengyes who are masters in specialized religious disciplines. They are the members of the Supreme Sangha Council and are conferred ranks equal to a government minister by the Constitution.
link - https://drukjournal.bt/zhung-dratshang-the-central-monk-body-of-bhutan/
BUDDHIST UNIVERSITIES
THE ROYAL UNIVERSITY OF BHUTAN - The Royal University of Bhutan (Dzongkha: འབྲུག་རྒྱལ་འཛིན་གཙུག་ལག་སློབ་སྡེ་; Wylie: 'brug rgyal-'dzin gtsug-lag-slob-sde), founded on June 2, 2003, by a royal decree, is the national university of Bhutan. CLCS, under the Royal University of Bhutan established in 1961 as a semi-monastic institution the College of Language and Culture Studies (CLCS) originally bore the name Institute for Language and Culture Studies (ILCS). Relocating to Semtoka Dzong in Thimphu, it has evolved into a comprehensive degree-granting college. CLCS, situated in Taktse, Trongsa, central Bhutan, it specializes in Buddhist Philosophy, languages, Bhutanese culture, Himalayan Studies, history, and research pertaining to Bhutanese language and culture.