On Friday, marking the 67th birthday of His Holiness the Je Khenpo, the Central Monastic Body offered a thousand butter lamps at the Kuenray of the Tashichhoedzong. Led by the five Lopens, they also offered prayers for His Holiness’s longevity.
As part of the ceremony, two books – The Compassion of the Awakened One and Soeldeb Dhaypei Rimo – dedicated to His Holiness were released as well.
The Compassion of the Awakened One contains a biographical sketch of His Holiness and 25 great moments and deeds of the 70th Je Khenpo.
Tsugla Lopen Karma Rangdrol said Soeldeb Dhaypei Rimo is a collection of prayers and felicitations from across the monk body.
“It immortalises the deeds of His Holiness so that future generations will also have access to the country’s such rich history in a written form”.
In Sarpang, the district administration planted 108 saplings of 25 different medicinal plants at the Foothill Medicinal and Recreational Park in Samtenling Gewog.
His Holiness the Je Khenpo was born in Lhuentse in 1955, corresponding to the 5th day of the 7th Bhutanese month.
One of the earliest reforms of His Holiness as the 70th Je Khenpo is the initiation of Moenlam Chenmo.
In July 2000, His Holiness limited offerings including cash to the clergy during cremation ceremonies understanding the financial burden on the poor. His Holiness also established Tshethar Tshogpas and provided instructions and donations to set up the same.
Under the guidance of His Holiness, the Zhung Dratshang established a Mithrub Lhakhang at the crematorium in Thimphu. This reduced the burden on the bereaved families of not finding monks and a place to complete the funeral rites.
Besides, His Holiness contributed significantly to ensuring better health services in the country through regular donations of health equipment and other supports to the health ministry.
The influence of His Holiness in the preservation of art and culture is eminent through the poems, songs, and music His Holiness composed.
In 2018, in recognition of lifetime service to the nation, His Majesty The King conferred the country’s highest civilian decoration, the Order of The Druk Gyalpo, to His Holiness the Je Khenpo on behalf of the people of Bhutan.
Karma Wangdi
Edited by Sonam Wangdi
