The former Laytshog Lopen of the Zhung Dratshang, Chimi, entered parinirvana in the early hours of Monday at the Goenzhug Kipiling in Punakha. The late Laytshog Lopen remained in Thukdam for three days. He served as a Yangbi Lopen, now known as Laytshog Lopen, for about 13 years and is remembered for his invaluable contributions to the Zhung Dratshang.
The former Yangbi Lopen was 69 years old when he entered parinirvana.
Born in Ruebisa, Wangdue Phodrang, he joined Wangdue Rabdhey at the age of seven. He served in the Dratshang for 18 years, where he learned to conduct rituals, play ritual instruments, perform mask dances, and prepare ritual cakes.
At 19, he received teachings and meditated on Mahamudra under the guidance of the 68th Je Khenpo, Jetsun Tenzin Dhoendup, and the 69th Je Khenpo, Geshe Gedun Rinchen, at Tango Drubdhey for three years.
He also served as Principal in various monastic institutions across the country.
In 1999, His Holiness the 70th Je Khenpo appointed him as the Wangdue Phodrang Lam Neten. After serving in this role for about three years, he became the Yangbi Lopen in 2002, a position he held until 2014.
Additionally, the former Yangbi Lopen published a book titled “Kelzang Yid Ki Gatoen”, which was widely distributed in schools.
According to the Zhung Dratshang, the late Lopen regarded this as a meaningful achievement in his life, believing that the book may have helped young people cultivate good values and develop a positive attitude towards serving the Tsa-Wa-Sum.
He also renovated several temples and monasteries, including Chunglek Goemba and Khotakha Rinchenling Shedra in Wangdue Phodrang.
According to the Central Monastic Body, the late Lopen’s remains will be taken to his main residence at Khotakha Rinchenling Shedra on Sunday.
“Lopen Chimi was one of the most important figures in the Central Monastic Body. Moreover, he contributed to many essential activities in the country. During his time, he introduced several transformations, including improvements in human resources, reserves, and asset management systems. We are still using his system in the Dratshang today,” said Thukten Jamtsho, media and ICT officer at the Central Monastic Body.
The funeral pyre of the late Yangbi Lopen, Chimi, will be lit on the 28th of this month at the Khotakha Rinchenling Shedra.
Karma Wangdi
Edited by Sherub Dorji
