The Dorji Lopen of the Central Monastic Body presided over the purjang or funeral rites of former Yangbi Lopen Chimi at Khotokha Rinchenling Shedra in Wangdue Phodrang today. Other Lopens of the Zhung Dratshang, Truelkus, Lam Netens, and monks of Rinchenling Shedra also attended the funeral rites.
The health minister, parliamentarians, senior government officials, armed forces personnel, and local leaders attended the ceremony to pay their respects.
Hundreds of devotees also gathered to participate in the ceremony.
The former Yangbi Lopen Chimi entered Parinirvana in the early hours of the 9th of this month at Tsho Chhaksa Goenzhug Kipiling in Punakha.
He was 69 years old at the time of his passing.
The Kudung of the late former Yangbi Lopen was formally moved to his residence at Khotokha Rinchenling Shedra in Wangdue Phodrang on the 15th of this month.
The late Lopen served as Yangbi Lopen, now known as Laytshog Lopen, for around 13 years and is remembered for his invaluable contributions to the Zhung Dratshang.
Born in Ruebisa, Wangdue Phodrang in 1955, he joined the monk body at Wangdue Phodrang Rabdhey at the age of seven.
He received teachings and meditated on Mahamudra under the guidance of the 68th and the 69th Je Khenpo at Tango Drubdhey in Thimphu for three years.
He also served as principal at various monastic institutions across the country.
In 1999, His Holiness the 70th Je Khenpo appointed him as the Wangdue Phodrang Lam Neten.
After serving as Lam Neten for about three years, he became the Yangbi Lopen in 2002, a position he held until 2014.
In addition to his spiritual duties, the former Yangbi Lopen published a book titled “Kelzang Yid Ki Gatoen”, which was widely distributed in schools.
He also renovated several temples and monasteries, including Chungney Goemba and Khotokha Rinchenling Shedra in Wangdue Phodrang.
Changa Dorji, Wangdue Phodrang
Edited by Tshering Zam
