His Holiness the Je Khenpo, Trulku Jigme Choedra, turns 70 today. Enthroned as the 70th Je Khenpo in 1996, His Holiness is deeply respected for his spiritual guidance and reforms within the monastic community. To celebrate the occasion, the Lopen Lhengay of the Zhung Dratshang and the monastic community lit butter lamps and offered prayers. In this story, we look at the remarkable journey and some of the contributions of His Holiness to the nation.
Trulku Jigme Chhoeda was born on the fifth day of the 7th lunar month in 1955 at Drubtse Goenpa in Kurtoe. His Holiness was enthroned as the 70th Je Khenpo in 1996. Since then, he has become one of the most influential religious figures in the country.
Over the years, he has introduced reforms that lifted economic and social burdens for ordinary Bhutanese.
Among his most significant initiatives was the discontinuation of practices that required bereaved families to offer cash or goods during cremation rites, a change that brought immense relief to rural communities.
He also banned the serving of meat and alcohol at cremation grounds and restricted the import of meat during auspicious months, aligning spiritual practice with compassion and equality.
His Holiness personally visited every part of the nation, creating awareness on the retributions of meat and alcohol consumption, saving countless lives annually. His Holiness also established Tshethar Tshogpas and provided instructions and donations to set up the same.
The Zhung Dratshang, under the guidance of His Holiness, established Mithrub Lhakhang at the crematorium in Thimphu. This also reduced the burden on the bereaved families of not finding monks and a place to complete the funeral rites.
His Holiness has been instrumental in taking religion closer to the people through Moenlam Chenmo and oral transmissions.
Moreover, His Holiness made significant contributions to improving health services in the country by regularly donating medical equipment and extending other support to the health ministry.
His profound influence in preserving art and culture is evident in the poems, songs, and music he composed.
In recognition of his lifetime contributions, His Majesty The King awarded him the Order of the Druk Gyalpo, the nation’s highest civilian decoration, on 17th December 2018.
As the Chief Abbot of Bhutan for 29 years, His Holiness is the longest-serving Je Khenpo, and his enduring legacy continues to inspire the nation.
Samten Dolkar
