Thousands of devotees have gathered at Kuensel Phodrang in Thimphu, where His Holiness the Je Khenpo is bestowing the month-long Kathrid Empowerment and Kyilchog Dorji Threngwa. The sacred teachings, which began on Monday, have drawn the faithful from across the country, with many seeking blessings, which they say may come only once in a lifetime.
From every corner of the country, devotees made their way to Kuensel Phodrang before dawn, carrying prayers, offerings, and long-help aspirations.
For the elderly in particular, the empowerment holds deeper meaning.
“As we age, we may not be able to receive such blessings as easily. We are grateful to all those who made this possible,” said Penjor, a devotee.
Another Devotee Sanga Lham said, “We seek the Kathrid empowerment to clear obstacles in this life and guide our path beyond.”
For those attending for the first time, the empowerment is a chance to take part in a centuries-old tradition and receive teachings they have long aspired to.
“I came from Punakha to attend this empowerment. This is my first time. I hope to receive blessings to clear all the obstacles and negativity,” said Mindu Dorji, a devotee.
“I am not fully aware of what Kathrid is, but I do know that we may not get another chance to attend such a ceremony,” said Dorji, also a devotee.
Beyond the blessings sought by individuals, the Kathrid Empowerment and Kyilchog Dorji Threngwa carry the weight of a tradition passed down through Bhutan’s successive Je Khenpo.
“For centuries, successive Je Khenpo have been bestowing the empowerment. So, to preserve this sacred tradition and uphold our identity as Bhutanese, we must continue to seek these blessings,” said Khenpo Thoepa Jamtsho, the vice president of Tango Buddhist University.
With around 30 thousand devotees expected each day, the organisers have put extensive arrangements in place – 13 large LED screens for clear viewing, more than 100 additional toilets, medical tents, and ambulances on standby.
According to the Central Monastic Body, the month-long teachings cover impermanence, karma, the importance of practising the Dharma, and other core Buddhist principles.
Deki Lhazom
