Initiated by His Majesty The King, 108 Jangchub Chorten or stupas will be raised simultaneously at the Gelephu Mindfulness City on 1st November. According to the GMCA Spiritual Workstream, so far, sponsors have been secured for more than 50 stupas. Following requests from the public, arrangements are now made for families, groups, communities and individuals in Bhutan and abroad to take part in the initiative. The sacred initiative is dedicated to peace, harmony, and enlightenment for all beings.
Each Jangchub Chorten will stand 15 metres tall. They will be placed 108 metres apart in a single line along the Mao River. The cost for raising one stupa is USD 200,000.
People can participate in this initiative through four contribution options.
The first is Individual Premium Sponsorship. Under this category, people can contribute more than 200 thousand US dollars and choose a preferred stupa number from among the 108. They can dedicate the stupa to a name of their choosing, with its inscription on the stupa. Besides, they will receive formal recognition and an invitation to participate in the event.
The second option is Individual Full Sponsorship. This is set at USD 200,000, which is the cost for raising one stupa. Like the premium category, sponsors may dedicate the stupa to a chosen name, receive the inscription, and be formally recognised and invited to participate.
The third is Shared Sponsorship. This requires a minimum contribution of USD 20,000. Under this option, multiple participants jointly sponsor a single stupa and share in the dedication and recognition. This option is described as ideal for families, groups, and Dharma communities wishing to participate together.
The fourth option, Community Offering, is an open category welcoming contributions of any amount from individuals wishing to collectively support the initiative.
“So far, we have already registered around more than 50 individuals who want to sponsor the stupas. We have sponsors for more than 50 stupas. There are also request from communities that opportunities should be given to each and every individual even if it is a small contribution so that they can offer their prayers for the great initiative that is coming up,” said Dasho Tashi Dorji, Lead Spiritual Workstream, GMCA.
According to the GMCA Spiritual Workstream, the majority of the sponsors secured so far are from outside Bhutan.
Several bank accounts have also been opened for fundraising. GMC-authorised accounts have been set up with DK Bank and the Bank of Bhutan. Contributions can also be made through an online crowdfunding link with the Royal Securities Exchange of Bhutan.
“We are opening up the crowd funding, if any organisation or individual is interested, if they want to initiate crowd funding they to need seek permission from GMCA and then we allow them to do. For example, at the moment, we have de-suups who are organising crowd funding within their own community,” added Dasho Tashi Dorji, Lead Spiritual Workstream, GMCA.
The simultaneous raising of all 108 Jangchub Chorten is expected to mark a significant spiritual event at the Gelephu Mindfulness City, reflecting Bhutan’s continued emphasis on mindfulness, compassion, and spiritual heritage.
Sangay Chozom
Edited by Sonam Wangdi
