A new spiritual destination envisioned as a landmark within Gelephu Mindfulness City is taking shape in the south. The Dewachen Spiritual Centre aims to establish a world-class sanctuary for spiritual practice, learning, retreat and contemplative living, rooted in Bhutan’s Buddhist heritage. The centre formally introduced its vision and plans to the public in Thimphu yesterday.
Dewachen Spiritual Centre is one of eight new spiritual projects approved for Gelephu Mindfulness City by His Majesty The King.
The project takes inspiration from the concept of Dewachen Zhingkham, the Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha. Its vision is to create a major centre for meditation, Dharma learning, spiritual practice, retreat and awakening.
The design combines traditional Bhutanese architecture with modern facilities and sacred landscapes.
“In October we will have a groundbreaking ceremony, which will be presided over by His Holiness Je Khenpo. So after that, maybe we will engage the firm within the country, or from outside the country,” said Tshering Kezang, CEO, Dewachen Spiritual Centre Limited.
The centre will be built at Kenchogling in Gelephu Mindfulness City. The site covers about 30 acres. It is around 25 kilometres from Gelephu town and eight kilometres from Sarpang town.
Situated on a hilltop, the site offers wide views of the surrounding valley.
The planned development includes an Amitabha Temple Square, a viewpoint and a retreat centre. It will also have a wisdom hub, visitor centre, guest house, Dharmika Homes, Lotus Lake and the Jangchub Old Age Home.
“It will act as a core centre for practice for those thousand devotees in Bhutan and under the Zhung Dratshang,” said Jamba Gyeltshen (PhD), Team Member, Dewachen Spiritual Centre Limited.
The project is also planned around the natural landscape, with an emphasis on ecological protection and sustainable development.
With the groundbreaking ceremony expected this month, the project is now moving from planning towards construction.
Anita Chettri
Edited by Sonam Pem
