Over the past eight months, the vision to raise 108 Jangchub Chorten in a single day has moved through site selection, groundbreaking ceremonies, the preparation of sacred zung and the coming together of people from Bhutan and beyond. Now, with November 1 just days away, the initiative’s journey from its beginnings to the final preparations is coming into view, ahead of a day that will bring thousands together in a collective offering.
On February 21 this year, His Majesty The King announced the initiative to raise 108 Jangchub Chorten simultaneously along the Mao River in Gelephu Mindfulness City, in a single day, carrying a shared spiritual aspiration for peace, compassion and happiness for all sentient beings.
A month later, on March 24, His Majesty The King, accompanied by His Royal Highness Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck and GMC officials, visited the site identified for the initiative.
With the site identified, the initiative began moving from vision to action. And as the vision began to take shape, offerings started to arrive.
Contributions began coming in from Bhutan and abroad. While some offered financial support to sponsor stupas, others gave what they could, making the initiative deeply personal.
For 71-year-old Pema Gyaltshen, the opportunity to contribute was meaningful in itself. His offering was modest in amount, but significant in what it represented: a chance to be part of a vision he deeply believes in.
“I have contributed various coins from around the world. I have also contributed my late mother’s bjuru (necklace) and Nu 100,000. I contributed because this initiative by His Majesty The King is for all sentient beings,” said Pema Gyaltshen, a resident of Thimphu.
The spirit of giving did not stop at Bhutan’s borders. Foreigners also came forward with contributions and chorten sponsorships, showing how a shared spiritual aspiration could bring together people from different backgrounds.
As support grew, preparations also moved forward at the sacred sites.
Groundbreaking ceremonies for the 108 Jangchub Chorten were held at three locations in Gelephu, led by the Dorji Lopen, Tsugla Lopen and Laytsho Lopen, seeking blessings from local deities for the safe and successful completion of the initiative.
Meanwhile, spiritual preparations continued at Sarpang Dzong. On June 18, 20 Zung Lopen from across the country began preparing the sacred zung, relics to be placed inside the 108 stupas.
The process includes rolling sacred scriptures and mantras by hand and preparing other religious items. The Central Monastic Body also invited the public to contribute.
For many, the journey will lead them to Gelephu, where they will offer prayers and contribute in whatever way they can. For others, the journey may not be possible, but their prayers will travel just as far.
“Only my wife and I live at home, so we have decided that she will go to Gelephu. If both of us go, there will be no one left at home. I will stay back and spend the day praying and lighting butter lamps,” said Karma, a resident of Samdrup Jongkhar.
Phuntsho Wangdi, a resident of Trashigang, also said he will not be able to attend. “I had hoped to attend, but due to work commitments and illness, I will not be able to participate. However, even though I cannot be there in person, I will pray and offer butter lamps for the occasion,” he said.
In a few days, 108 Jangchub Chorten will rise along the Mao River. They will stand not only as sacred monuments, but as enduring symbols of faith, devotion and a shared prayer for the world. For generations to come, this will be remembered as a remarkable moment in history, brought to life through the collective faith and efforts for the well-being of all humanity.
Deki Lhazom and Sangay Chozom
Edited by Phub Gyem
