As the 70th Je Khenpo and the country’s Jewel of Refuge, the past 25 years of His Holiness have been defined not just with the strengthening and consolidating the Buddha Dharma. They have been equally about reforms in the clergy of which people from all walks of life have been the direct beneficiaries.
One of the earliest reforms of His Holiness as the 70th Je Khenpo is the initiation of Moenlam Chenmo more than two decades ago. The practice of offering Mega Devotional Prayers was to promote World Peace and uphold the dual system of governance in the country so that the citizens can continue to enjoy unprecedented peace and happiness. Ultimately, it was to liberate all sentient beings. His Holiness also provided the seed fund for conducting the ceremony.
In July 2000, understanding the financial burden on the poor, His Holiness limited offerings including cash to the clergy during cremation ceremonies. Two years later, on the initiative of His Holiness, Bhutan banned the sale of meat during auspicious days and months of the Bhutanese calendar. 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 reduced the burden on the bereaved families of not finding monks and a place to complete the funeral rites.
Besides, His Holiness contributed significantly to ensuring better health services in the country through regular donations of health equipment and other supports to the health ministry.
The influence of His Holiness in the preservation of art and culture is eminent through the poems, songs, and music His Holiness composed.
In recognition of his lifetime service to the nation, His Majesty The King conferred the Highest Civilian Decoration in the country, the Order of The Druk Gyalpo, to His Holiness the Je Khenpo, on behalf of the people of Bhutan in 2018.
Sonam Wangdi
