Dorji Choden

His Majesty the King awarded the Druk Thuksey (Heart of son of Bhutan) Medal to former Tshugla Lopen Samten Dorji at the 117th National Day celebration at Changlimithang in Thimphu yesterday.

Lopen Samten Dorji was appointed as the first Tshugla Lopen of the Central Monk Body in 2005 by His Holiness the 70th Je Khenpo and served until November 2020.

Reflecting on the award, Lopen Samten Dorji  said: “I am deeply overwhelmed and humbled. It is a prestigious gift from His Majesty.  I am incredibly grateful. I also feel a sense of responsibility to live up to it.”

“This award is the most precious blessing of my life, especially since it was presented on National Day by His Majesty the King. It is the highest honour I could ever receive, and I will carry it with pride and gratitude for the rest of my life,” he added.

Lopen Samten Dorji was born in 1964 in Serzhongna village, Punakha. He began his monastic journey at the age of eight.

He completed his primary monastic education at Pungthim Dratshang and Dechenphodrang Monastery School.

At 16, he joined Tango Shedra to study Buddhist philosophy and later continued his studies in Sikkim and Bir at Dzongsar Khentse’s Shedra, specialising in Buddhist subjects like Uma, Tshema, Ngoenpa, and Pharchhin.

Returning to Bhutan, he was appointed the youngest and first principal of Dodedra Shedra, a role he held for four years.

He then moved to Chagri Meditation Centre, where he received teachings from His Holiness Je Thrizue Tenzin Dendup and completed a three-year Losum Chhoesum retreat.

Following this, he served as the Principal of Chagri Meditation Centre for four years before being transferred to Tango Buddhist College, where he worked as vice principal for four years and principal for another five years.

Currently, Lopen Samten Dorji serves as the Royal Tutor for His Royal Highness the Gyalsey.