Yab Dhondup Gyaltshen and Yum Sonam Chuki attend the inaugural session of the 10th Annual Drukpa Council
Kathmandu, Nepal—His Holiness the Je Khenpo praised the spiritual unity and legacy of the Drukpa lineage at the opening of the 10th Annual Drukpa Council (ADC) at Druk Amitabha Monastery in Kathmandu, Nepal on December 28.
In a message delivered by Je Khenpo’s representative, Khenchen Tandin Sithub, His Holiness reflected on the essence of the Drukpa tradition, stating, “Half the population is Drukpa, half the Drukpa are begging mendicants, and half the begging mendicants are Siddhas.”
Khenchen Tandin conveyed the Je Khenpo’s heartfelt congratulations and prayers for the continued proliferation of the “Essential Teachings”, urging devotees to embrace their transformative potential.
Gyalwa Dokhampa Rinpoche, an advisor to the ADC, acknowledged that representatives from the Je Khenpo have attended every ADC since its inception in 2009, thanking the Zhung Dratshang (Central Monastic Body) for their ongoing support.
He emphasised Bhutan’s deep spiritual connection to the Drukpa lineage, where Mahayana Buddhism is central to its culture and identity.
According to Gyalwa Dokhampa, the ADC embodies the enlightened vision of the Gyalwang Drukpa, aiming to unite Drukpa masters, practitioners, scholars, and followers globally to foster harmony, preserve the lineage, and serve the Dharma. He stressed on the significance of this year’s event, as it was graced by the parents of Her Majesty the Gyaltsuen, Yab Dhondup Gyaltshen and Yum Sonam Chuki.
The ADC also enjoys strong political support, with Minister for Home Affairs, Tshering, attending to represent the government.
Lyonpo highlighted the importance of the Drukpa Kagyued tradition in Bhutan’s national identity. “Its teachings of compassion, mindfulness, and interdependence resonate deeply within the hearts of Bhutanese people, and connect to the country’s philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH).” Lyonpo Tshering also emphasised the shared heritage between Bhutan and Nepal, reinforcing a collective responsibility to preserve the teachings of the Drukpa lineage for all sentient beings.
He praised the ADC’s 10-year anniversary as a beacon of enlightenment and a platform for interfaith dialogue, essential for addressing contemporary challenges through Buddhist values.
The 1,000-year-old Drukpa lineage is one of the cornerstones of Vajrayana Buddhism, with over 1,000 monasteries across the Himalayan region.
Gyalwa Dokhampa pointed out that each monastery acts like a pillar of a stable house, emphasising the ADC’s role in preserving ancient wisdom while promoting spiritual practices in a rapidly modernising world.
Gyalwang Drukpa has been stressing ADC activities must be pure and apolitical, striving for the benefit of all, regardless of gender or race. Gyalwa Dokhampa noted that the Council’s significant focus on humanitarian initiatives, such as environmental preservation efforts like tree plantations and community service projects, including the globally recognised Kungfu nuns, who exemplify women’s empowerment.
Historically, the ADC is held in Nepal, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. The rich Buddhist heritage of Nepal is evident in the ancient Bouddhanath Stupa, which predated the birth of Buddha Shakyamuni. Since the 12th century, the Drukpa lineage has established roots in Nepal, fostering a resurgence of Drukpa monasteries and deepening ties between regions.
The ADC also facilitates renewed connections with over 65 Drukpa monasteries across Nepal, enhancing awareness of ancestral lineage and strengthening bonds between followers throughout the Himalayan region.
During the event yesterday, hundreds of monks, nuns, rinpoches, and devotees attended a talk by Khenchen Tandin Sithub on “Four Reliances” and the Four Teachings of Kadampa. The five-day programme, concluding on January 1, is rich with spiritual teachings, cultural performances, and humanitarian discussions.
Contributed by Rinzin Wangchuk