Bhutan’s Buddhist leadership marked Vesak on both international and national stages this week, underscoring the country’s dual commitment to global dialogue and domestic spiritual practice.
Nineteen District Abbots, known as Lam Netens, represented the Central Monastic Body of Bhutan at the 21st United Nations Day of Vesak Celebration in Bangkok. The gathering brought together Buddhist leaders from across the world to highlight unity and sustainable development.
Back home, His Holiness the Je Khenpo presided over the 9th Thimphu Monlam Chenmo at Buddha Dordenma in Kuenselphodrang, joined by His Eminence Sangay Dorji, the Laytshog Lopen. The prayer festival drew thousands of devotees in a collective call for peace and merit-making.
Helping to represent the Laytshog Lopen is a rising figure in Buddhist scholarship and administration, Ven. Choten Dorji, Secretary of the Monastic Council for Administration and Development Affairs. Dorji holds advanced degrees in Buddhist studies from Thailand and a doctorate in textual studies from Mahidol University in Bangkok. He has coordinated projects documenting Bhutan’s living Buddhist masters, translated key texts into Dzongkha, and organized international prayer festivals in Thimphu.
Dorji’s work reflects Bhutan’s growing role in bridging traditional monastic practice with international Buddhist initiatives, ensuring the country’s heritage remains vibrant and accessible in a global context.
The dual observances—one abroad and one at home—highlight Bhutan’s effort to balance its spiritual traditions with its role in the global Buddhist community.
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