Courtesy of the Central Monastic Body of Bhutan
With boundless compassion and loving-kindness for all sentient beings, His Holiness the Je Khenpo has graciously consented to administer the sacred Kathrid Empowerment (Pith Instructions) and the Kyilchog Dorji Threngwa (Mandala Ritual of the Vajra Garland), coinciding with the auspicious 15th day of the fourth lunar month. This follows the earlier announcement made during the Kyilchog Dorji Threngwa Empowerment at Autshog Genzin Dratshang, that a similar empowerment would also be conducted in the western region.
Upon the humble request submitted on behalf of the nation and the people, His Holiness has agreed to bestow the initiation, transmission, and pith instructions (Kathrid), encompassing both the visual transmissions and the oral lineages passed directly from master to disciple. This rare and precious occasion is of immense spiritual significance, ensuring the continuity and preservation of the unbroken sacred lineages.
Preserving the Sacred Lineages
It is of utmost importance that both aspects of the Kathrid transmission are received and preserved in their complete and authentic form. Through His Holiness the Je Khenpo’s vast wisdom, profound realization, and compassionate acceptance, the teachings shine forth like the radiant sun, illuminating the minds of practitioners and dispelling all doubts.
The Hon’ble Prime Minister, Dasho Tshering Tobgay, on behalf of the nation and people of Bhutan, respectfully requested His Holiness the Je Khenpo to bestow these supreme transmissions and empowerments. With his deep wisdom and compassionate vision grounded in truth, His Holiness graciously accepted the request.
Furthermore, His Holiness will elucidate the profound outer, inner, and secret meanings of the teachings, bridging the wisdom of the great masters of the past with the understanding of the present-day assembly. By receiving these sacred instructions directly from His Holiness, the purity and integrity of the lineage will remain untainted and firmly preserved for future generations.
Detailed Schedule of the Initiation and Transmission
The sacred transmissions will consist of two principal components:
1. Kathrid Empowerment (Pith Instructions)
2. Kyilchog Dorji Threngwa (Mandala Ritual of the Vajra Garland)
The arrangements for the upcoming sessions are as follows:
Total Duration: 33 days
Commencement Date: 29th day of the fourth lunar month, JUNE 14, 2026.
Venue: Kuenselphodrang, Thimphu
In consideration of the large number of devotees and participants expected to attend, separate venues have been arranged on different days to facilitate the smooth and oderly conduct of the empowerment and transmissions:
The Kathrid Empowerment sessions will be held in Paro.
The Kyilchog Dorji Threngwa rituals will be conducted at Punakha Dzong.
The Profound Content of the Transmissions
The transmissions encompass the supreme teachings of both Sutra and Tantra traditions, particularly emphasizing the profound lineage teachings of the glorious Drukpa and Nyingma traditions.
1. The Three Inner Tantras
Maha Yoga
The path emphasizing the generation stage and the transformation of ordinary perception into sacred vision.
Anu Yoga
The completion stage teachings focusing on the subtle channels, winds, and essences.
Ati Yoga (Dzogchen)
The Great Perfection teachings revealing the primordial nature of pure awareness.
2. The Nine Vehicles of the Nyingma Tradition
The transmissions will cover the complete path of the Nine Vehicles, systematically arranged as follows:
The Three Outer Tantras
Kriya Tantra
Charya Tantra
Yoga Tantra
The Three Inner Tantras
Maha Yoga
Anu Yoga
Ati Yoga
The Three Foundational Vehicles
Shravaka Yana
Pratyekabuddha Yana
Bodhisattva Yana
These form the foundational paths leading toward individual and universal liberation.
Essential Preliminary and Specialized Practices
The teachings further include important cycles of practice and realization:
Ngöndro (Preliminary Practices): Purification of obscurations and accumulation of merit.
Ngoe Zhi (Core Realization Practices): Direct stabilization and recognition of pristine awareness.
Tendrel (Interdependent Connection Teachings): Understanding the profound dependent origination of reality and phenomena.
Spiritual Benefits and Auspicious Aspirations
Through receiving this profound Kathrid initiation and transmission, the blessings of the Three Roots the Lama, Yidam, and Khandro will inseparably merge with the minds of devoted practitioners. By engaging sincerely in these 33 days of sacred practice, the causes for removing both outer and inner obstacles will be firmly established.
This grand spiritual undertaking shall serve as a powerful cause for enduring peace, stability, harmony, and prosperity throughout the Kingdom. It will further contribute to the good health and long life of our beloved monarchs, the flourishing of the sacred Dharma, the wellbeing of all glorious Lamas, and the preservation of the ultimate teachings of the Buddha. May all participants approach these sacred teachings with unwavering devotion, pure conduct, and a unified aspiration toward supreme enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings.