Bhutan is preparing to host the Global Peace Prayer Festival this November, a two-week spiritual gathering that will bring together Buddhist masters, practitioners, and devotees from around the world. Central to the festival is the inclusive Vajrayana Buddhist Global Peace Prayer, set to unite all sects of Vajrayana Buddhism alongside other Buddhist traditions in a shared aspiration for world peace.
More than 60 eminent Buddhist masters have already confirmed their participation, underscoring the significance of the event.
Prayers at Changlimithang
The Global Peace Prayer will take place at the Changlimithang ground in Thimphu from November 4 to 10. Devotees will hear the prayers recited in multiple languages, reflecting the festival’s emphasis on inclusivity.
“The Buddhist community may follow different traditions, methods, and practices. However, we share a collective commitment to preserving the Buddha Dharma, with a common aspiration to contribute to nation-building and to serve the people, while also bringing benefit to all sentient beings,” said Choten Dorji, Laysthog Drungchen of the Central Monastic Body.
The opening day will feature the Jabzhi Dhoechog ritual at Kuenselphodrang, performed alongside Vajrayana prayers at Changlimithang. This ancient ritual, rooted in Buddhist mythology, is traditionally carried out to dispel obstacles and promote peace.
Ancient Rituals and Symbolism
During a recent talk in the capital, monks shared a story from Buddhist lore about Lord Indra’s realm, once plagued by unrest caused by the “four maras”—metaphors for inner desires, illusions, and defilements. According to the story, peace was restored when Lord Buddha advised the performance of the Jabzhi Dhoechog.
“The Jabzhi Gyelp is a ritual performed to ward off misfortunes and obstacles, including natural disasters, wars, and conflicts among nations. More broadly, it is conducted for universal peace and for the happiness of the nation, its people, and all sentient beings,” added Choten Dorji.
Key Highlights of the Festival
The program includes a series of significant spiritual events:
- November 11 – A Bazaguru recitation will be held at Changlimithang, coinciding with the birthday of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo.
- November 12–14 – His Holiness the Je Khenpo will preside over the Kalachakra empowerment, known as the Prayer for World Peace. The Kalachakra, or “Wheel of Time,” is one of the Buddha’s most profound teachings, symbolizing the interconnectedness of body, mind, earth, and cosmos.
- November 15–19 – The festival will conclude with His Holiness conferring Gelongma vows, or full ordination, upon nuns at Tshalumaphey in Thimphu.
Preparations are also underway for 400 ritual offerings—including effigies, miniature stupas, ritual cakes, and butter lamps—to be displayed at Kuenselphodrang as part of the ceremonies.
A Festival for Peace and Enlightenment
“The Global Peace Prayer Festival aims to bring universal peace in the short term, while in the long run, it seeks to help participants attain enlightenment. Therefore, it is crucial to take part in these events and offer prayers for the well-being of all sentient beings,” said Sangay Dorji, Laytshog Lopen of the Central Monastic Body.
With its combination of age-old rituals, symbolic offerings, and large-scale prayers, Bhutan’s Global Peace Prayer Festival is set to be both a cultural and spiritual milestone—one that seeks to radiate peace far beyond the nation’s borders.
