Bhutan’s ambitious Gelephu Mindfulness City is set to strengthen its spiritual and cultural foundations with the establishment of the Tara Retreat Centre, a sacred complex dedicated to prayer, meditation and the Buddhist principles of compassion and wisdom.
His Holiness the Je Khenpo bestowed sacred blessings upon the Sa Chu Bum Ter ceremony on November 8, marking an important step towards the establishment of the retreat centre. Her Majesty Queen Mother Sangay Choden Wangchuck graced the occasion.
Located in Dangling Chiwog under Umling Gewog, the proposed centre will be developed as a sacred abode of Jetsun Dolma, also known as Tara, the revered Buddhist goddess associated with compassion, protection and spiritual wellbeing.
The ceremony invoked blessings for prosperity, merit and auspicious conditions for the successful development of the project.
The retreat centre will be established under the spiritual guidance of the Laytshog Lopen of Bhutan’s Central Monastic Body.
Laytshog Lopen Sangay Dorji said the centre would welcome devotees from Bhutan and across the world, offering opportunities to seek blessings associated with longevity, prosperity, protection and spiritual wellbeing.
The architectural vision draws inspiration from the cosmic Vajra Cross, known locally as Dorji Gyatram, integrating traditional Buddhist symbolism with contemporary landscape design.
At the heart of the complex will stand the Jetsun Dolma Khorlo, or Tara Prayer Wheel, surrounded by prayer flags, landscaped gardens and an elevated sky trail.
A distinctive main temple featuring a thousand openings will symbolise Tara’s thousand compassionate eyes, representing her boundless compassion towards all sentient beings.
The project will also include specially designed Tara Retreat Cottages, providing peaceful spaces for meditation, contemplation and spiritual retreats.
These cottages will be integrated into sculpted earthen landscapes, with living spaces beneath the surrounding terrain and timber structures extending above ground.
Each cottage will feature a dedicated meditation area surrounded by natural elements, including water and greenery, creating an environment conducive to reflection and inner peace.
Development of the Tara Retreat Centre will take place in phases between 2026 and 2032.
The project is envisioned as an inclusive spiritual destination, welcoming individuals from diverse religious, cultural and national backgrounds.
Beyond serving Buddhist practitioners, the centre aims to introduce visitors to Bhutan’s spiritual traditions while promoting universal values of mindfulness, wisdom and compassion.
As Gelephu Mindfulness City develops, the Tara Retreat Centre is expected to play an important role in ensuring that Bhutan’s spiritual identity remains central to its vision of future development.
