In a solemn ceremony held yesterday at the historic Tashichhodzong, the Dorji Lopen of the Central Monastic Body conferred prestigious titles and awards to three esteemed members of the monastic community, marking significant milestones in their spiritual and administrative journeys.
Among the honorees, 43-year-old Jestuen Wangdi from Trashiyangtse was officially appointed as the Vice Principal of Tengchen Choeling Nunnery College in Paro. Wangdi, who joined the Pung-Thim Dratshang at the tender age of 14, is a distinguished alumnus of the Tango University of Buddhist Studies. Prior to his new role, he imparted knowledge as a teacher at Dodeydra Shedra in Thimphu. His commitment to spiritual growth is further exemplified by his completion of a rigorous three-year retreat at Chari Drupdey under the esteemed guidance of His Holiness Je Thrizur Tenzin Dendup.
In addition to Wangdi’s appointment, 39-year-old Kinley Penjore from Wangduephodrang has been named the Midhey Zhabtog Lam of Takchu Goemba in Haa. Penjore embarked on his monastic education at the age of 13 and is also a graduate of the Tango University of Buddhist Studies. Before assuming his current position, he dedicated himself to teaching at Losel Sherubling Gyendhen Lobdra in Wangduephodrang, where he was revered for his dedication and pedagogical excellence.
The ceremony also saw the awarding of the Zen Liwang to 43-year-old Kencho Gyeltshen from Gasa. Gyeltshen’s longstanding service to the monastic community began when he joined the Pung-Thim Dratshang at the age of eight. A proud graduate of the Tango University of Buddhist Studies, he has held various significant roles, including serving as a secretary in both the Gasa and Pung-Thim Dratshang offices. Currently, he contributes his expertise to the Zhung Dratshang Preservation and Antiquities Conservation Centre, ensuring the preservation of Bhutan’s rich monastic heritage.
The conferral of Dhar and the Zen Liwang highlights the Central Monastic Body’s commitment to recognizing and promoting dedicated monastic leaders who uphold and advance the spiritual and educational missions of Bhutan’s Buddhist institutions. These appointments and awards not only honor the individual achievements of Wangdi, Penjore, and Gyeltshen but also reinforce the integral role of the monastic community in the cultural and spiritual fabric of the nation.
As Bhutan continues to navigate the delicate balance between tradition and modernity, the leadership and dedication of these newly appointed and honored monks will play a crucial role in guiding the younger generation of monastics and preserving the enduring legacy of Bhutanese Buddhism.
