His Holiness the Je Khenpo conferred Dhar to appoint four Gerab Kheden Lopens at Tashichodzong in Thimphu today. They are equivalent to commissioners in the civil service. Similarly, a Tormai Lopen was also appointed.
41-year-old Tashi Tshering from Yebisa, one of the Gerab Kheden Lopens began his monastic education at the age of 7. He completed his primary studies at Dechenphodrang Lobdra in Thimphu. He then did his master’s at Tango Shedra and went for a three-year retreat at Drolung Goenpa. He also served as a senior lecturer for several years at the Institute of Science of Mind in Simtokha. Before his current appointment, he worked as the Lam Neten of Chhukha Dratshang.
Similarly, 50-year-old Khenpo Tashi Tshering from Babesa in Thimphu started monkhood at the age of 14 after leaving school. He completed his primary monastic education from Dechenphodrang Lobdra. He continued his Buddhist studies at the Sangchen Chhoekhor Shedra in Paro and Mysore University in India. He then completed a three-year retreat. He also served as a teacher for Talo Shedra and as the principal of Pelden Tashichoeling in Phuentshogling. He last worked as the principal of Phochu Dumra Lobdra in Punakha.
Likewise, 49-year-old Sonam from Gangtey Goenpa in Wangdue Phodrang joined Pungthim Dratshang when he was 14. He began his primary monastic education at Dechenphodrang Lobdra. He completed his master’s from Tango Buddhist College before entering a three-year retreat at Cheri. He also worked as a meditation teacher for Drolung Goenpa and as the principal of Tango Buddhist College. He then served as the vice president of Tago Dorden Tashithang Buddhist University. Before his current position, he was the principal of Cheri Monastery.
Similarly, 55-year-old Passang from Paro began his monastic life at a tender age. He completed his master’s from Tango Shedra before entering a three-year retreat at Cheri Goenpa. He worked as the principal of Doedeydra Shedra. He also worked in the finance section of the Central Monastic Body and as its General Secretary. Before his current appointment, he worked as the monk body’s auditor.
The Tormai Lopen is Kuenga from Punakha. He joined the monk body at 11 and continued his monastic education. He then completed a retreat at Cheri Goenpa. Before his new appointment, he worked as the Tormai Dordam.
