His Majesty The King, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), has granted Royal approval for three new spiritual projects, further strengthening Bhutan’s deep-rooted spiritual and cultural legacy. The announcement follows an official ceremony held this morning at Changangkha Lhakhang in Thimphu.
The Royal Kashos (edicts) were formally handed over by the Secretary of the Dratshang Lhentshog, Dasho Zangla Namgyel, during the ceremony attended by members of the GMC team. These new projects come in addition to the eight spiritual initiatives endorsed earlier this year, expanding the total number of sacred projects under development in GMC to fourteen.
Among the newly approved projects is Druk Ugyen Samye Ling, to be established under the patronage of Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche. The project aims to strengthen the Buddha Dharma, continuing Bhutan’s enduring spiritual heritage.
The Gelephu Maitreya Temple, led by Trulku Kunga Tenzin, will be a landmark of devotion to Maitreya Buddha—the embodiment of compassion and hope for future generations.
The third project, Tara Retreat Center, will be established by the Bhutan Tara Foundation under the patronage of Leytshog Lopen Sangay Dorji of the Central Monastic Body. The center will provide a dedicated space for Tara practice, meditation, and spiritual retreats.
These initiatives build upon the earlier eight projects that received Royal Kashos at Simtokha Dzong in May. Among them are two Royal Projects—the Gelephu Chorten and Guru Nangsid Zilnon Lhakhang—as well as the Tabab Chorten, initiated by the Central Monastic Body. Collectively, these 14 sacred developments will form the spiritual heart of Gelephu Mindfulness City.
Dasho Tashi Dorji, Head of Spiritual Affairs of GMC, expressed deep appreciation for the continued Royal support, saying that as these projects take shape, “we are very encouraged to see GMC’s spiritual vision already becoming a reality.”
Conceived as a visionary initiative, the Gelephu Mindfulness City Special Administrative Region aims to create a world-class, sustainable, and mindful economic hub in southern Bhutan. With plans for a Buddhist university, retreat centres, and spaces for reflection, GMC envisions a future where mindfulness and contemplation are woven into daily life, reflecting Bhutan’s timeless balance between spiritual and material progress.
