The Bhutanese Leading the way.
In the 7th century AD, the legendary Buddhist King Songtsen Gampo of the Tibetan Empire is said to have built 108 temples in the border areas of Tibet to suppress a giant demoness blocking the spread of Buddhism. Four of them were built in Bhutan and are well-known religious and cultural centres.
Around 15 centuries later, another legendary Buddhist King of the modern era will build 108 giant chortens in a single day in Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC).
Much has been said and explained about the detailed religious and ritualistic significance of these chortens and the number 108, but they represent so much more.
While GMC will be a shiny, new and modern city, these 108 chortens will represent the very soul of the city, along with its other important Buddhist structures.
After the collapse and fading of the Tibetan Empire and, later, Sikkim, Bhutan is the sole Vajrayana Buddhist kingdom left. It now carries the responsibility of the state to enhance and strengthen something precious not only to Bhutanese people but also to many Buddhists across the world.
The 108 chortens also represent the determination and seriousness of a King and his people in making GMC a reality and securing Bhutan’s future.
The invitation to a diverse range of Buddhist leaders from different sects and countries shows a confident Bhutan opening itself up to the world and welcoming others.
The 108 chortens also demonstrate the unity and strength of the country and its people behind their King in this sacred project.
Bhutan is on the cusp of profound change, but unlike many others, we do not discard our rich past. Instead, we use it as a foundation of strength to build new structures and as a source of inspiration for the future.
In some respects, the 108 chortens will also bind together Bhutan’s past and its ambitious future.
While King Songtsen Gampo wanted to promote Buddhism, His Majesty will be taking Bhutan to the world and inviting the world in, too, demonstrating the importance and sacredness of the task before us in the form of GMC and Bhutan’s very future.
“Let not the Dharma remain trapped inside the high walls of a monastic elite or deep within the intellects of scholars. Bring it to the valleys, give it a simple phrase, and let every common citizen build it with their own hands.” – King Songtsen Gampo
