The Bhutanese Leading the way.
The 108 Chortens were seen as a spiritual endeavor and a part of the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC); however, the event has shown it is so much more now.
On the night of the event, it was not just around 200,000 Bhutanese at the Tendrelthang, but many stayed up late or got up early to witness the Chortens coming up.
There was a deep and profound sense of unity among Bhutanese, and as the morning dawned a realization also dawned that we have achieved something big not only in the Chortens but also within ourselves.
The getting together of so many eminent Buddhist masters from the Bon, Gelug, Kagyu, Nyingma and Sakya sects and also masters of Mahayana from other countries and Theravada by His Majesty is a masterstroke.
It not only brings about more credibility and strength to the mindfulness and spiritual aspect of the GMC but it also has a positive and unifying impact within Bhutan.
In some sense the presence of so many spiritual masters from various sects was the true groundbreaking of the mindfulness aspect of GMC. It is no wonder that Gyalwang Karmapa himself has declared Bhutan a global Buddhism destination.
The move not only shows the strategic genius of His Majesty but also his large heart and open mind, and in this he was ably supported by His Majesty The Fourth King, Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen and other members of the Royal Family.
The completion of the 108 Jangchub Chortens has also given Bhutan an important national sense of self-confidence which was much needed.
The Mindfulness aspect of GMC is also very smart thinking as while we may struggle and take time to convince the world we are a financial or business city, we do not have to work as hard on the mindfulness aspect and this can be our USP.
Another outcome of the 108 Chortens is that Bhutan has not only demonstrated its resolve over GMC, but also gained many new international friends and well-wishers.
“You keep going. That is the Bodhisattva’s way. As long as it benefits even one being you have to, without any sense of discouragement, go on.”
— 16th Gyalwang Karmapa
