Buddhism in Bhutan
Mahayana Buddhism in its tantric form is the state religion of the Kingdom. Certain valleys in Bhutan were converted to Buddhism around 8th century. Second wave of conversion took place after the 12th century. Prior to the advent of Buddhism, various forms of animistic religions including Bonism were followed in Bhutan.
It is believed that Buddhism was first introduced in Bhutan when the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gembo built two monasteries - Kichu Lhakhang in Paro valley and Jampay Lhakhang in Chamkhar valley - in the 7th century. In the 8th century, Guru Pema Sambawa (also called Guru Rinpoche) arrived in Bhutan at the request of Sindhu Rajah of Bumthang to cure his sickness. Guru Rinpoche visited and meditated in many places in Bhutan. He is regarded as the second Buddha, and Bhutanese worship him through out Bhutan.
Bhutan is also widely believed to be “Baeyul” or the Hidden Land prophesized by Guru Rinpoche.
In the 13th century, Phajo Drugom Shigpo arrived in Bhutan bringing with him the Drukpa Kagyup sect of Buddhism which was founded in central Tibet few decades earlier by Tsangpa Garey Yeshi Dorji. After initial struggle with other schools, Phajo was successful in establishing the Drukpa school in Bhutan. He married a woman from Thimphu valley, and founded the first Drukpa monasteries at Phajoding and Tango.
Guru Thongdrol at Tashicho Dzong
Bhutan has been blessed by many sages and saints throughout the centuries. Thangton Gyalpo (The builder of Iron Bridges), Drukpa Kuenley (the “Divine Madman”), Longchen Rabjampa (The Buddhist philosopher), Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and Dorji Lingpa are famous religious figures who came to Bhutan from Tibet. Desi Tenzin Rabgye, Terton Pema Lingpa and Nagi Wangchuk were Bhutan born religious figures. Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyel unified the country under Drukpa in the 17th Century. Hence Bhutan came to be known as Druk Yul or The land of the Drukpas.
7th Century Jampay Lhakhang in Bumthang
The Buddhist faith has played and continues to play a fundamental role in the cultural, ethical and sociological development of Bhutan and its people. It permeates all strands of life. Annual festivals (tshechus and dromchoes) are spiritual occasions in each valley. They bring together the population of the district and are dedicated to either Guru Rimpoche or other protecting deities of Buddhism.
Throughout Bhutan, stupas and chortens line the roadside commemorating a place where Guru Rimpoche or another Shabdrung may have meditated or blessed. Prayers flags flutter on every hill tops.
