Thimphu: Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena, the revered founder of the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre in Ladakh, joined an extraordinary gathering of monks, nuns, and devotees at the Global Buddhist Prayer in Bhutan — a monumental event marking the 70th birth anniversary of His Majesty the Great Fourth Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Singye Wangchuck.
Hosted by the Royal Government of Bhutan, the ceremony brought together representatives from all schools of Vajrayana Buddhism and the Theravada tradition, forming one of the most inclusive assemblies of Buddhist leaders in recent times. The multi-day peace prayer stands as a powerful expression of Bhutan’s deep-rooted commitment to unity, compassion, and inter-sectarian harmony.
Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena met with members of the Indian delegation accompanying the sacred relics of Lord Buddha, brought to Bhutan for public veneration — an offering that has profoundly moved devotees and strengthened the spiritual bridge between the two Himalayan neighbours.
By dawn, Changlimithang Stadium and Centenary Park were transformed into vast sanctuaries of devotion, with an estimated 85,000 to 100,000 people gathering daily in solemn prayer. The rhythmic chants of monks and the collective stillness of the faithful created an atmosphere of reverence rarely witnessed on such a scale.
The celebrations are also set to welcome Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose participation underscores the enduring spiritual and cultural ties between India and Bhutan.
For Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena — a global voice for peace, interfaith dialogue, and humanitarian service — the occasion echoed his lifelong mission to promote harmony through Buddhist teachings. The Global Buddhist Prayer, uniting thousands in shared devotion, stands as a living testament to that vision — a call for global peace resonating from the heart of the Himalayas.
