Frequently Asked Questions

Bhutan is regarded as one of the last Buddhist countries where the Vajrayana tradition of Buddhism has flourished uninterrupted and undiluted since its arrival in the 7th century AD. Bhutanese culture, tradition, customs, history, and landscape bear the influence of Buddhism. This is attributed to the institutionalization of the Zhung Dratshang, or Central Monastic Body, since its founding over 400 years ago by Zhabdrung Rinpoche Ngawang Tenzin Namgyel, the “Father of the Nation.” Bhutan’s unification as a country, its codification of the laws, and the development of its dual system of governance all occurred after the establishment of this significant institution.

Although Bhutan had many great scholars and spiritual masters between the 9th and 17th centuries, none of them established a formal monastic community or Sangha in Bhutan. It was Zhabdrung Rinpoche who instituted the Sangha in 1620 as the base for administration at the time. In 1637 the Sangha was moved to Punakha Dzong, which today continues to serve as the winter residence or headquarters of the Zhung Dratshang, while Thimphu Tashichhoedzong serves as the summer residence. 

For centuries, Bhutan was ruled by either members of the Zhung Dratshang or by persons trained and educated in its monasteries. Until the institution of monarchy in 1907, members of the Sangha assisted the government in planning, and development, and decision-making. After the transition to democracy in 2008, the monastic contribution to the Royal Advisory Council was dissolved. Today, members of the Zhung Dratshang are not permitted to vote. Because any political party that wins democratic election becomes the patron of the Zhung Dratshang, its members have a duty to support whichever political party is duly elected.

Currently there are over 7,500 monks, nuns and Gomchens registered with the Dratshang. For centuries, monasteries were the only centers for formal learning. Skills learned and taught in monastic institutions are not only meant to enhance spiritual progress, but also prepare students to become self-sufficient, productive citizens. Monastic institutions, which span primary (Zhirim), secondary (Dingrim) and college (Thorim) levels, remain vital transmitters of knowledge. Students are taught ritual performances, arts and crafts, grammar, poetry, philosophy, meditation, and a series of codes of conduct that train them to become good human beings. The medium of instruction is still in Choekey, the classical language, and Dzongkha, the national language.  

The Zhung Dratshang plays a vital role in the spiritual and cultural lives of the Bhutanese people. In addition to religious practices, it participates in numerous programs for social wellbeing and makes significant contributions to non-governmental organizations and national Trust Funds. Monastic institutions provide scholarships to children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Many elderly are fed and sheltered by the monasteries and temples. The Zhung Dratshang is also an important custodian of Bhutan’s unique culture and language. Many historical buildings and sacred art and objects are in the care of the Dratshang and stewarded for future generations. Since almost every important occasion in the life of an average Bhutanese is invested with religious significance, monks visit households to perform rites during birth, marriage, sickness, death, construction of houses, consecration ceremonies, promotions, inaugural ceremonies, and other day-to-day functions. 

Monks and nuns are highly regarded by Bhutanese from all walks of life, and treated with great respect and devotion. In a rapidly-changing society adapting to globalization and modernization, they provide a counterweight of meaning, wisdom, and possibility. Their vital presence helps to maintain harmony between material and spiritual development, and the Zhung Dratshang’s contributions remain deeply ingrained in Bhutanese society, ensuring balanced growth and happiness in this small but singular Buddhist country.

Edited and reprinted from the Druk Journal with permission from Lopen Gembo Dorji, advisor to the Zhung Dratshang and its former Secretary General. 

This is an independent, non-religious initiative under the purview of the Zhung Dratshang, or Central Monastic Body, of Bhutan. We are not an incorporated nonprofit, but for purposes of fundraising we will be obtaining a nonprofit fiscal sponsorship in order to accept fully tax-deductible donations.