Thimphu [Bhutan], November 5 (ANI): On the second day of the Global Peace Prayer Festival in Thimphu, the rare Jabzhi Dhoechog ritual is being performed at Kuenselphodrang (Buddha Point) in the capital. This elaborate ceremony, seldom conducted on such a large scale, is dedicated to promoting global peace and happiness.
The ritual combines peaceful offerings with wrathful protection rites to heal, cleanse, and purify the body, speech, and mind from negative karma. Meanwhile, the Global Peace Prayer is underway at Changlimithang Ground, featuring seven days of non-sectarian Vajrayana Buddhist prayers representing all schools and traditions of Buddhism.
The first day of the Global Peace Prayer Festival 2025 concluded on a spiritual note as Bhutan’s King graced the inaugural ceremony at Changlimithang Stadium on Tuesday. Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay also attended the opening, marking the start of a 13-day international spiritual gathering dedicated to fostering peace, compassion, and harmony.
Organized by the Royal Government of Bhutan, the festival runs from November 4 to 17 and brings together Buddhist leaders, practitioners, and peace advocates from around the world. It seeks to unite spiritual representatives from all Buddhist traditions to encourage compassion and understanding in a world increasingly divided by conflict.
The Global Peace Prayer Festival includes sacred rituals, a non-sectarian Global Peace Prayer, the mass recitation of Bazaguru, public blessings, and the Kalachakra Empowerment. Eminent lamas, scholars, and practitioners from Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana traditions are participating, reflecting Bhutan’s effort to channel the transformative power of loving-kindness and awareness for global harmony.
At Changlimithang Ground, representatives from various Buddhist sects are joining in a unified Global Peace Prayer, offering prayers for world peace in multiple languages, including English, Tibetan, and Dzongkha. Simultaneous translations are being provided during teachings and empowerments.
The highlight of the festival will be the Kalachakra Initiation and Empowerment, presided over by His Holiness the Je Khenpo. It will include profound teachings on the sacred connection between individuals and the universe, emphasizing the innate Buddha nature present within all beings.
The festival will also feature the Bhikkhuni Ordination, known as the Gelongma Ordination, during which more than 250 Buddhist nuns from across the world will be ordained by His Holiness the Je Khenpo at the Training and Resource Centre of the Bhutan Nuns Foundation in Tshalumaphey, Thimphu. This marks the second such ordination organized by the foundation for Mahayana Buddhist nuns, underscoring Bhutan’s growing role in advancing gender inclusion within monastic traditions.
In addition to the main ceremonies, the festival includes an exhibition of Kalachakra art and artifacts and scholarly seminars on the Kalachakra tradition. These events highlight Bhutan’s enduring commitment to preserving and sharing Buddhism’s spiritual heritage.
Bhutan’s Global Peace Prayer Festival stands as a historic occasion of unity, devotion, and collective healing, offering a powerful message of compassion, faith, and hope in an increasingly divided world. (ANI)
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