The first round of the National Kurim at the Gelephu Mindfulness City concluded today with a volunteer service programme. Led by the Dorji Lopen, more than 650 Sangha members participated, reaffirming their support for His Majesty The King’s vision.
Hundreds of monks gathered early today, but this time, not for prayers. Wearing hats and armed with sickles, they arrived at the Gelephu Mindfulness City for a different offering, voluntary service.
Under the leadership of the Dorji Lopen and Tshogki Lopen, the air once filled with prayers was replaced by the sound of work.
Speaking on the sidelines of the programme, Tshogki Lopen of the Central Monastic Body said the Sangha felt it was important to contribute beyond prayers.
“We saw many people offering their zhabtog to the project, and we also wanted to contribute. And today, we are not only supporting the project through prayers, but also by offering our physical service. This is the least we can do for the betterment of the project,” said Tshogki Lopen Sangay Khandu.
Monks participating in the programme said they had long awaited an opportunity to directly contribute to the Gelephu Mindfulness City.
“Gelephu Mindfulness City is a noble initiative envisioned by His Majesty The King. We have always wanted to be part of it, and today we finally had that opportunity. Taking part in both the Kurim and the voluntary service makes us feel truly happy and fulfilled,” said Yeshi Singey, Monk, Mongar.
“I have long wished to take part in such voluntary services. Until now, I had only seen others contribute, and today, being able to participate myself makes me very happy,” said Ugyen Lhendup, Monk, Samdrup Jongkhar.
The Zhung Dratshang also announced that another round of National Kurim is planned very soon, which is expected to involve more than 5,000 Sangha members, along with a larger volunteer service programme.
“This will not be the last. We hope to conduct another Kurim very soon, possibly within this year, and once again carry out volunteer services, with a larger number of volunteers,” said Tshogki Lopen Sangay Khandu.
In addition, the Zhung Dratshang and the Regional Rabdey Dratshangs have donated Nu 1 M towards the construction of the Gelephu Dzong, also known as the Shambhala Dzong, at the Gelephu Mindfulness City, further reaffirming their support for the landmark national project.