NGAWANG JAMPHEL| Samdrup Jongkhar
Popularly known as the “Prostration Man,” a Bhutanese spiritual practitioner has been leading a Yonchap (saffron water) offering in Bodhgaya for the past three years in support of His Majesty The King’s vision of the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC).
The initiative began following His Majesty’s National Day address, during which the GMC was announced. At the time, the organiser was in Bodhgaya, where he spends the winter every year. On the day of the address, he stayed in his room to watch the speech live online.
He said the address deeply inspired him and created a strong wish to support the King’s vision through spiritual means.
Being in Bodhgaya—a sacred Buddhist site where Rinpoches and practitioners from around the world gather for prayers—he decided to combine collective aspiration prayers with Yonchap offerings to help remove obstacles and support the smooth realisation of the GMC project.
“I was deeply moved by His Majesty’s vision for the future of Bhutan and felt it was my responsibility to contribute in a meaningful way,” he said.
In its first year, the initiative was organised with the help of two friends from Poland and one from Germany. Each contributed Nu. 15,000. With this amount, the group purchased around 4,000 steel cups, buckets and saffron and carried out the Yonchap offering for 35 days in Bodhgaya.
The initiative received mixed reactions. Some people questioned the use of time, money and resources, while others appreciated the spiritual value of the offering.
“Many people criticised us at the beginning, but our intention was sincere and based on faith and aspiration,” the organiser said.
Despite criticism, the group continued and successfully completed the first year of offerings.
The initiative expanded significantly in the second year. Funding came from the organiser’s sale of mani dungkor in Bhutan and contributions from well-wishers.
As part of the expansion, 8,000 steel cups engraved with “OM AH HUNG” and a cross vajra were prepared. Around 800 metres of Men-Tsee yellow cloth were also purchased, along with large buckets, chairs, tables and two kilograms of saffron.
With the support of volunteers, the second-year Yonchap offering was completed successfully. The total cost, including accommodation, food, transportation from Bhutan to Bodhgaya and pilgrimage travel, amounted to approximately Rs. 14 lakhs.
After completing the offerings, volunteers were taken on pilgrimages to important Buddhist sites, including Varanasi, Kushinagar, Sarnath, Vaishali, Nalanda and Vulture’s Peak.
This year marks the third and largest edition of the initiative, known as “Yonchap Moenlam Chenmo.” The programme has been organised in a more structured manner, with information banners explaining GMC and the meaning of Yonchap, along with a Yonchap Moenlam book.
Every morning from 6:00 am to 8:30 am, the Yonchap offering is conducted, followed by collective prayers. These include Tashi Tshekpa, prayers to the Eight Bodhisattvas, Sixteen Arhats and His Majesty’s Long-Life Prayer, among others.
With support from Laysho Lopen Rinpoche, 30 Desuup volunteers are participating this year. In total, 36 volunteers are involved, including participants from Poland, Germany, Thailand, Vietnam and Ladakh.
“I am grateful to all the volunteers, especially the Desuups, for their discipline and commitment throughout the programme,” the organiser said.
To recognise their service, an eight sacred-site pilgrimage, including Lumbini in Nepal, has been arranged. The full programme runs for about 50 days, from December 9 to January 30.
Funding for the initiative has mainly come from prayer wheel sales, support from international friends and small donations from Bhutanese well-wishers through social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook and WeChat. This year’s total expenditure is expected to exceed Nu. 25 lakhs.
As the team leader and coordinator, the organiser is responsible for managing daily operations, volunteers and finances. Daily expenses alone amount to a minimum of Nu. 50,000.
“Managing daily expenses and logistics is challenging, but I am fortunate to have friends who continue to support the initiative,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to the Kidu medical team for providing timely medical care to volunteers whenever needed.
As of now, 25 days of Younchap offerings have been completed, with a few days remaining. Organisers said the programme is progressing as planned, guided by collective prayer, volunteer support and a shared aspiration to contribute to His Majesty’s long-term vision for Bhutan.
