The global peace prayer festival in Bhutan will unite Buddhist traditions for world peace
DAWA ZANGMO | Thimphu
hutan is preparing to host the Global Peace Prayer Festival this November, a two week spiritual event expected to draw Buddhist masters, practitioners, and devotees from around the world.
A key highlight of the festival is the inclusive Vajrayana Buddhist Global Peace Prayer, which will bring together diverse sects of Vajrayana Buddhism along with other Buddhist traditions under one collective aspiration for peace and harmony.
The event is being organized on a grand scale, with over 60 eminent Buddhist masters already confirming their participation.
This large-scale spiritual gathering will feature a series of rituals, prayers, and teachings, including the profound Kalachakra empowerment widely known as the Prayer for World Peace.
The Vajrayana Buddhist Global Peace Prayer will take place at the Changlimithang ground in Thimphu from November 4 to November 10.
During these seven days, practitioners and devotees will participate in prayers recited in languages familiar to them, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all attendees.
Explaining the significance of the event, Laytshog Lopen Sangay Dorji of the Central Monastic Body said, “The Buddhist community may follow different traditions, methods, and practices. However, we share a collective commitment to preserving the Buddha Dharma, with a common aspiration to contribute to nation building and to serve the people, while also bringing benefit to all sentient beings.”
The festival will commence on November 4 with the Jabzhi Dhoechog ritual at Kuenselphodrang. Simultaneously, Vajrayana prayers will begin at Changlimithang, setting the tone for the days to come.
“The Global Peace Prayer Festival aims to bring universal peace in the short term, while in the long run, it seeks to help participants attain enlightenment. Therefore, it is crucial to take part in these events and offer prayers for the well-being of all sentient beings,” the Leytshog Lopen said.
Explaining a traditional story was recounted to illustrate the importance of the Jabzhi Dhoechog ritual. The story describes Lord Indra’s realm once facing chaos and unrest caused by the influence of the four ‘maras’ forces that symbolize inner defilements, temptations, and illusions.
Seeking guidance, the deities approached Lord Buddha, who explained that performing the Jabzhi Dhoechog ritual would restore balance.
Following this advice, peace and harmony were achieved, and the ritual has since been practiced to overcome similar challenges.
Detailing its purpose, Laytshog Lopen Sangay Dorji noted, “The Jabzhi Gyelp is a ritual performed to ward off misfortunes and obstacles, including natural disasters, wars, and conflicts among nations. More broadly, it is conducted for universal peace and for the happiness of the nation, its people, and all sentient beings.”
One of the most anticipated events of the festival is the Kalachakra initiation, to be presided over by His Holiness the Je Khenpo.
Scheduled from November 12 to November 14, this three-day ritual is regarded as one of the supreme teachings of Buddha Shakyamuni.
Meaning “Wheel of Time,” the Kalachakra emphasizes the interconnectedness of all phenomena, from the human body and mind to the earth and the cosmos.
An official from the Central Monastic Body said, “Kalachakra, one of the supreme teachings of the Buddha, has been preserved through unbroken lineages from generation to generation, from successors and lineage holders to the present promulgators, who will preside over the Kalachakra initiation.”
The festival also coincides with an important national occasion. On November 11, a grand Bazaguru recitation will be held at Changlimithang to mark the birthday of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo.
This collective prayer is expected to draw thousands of devotees who will join in offering gratitude and prayers for His Majesty’s long life and continued well-being.
In addition to the prayers and teachings, preparations are underway for 400 ritual offerings at Kuenselphodrang in Thimphu.
These offerings will include symbolic items such as effigies, ritual cakes, miniature stupas, and butter lamps.
Each element carries spiritual significance, symbolizing devotion, purification, and aspirations for peace and prosperity.
The festival will conclude with a historic and spiritually significant event. From November 15 to November 19, His Holiness the Je Khenpo will confer nun’s ordination, known as Gelongma vows, to nuns at Tshalumaphey in Thimphu.
This step reflects Bhutan’s continued efforts to strengthen the role of women in monastic life and ensure the preservation of full ordination for nuns within the Vajrayana Buddhist tradition.
The Global Peace Prayer Festival promises to be not only a spiritual event but also a profound symbol of unity among Buddhist traditions.
