DAWA ZANGMO | Thimphu
Thousands of devotees attending the month-long Kathrid Empowerment at Kuenselphodrang are forging lifelong spiritual relationships through the centuries old tradition of becoming Dorji Puen, or Vajra Siblings.
While receiving sacred teachings and empowerments from His Holiness the Je Khenpo, devotees are also entering into a spiritual bond that they believe will remain significant not only throughout this lifetime but in future lives as well.
For many participants, receiving a khadar from His Holiness represents more than a religious ritual. It marks the formal beginning of a lifelong spiritual relationship, symbolising a commitment that devotees believe extends beyond this life.
According to the Central Monastic Body, more than 1,800 groups have registered to establish these lifelong spiritual bonds during the empowerment. Each day, His Holiness the Je Khenpo presents khadar to more than 600 groups, with each group consisting of seven devotees.
The tradition of Dorji Puen is formed during Buddhist teachings and empowerments. Those who receive the same spiritual transmission from a common guru become spiritual siblings, pledging to uphold mutual respect, provide support to one another, and continue their spiritual journey together.
Tshering Norbu, a devotee from Wangdue Phodrang, said forming a Dorji Puen relationship brought him immense happiness.
“I felt immense joy when I formed my Dorji Puen. Beyond being my spiritual siblings in this lifetime, I believe they will also be my siblings in the next. If they are older than me, I regard them as my elder brothers and sisters; if they are younger, I consider them my younger brothers and sisters. Having received the khadar from His Holiness, we feel deeply blessed.”
Another devotee, Rinzin Choden from Thimphu, said becoming Dorji Puens is regarded as the result of merits accumulated over previous lives.
“Through the merits accumulated in our past lives, we have the opportunity to meet as Dorji Puens. If we cherish and remain devoted to this sacred relationship, as instructed by His Holiness, we may not only be Dorji Puens in this lifetime but also be reborn as true siblings in future lives. Having such an opportunity fills us with great joy.”
Religious scholars explained that the Dorji Puen tradition is rooted in Buddhist teachings, where disciples receiving empowerments or teachings from the same spiritual master become members of the same spiritual family. Although they may not share blood relations, they are considered spiritual siblings because they receive the same lineage from a common guru.
Passang Om, a nun from the Bhutan Nun Foundation in Thimphu under the Central Monastic Body, said the tradition accompanies many Buddhist empowerments, but it holds particular importance during the Kathrid Empowerment.
“During an empowerment, everyone becomes Dorji Puen. However, during the Khathrid Empowerment, the tradition is an indispensable part of the ceremony. Dorji Puens are organised into groups of seven, reflecting the auspicious symbolism of the number seven in Buddhist teachings.”
The formation of Dorji Puen groups serves as a reminder that spiritual development is not pursued individually alone but is strengthened through compassion, harmony, shared responsibility and mutual encouragement among fellow practitioners.
Alongside the spiritual ceremony, the long-observed tea-sharing tradition continues to be practiced, although it has been simplified under the guidance of His Holiness the Je Khenpo.
Tandin Wangyel, a monk from Pelden Tashi Chholing Shedra in Phuentshogling, Chhukha, under the Central Monastic Body, said the revised practice aims to preserve the religious tradition while discouraging activities that may conflict with Buddhist values.
“The tea offering ceremony continues to be observed today, much as it was in the past. However, guided by His Holiness’s vision, wisdom, and the country’s development, the ceremony has been simplified. Although it is a religious event, there is a possibility that devotees may indulge in eating meat and drinking alcohol while celebrating, thereby mixing worldly practices with religious observances. Therefore, His Holiness directed that a simple tea-sharing session with light refreshments would be sufficient to preserve the tradition while also promoting vegetarianism.”
For newly formed Dorji Puens, receiving the khadar marks the beginning of a lifelong spiritual commitment rather than the conclusion of a religious ceremony. The bond encourages practitioners to uphold compassion, mutual care and shared responsibility as they continue their spiritual path together.
As the month-long Kathrid Empowerment continues at Kuenselphodrang, thousands of devotees are participating in one of Bhutan’s enduring Buddhist traditions, establishing spiritual kinship through the Dorji Puen practice while receiving teachings and blessings from His Holiness the Je Khenpo.
