PUNAKHA, Bhutan, January 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Buddhists from all over the world participate in this 21-day spiritual event

His Holiness the 70th Je Khenpo conducts this first-ever programme

More than 100,000 devotees from all across the world assembled at Punakha in Bhutan to participate in the just-concluded Mass empowerment ceremony that was conducted by the Central Monastic Body. His Holiness the 70^th Je Khenpo, Chief Abbot and the spiritual head of Bhutanese Buddhists administered the Pal Dechhog Khorlo Dompai Wangchen (Chakrasamvara blessings). Thousands of Bhutanese from different parts of the country and Buddhist practitioners from Nepal, Taiwan, US, Hungary, various European countries and India attended the Wangchen. More than 15,000 monks from various parts of the globe and the entire Royal family including the King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and his consort Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck.

Photographs here - https://www.yousendit.com/download/UW14eFVWSWhsMHlybHNUQw

This was the biggest spiritual gatherings in the kingdom in recent times in terms of sheer scale with over 20 per cent of the country's population attending it, while the rest of the country was glued in to their television sets to witness the event as it was aired live on national television. The event had a unifying effect with the clergy, the royalty and the masses coming together on a common platform to receive the sacred transmissions.

According to Buddhist scholars, Chakrasamvara (Wheel of Perfect Bliss or Wheel of Union) is a tantric meditational deity (Sanskrit: ishta-deva) of the Highest Yoga (Anuttara) Tantra class of Vajrayana Buddhism, the Chakrasamvara Tantra, and was composed in Northern India in the late 8th century.

Chakrasamvara is one of the principal deities in Drukpa lineage. It is illustrated through a mandala, where the central deity, Heruka, a male, is depicted in a divine embrace with Dorji Phangmo (Vajaravahi). They are portrayed as one entity, signifying union of great bliss and emptiness. It is also interpreted as duality of compassion and wisdom, which is equivalent to enlightenment in Vajrayana Buddhism.

According to Khenpo Sonam Bumdhen, spokesperson for the Central Monastic Body, "The transmission of these teaching by His Holiness Je Khenpo will lead to stronger karmic connections with the Buddha, cleanse the body, mind and soul, and allow the inner dwelling Buddha nature to manifest and come out."

For further information please contact

Shreeya Roy, Drukpa Lineage @ communications@drukpa.com
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