SRINAGAR: A delegation of senior monks from the Central Monastic Body of Bhutan is currently on a six-day visit to Ladakh with the aim of strengthening age-old connections, exploring new avenues of friendship, and expanding historical ties.
The delegation, led by Tshogi Lopen Sangay Khandu, has undertaken visits to prominent sites in Ladakh, including Leh Palace and several monasteries such as Thiksey, Hemis, and Stagna. They have also engaged in discussions with the Ladakh Gompa Association, the Ladakh Buddhist Association, and met with the Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council.
During their visit, Khenpo Ugen Namgyal, the Chief Monk of the Royal Bhutan Temple, Central Monastic Body (CMB) of Bhutan, expressed, “The Bhutan delegation of the Monarch body came to Ladakh under the coordination of the Indian Embassy and International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) of Delhi. This is our first visit. Today, we went to Jokhang Monastery, tomorrow we will visit other holy places in Ladakh.”
He further remarked, “I think India and Bhutan already have a very good diplomatic relationship, but not only that people do people relationship and there’s a culture and spiritual values. Buddhism all over the world came from India to other parts of the world. Bhutan is the only Buddhist country in the world.”
According to an IBC press release, the special bond between India and Bhutan is nourished by spiritual exchanges and friendly relations. Monasteries in Ladakh are esteemed in Bhutan as centers of spiritual learning, and this mutual respect has endured despite the geographical distances.
Stagna Rimpoche, who received his teachings in Bhutan, serves as a testament to Ladakh’s enduring connection with the region. This visit underscores the depth and continuity of the historical bond, nurtured by the efforts of Buddhist institutions in both locations. The exchange of Buddhist masters from both sides, who can come and impart teachings in their respective Buddhist institutions, is anticipated to further deepen the spiritual and religious connection between the two regions.
