Role & Responsibility

The Je Khenpo is the spiritual head of Bhutan, the Chief Abbot of the Central Monastic Body of Bhutan (Zhung Dratshang), and the highest ecclesiastical authority within Bhutan’s Drukpa Kagyu Buddhist tradition.

The institution of the Je Khenpo holds a profound and revered place in the religious and cultural life of Bhutan. Entrusted with the preservation, continuation, and propagation of the Buddha Dharma, the Je Khenpo provides spiritual leadership and guidance to the monastic community and the nation.

The Je Khenpo provides leadership in matters concerning Buddhist teachings, monastic discipline, religious practices, and important religious affairs; presides over major religious observances; and offers spiritual counsel, prayers, and blessings for the well-being, peace, and prosperity of the nation and all sentient beings.

Through wisdom rooted in the Dharma, compassionate leadership, and unwavering dedication to the Buddha’s teachings, the institution of the Je Khenpo continues to serve as a vital spiritual pillar of the Kingdom of Bhutan, while safeguarding and transmitting the country’s rich Buddhist heritage and sacred traditions for generations to come.

Roles and Responsibilities of His Holiness the Je Khenpo

A. Principal Responsibilities
1. In accordance with Article 3, Section 6 (a) of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Bhutan, His Holiness shall provide leadership to the Zhung Dratshang (Central Monastic Body) and the Dratshang Lhentshog (Commission for the Central Monastic Body).

2. His Holiness shall confer and uphold the fully ordained monastic vows (Gelong vows) in accordance with the Vinaya lineage of the Omniscient Drukpa tradition.

3. His Holiness shall preside over the religious ceremonies and auspicious gatherings held in connection with the Coronation Ceremony of the Druk Gyalpo, the King of Bhutan.

4. His Holiness shall preside over the auspicious opening and concluding ceremonies of major religious assemblies of the Sangha.

5. His Holiness shall propagate and impart the Threefold Transmission of Empowerment, Oral Transmission, and Pith Instructions (Wang, Lung, and Tri)
throughout the Kingdom without distinction between the central and peripheral regions.
6. His Holiness shall preside over major religious observances and sacred ceremonies of national significance, including the Great Accomplishment Rituals (Drubchen) of the Protective Deities, the memorial offerings dedicated to Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, and other important religious rites undertaken for the preservation and flourishing of the Buddha Dharma and the spiritual well-being of the nation.

7. In accordance with Article 3, Section 5 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Bhutan, and upon the recommendation of the Dratshang Lhentshog, His Holiness shall appoint five eminent spiritual masters (Lopen lhengay) who are accomplished and highly learned in the generation and completion stages and possess the nine qualities of a sublime practitioner.

8. His Holiness shall have the authority to make appointments to the lower-tier committees under the Zhung Dratshang and to confer special honours and distinctions upon deserving individuals.

9. His Holiness shall oversee and supervise the functions and responsibilities of the five Lop Lhengay (commissions/committees).

10. His Holiness shall undertake religious tours and visits to the various monastic institutions and Dharma centers of the Drukpa Kagyu tradition.

Board of Executive Sangha Council

The Dulmang Lhantshog, or Board of Executive Sangha Council, is a high-level deliberative body of the Central Monastic Body of Bhutan, comprising His Holiness
the Je Khenpo or the Vajra Ācārya Dorji Lopen, together with the five Lopens representing the respective councils. The Council deliberates on matters of importance concerning the administration and management of the Zhung Dratshang, the advancement of monastic education and
institutions, the preservation of Buddhist philosophy and traditions, social and spiritual services, and other matters relating to the well-being and development of the monastic community.

Through collective wisdom, consultation, and responsible deliberation, the Dulmang Lhantshog provides guidance on matters of institutional significance and contributes to the preservation, continuity, and flourishing of the Buddha Dharma and its traditions for present and future generations.

Roles and Responsibilities

1) To deliberate and provide guidance on matters that remain unresolved by the respective councils and assemblies.

2) To convene the General Assembly of the Sangha on a monthly basis.

3) To allocate and distribute funds generated from Gyelrab Nüyul.

4) To appoint individuals recommended by the Dratshang Human Resources Commission.

5) To review and deliberate on important matters that remain unresolved by the Sangha Assembly.

6) To review the five-year plans of the various monastic institutions and allocate the necessary funds accordingly.

7) To assume responsibility for reviewing, amending, and updating the rules and regulations of the monastic institutions as necessary.

8) To take appropriate disciplinary action against responsible monastic officials and teachers for misconduct, and to recognize and commend those who
demonstrate exemplary conduct and service.

9) To undertake meaningful deliberations and assume appropriate responsibilities in response to national developmental changes and natural disasters arising from the elements.

10) To assume responsibility for the administration and management of the Sangha Treasury.

11) To ensure that important resolutions of the General Assembly of the Sangha are not issued with the Red Seal.