Bhutan Monlam 2024

This November, H.E. Kyabje Kalu Rinpoche is going to bring the sacred Buddha relics from France to Bhutan and lead a 14-day pilgrimage throughout the country for Bhutanese people to pay respects to the Lord Buddha’s holy remains. This relic exposition has received the full support of His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the Fifth King, and the Central Monastic Body of Bhutan.

The pilgrimage will conclude in the capital city of Thimphu, where a 3-day Monlam will be hosted at Buddha Dordenma from 20th to 22nd, coinciding with the festival celebrating the Buddha’s Descent from Heaven. The Monlam will be presided over by Kalu Rinpoche, along with prestigious members of the Central Monastic Body, with the Buddha relics at the centre of the holy shrine.

Buddha Relic Display
Sponsorship Programme

In order for people around the world to have the opportunity to connect with this auspicious event, accumulating million-fold merits in this holy month of the Buddha, Rinpoche has kindly given his permission for us to launch this sponsorship programme. Donations of any size are welcome and will be used to cover the costs of the preparation and organisation of the Monlam and the relic exposition in Bhutan.

About the Buddha relics in France

In 1898, the British Government of India offered the bone relics of the Buddha to the Dharma King Rama V (1853-1910) of Thailand to promote diplomatic relations. The King of Thailand enshrined the precious relics in the famed Golden Mountain Temple, Wat Saket in Bangkok. During that time, a clairvoyant Thai monk foretold that the relics would leave Thai soil for the West some 111 years later.

As foretold, in 2009, exactly 111 years later, the chief abbot of Wat Saket, supported by the Asian Buddhist community, decided to offer the Buddha relics to France for its commendable record in respecting human rights and accommodating diverse Buddhist faiths. The Government of France entrusted the relics to the Buddhist Union of France (UBF) for preservation.

The UBF, a non-profit and apolitical federation initiated by His Eminence the previous Kalu Rinpoche, links Buddhist charities and public authorities. Officially recognized by the State Council on January 8, 1998, the UBF served as the editorial institution for “Sagesses Bouddhistes”, a broadcast on France 2 as part of “The Paths of Faith.” It is therefore a truly marvellous unfolding of auspicious events that now the 2nd Kalu Rinpoche is leading the display of the Buddha relics in Bhutan, marking the continuation of the enlightened activities from his predecessor across the globe.