“For a long time, I held a deep wish to retire from my public duties. My heart’s desire was to spend the rest of my life in peace, immersed in my own practice of Guru Yoga and quiet contemplation. I had even prepared for this by dismantling my small retreat hut and building a more comfortable home where I could enjoy my retirement in tranquility. I had no worries about leaving my responsibilities behind. I knew that my many capable monks, Khenpos, lamas and teachers were ready to take over my duties and continue the work with excellence.
However, I am a son of Bhutan, born in this small, landlocked kingdom nestled between India and China. Here, we are blessed with a monarch unlike any other—a King of great Kindness, Wisdom and Compassion: a Great King of Dharma. One day, His Majesty called upon me to share his sacred noble vision for the Gelephu Mindfulness City. He spoke of his aspiration to create a city imbued with the essence of Vajrayana, where spiritual and economic growth would flourish in harmony. He reminded me that Bhutan stands as one of the rare—if not the last—remaining sanctuaries of authentic Vajrayana Buddhism, and he expressed his wish for the Buddha Dharma to be the living heart of this new city. He then asked if I, along with other Lamas, would help realize this vision.
The moment I heard his words, I was deeply moved. These were not merely royal commands; they were the voice of wisdom and compassion itself. I felt a profound admiration for a King who, despite the vast weight of governing a nation, holds such deep care for the precious Dharma—a teaching that nurtures both peace and prosperity. In that moment, a single thought filled my heart: “If a King, who must shoulder the burdens of an entire nation, treasures and upholds the Dharma with such sincerity, how can I do any less? Should I not offer my fullest support and devotion to this vision?”
It was then that I set aside my long-cherished wish for retirement. I made a firm commitment to dedicate myself wholeheartedly to His Majesty’s glorious vision”.
