Three New Sacred Projects Endorsed by His Majesty The King for Gelephu Mindfulness City
His Majesty The King has granted Royal Approval for three new spiritual projects under the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), including Druk Ugyen Samye Ling, Gelephu Maitreya Temple, and Tara Retreat Center. These join eight earlier approved projects, marking a significant step in shaping Bhutan’s evolving spiritual and mindful landscape.
On 16th October 2025, His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), has granted Royal Approval for three new spiritual projects that further expand Bhutan’s sacred landscape. These newly endorsed initiatives come in addition to the eight projects approved earlier this year, underscoring the Kingdom’s continued commitment to nurturing its spiritual foundation as part of GMC’s vision for holistic development.
A Ceremony of Reverence and Renewal
The Royal Kashos (Royal edicts) for the three projects were formally handed over by the Secretary of Dratshang Lhentshog, Dasho Zangla Namgyel, during a special ceremony held today at Changangkha Lhakhang. The event was graced by members of the GMC team, symbolising a moment of deep reverence and unity between Bhutan’s monastic institutions and the Gelephu Mindfulness City initiative.
Three Sacred Projects to Deepen Bhutan’s Spiritual Heritage
The newly approved projects include Druk Ugyen Samye Ling, under the patronage of Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche, which seeks to strengthen the Buddha Dharma in keeping with Bhutan’s profound spiritual lineage.
The Gelephu Maitreya Temple, led by Trulku Kunga Tenzin, will be established as a spiritual landmark dedicated to Maitreya Buddha, symbolising compassion and the promise of future enlightenment.
Meanwhile, the Tara Retreat Center, initiated by the Bhutan Tara Foundation under the patronage of Leytshog Lopen Sangay Dorji of the Central Monastic Body, will serve as a sanctuary for Tara practice and meditation retreats, offering a haven of peace for practitioners and devotees alike.
GMC’s Growing Spiritual Landscape
These three new additions join the eight projects approved in May, which include two Royal Projects and one by the Central Monastic Body. Altogether, fourteen sacred sites are now being developed under GMC’s spiritual pillar — among them a Buddhist University, meditation centres, and places of pilgrimage designed to embody Bhutan’s timeless spiritual heritage.
A Vision Taking Shape
“As more of these approved projects get underway, we’re very encouraged to see GMC’s spiritual vision already taking shape,” shared Dasho Tashi Dorji, Head of Spiritual Affairs of GMC. With each new project, the Gelephu Mindfulness City continues to evolve into a living expression of Bhutan’s values — where mindfulness, faith, and community come together to inspire a more compassionate and harmonious world.
What are the 14
