The national and state religion of Bhutan is Buddhism in its Tibetan tantric form. Legend has it that the great Saint Padmasabhava, who introduced Buddhism in Tibet in the 8th century, also visited Bhutan in response to a request from a local ruler. The country has preserved holy places associated with Padmasambhava, the major one being Paro Takcang or Tiger’s Nest near Paro – a temple and cave on a sheer cliff, where the Hindu Guru spent a long time mediating.
Upon arriving in Bhutan, you will find yourself in Tibet and travel several hundred years back in time. The main Buddhism school in Bhutan is Drukpa Kagyu, to which the country’s founder, Shabdrung, belongs. Another important school is Nyingma or “Ancient” -founded by Padmasambhava himself. The chief master of this tradition to live in Bhutan was Pema Lingpa (1450-1521). His descendants and reincarnations were and to this day remain important lamas. These 2 schools belong to “red-hat” or unreformed schools. The reformed yellow-hat school of Geluk, to which the Dalai-lamas belong, is absent from Bhutan due to past conflicts.
Religion plays an important role in the country’s life, with the senior religious figure, Je Khenpo, is theoretically the king’s equal. Bhutan has some 5,500 monks, half of whom are supported by Je Khenpo, while the remaining life off private donations. There are also some 15,000 married lamas who are called nagpa or gomchen. Religious communities are very important in Bhutan society, with religion occupying an exceptional place in their daily lives, which is something Western Europe did not have for hundreds of years. The primary concern for ordinary Bhutanese people in their current lives is accumulating enough good deeds for favorable future reincarnations. This end is served by loyalty, pilgrimages, donations, serving and ordering ceremonies at monasteries. Dzongs – fortress monasteries – have been at the heart of the country’s political, intellectual and artistic life. Unlike in Tibet, their role is maintained to this day. Dzong is a center for all religious celebrations, a hub of the nation’s historic and cultural heritage.
