Service of a different Kind awaits Buddhist Masters

In addition to the eight previously approved spiritual projects, three more were officially endorsed by His Majesty The King on 16 October 2025. This announcement is both timely and heartening for the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), marking a significant milestone in the city’s ongoing development and vision.

The importance of these projects lies in the very essence of GMC itself—a city imagined not only as a center of modern living but as a mindful, spiritually grounded community. These new spiritual centers will bring that vision to life, integrating the spiritual dimension into the city’s fabric and serving as beacons of guidance and inspiration for residents and visitors alike. They symbolize a city shaped not just by concrete and steel, but by human values, dedication, and the collective aspiration to reflect the soul of Bhutan.

These centers also carry a message with far-reaching resonance: Bhutan remains the last Vajrayana kingdom, a nation where spiritual values are not simply preserved, but actively lived and nurtured. Through these centers, Bhutan’s unique heritage and profound spiritual identity will be celebrated and transmitted to future generations, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to its religious and cultural foundations. This is an opportunity to showcase the strength and vibrancy of Vajrayana Buddhism in Bhutan, with GMC standing as a living testament to its enduring legacy.

From a different prism, these centers become powerful conduits for the story of GMC, carrying forward not just the physical development of the city, but the vision of a King and the enduring spirit of Bhutan itself. They will project this narrative far beyond the city’s borders, reaching wider audiences and inspiring others. The values, aspirations, and legacy of Bhutan will be told, felt, and experienced, ensuring that the story of GMC is not only seen in bricks and streets but lived in the hearts of people around the globe.

Most importantly, the spiritual projects will act as forerunners of GMC, establishing benchmarks and shaping the city’s identity. They exemplify how Bhutanese citizens are actively contributing to the building of their city—not only through voluntary labor, but by embracing greater responsibilities and opportunities. This engagement reflects a deep sense of ownership, commitment, and national pride, demonstrating that GMC is not merely a physical space, but a collective endeavor shaped by the hearts, minds, and values of the Bhutanese people. In every brick laid and every center established, the spirit and essence of Bhutan are woven into the city itself.

Equally significant is the deep and enduring bond between Bhutanese citizens and their religious masters. These projects provide an avenue to strengthen that sacred connection, uniting spiritual guidance with civic engagement, and ensuring that the growth of GMC is as much a reflection of moral and cultural values as it is of urban development.
In every sense, these spiritual centers herald a new chapter for GMC, one where modernity and mindfulness coexist, where Bhutanese heritage is celebrated, and where the city’s growth is guided by the principles of faith, unity, and national identity. They also stand as enduring symbols of what can be achieved when a nation’s citizens, guided by spiritual wisdom and collective purpose, come together to shape the future of their homeland.