An International Vision for Global Peace
Nestled deep within the South Asian Himalayas lies the Kingdom of Bhutan, a realm revered for its enduring tranquility. Renowned for its guiding principle of "Gross National Happiness," this sacred land has long been a sanctuary for the Buddha Dharma and a guardian of world peace. Today, this tradition continues with the launch of a monumental international initiative: The World Peace Stupa and Monastic Institute Project.
This undertaking transcends the construction of a physical monument; it is a profound spiritual mission to cultivate global harmony, stabilize the human spirit, and pacify the calamities of our time. A Stupa represents the perfect union of wisdom and compassion. For the individual, it offers a supreme field of merit—a means to accumulate virtue, purify obscurations, and awaken wisdom. For the world, it stands as a vital focal point for collective virtuous intention and a lasting sanctuary for peace.
The Origin: A Sacred Vow for Peace
This international initiative is co-organized by the Pema Yoeling Dharma Center and Lopen Karma Wangchuk, Vice-Abbot of the Ugyen Pema Zangdopalri in Bhutan, under the auspicious patronage of His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.
Through years of devoted service to monastic education and the propagation of the Dharma, Lopen Karma Wangchuk recognized the growing urgency of the unrest facing our modern world. In response, he made a solemn vow to establish these Stupas as beacons of stability and hope for all sentient beings. This project has been gracefully integrated into His Majesty’s national vision for the "Mindfulness City" in Southern Bhutan, establishing it as a preeminent cultural and spiritual landmark dedicated to the flourishing of mindfulness and the Buddha Dharma.
Construction Project & Timeline
- | Location |Samtenling Gewog, Sarpang, Bhutan
- | Site Area |21 Acres
- | Project Scope |BARCHEY KUENSEL CHORTEN, Monastic Institute, and Spiritual Retreat Center
- | Construction Timeline |November 2025: Official Commencement of Construction
2029: Scheduled Completion and Inauguration in alignment with Bhutan’s "Mindfulness City"
Three Key Features of the World Peace Stupa
The world’s largest Stupa for the purification of obstacles.
Constructed within the world’s most pristine and tranquil realm—Bhutan.
Integrating year-round practice at the Monastic Institute to ensure a continuous stream of spiritual aspiration.
The Monastic Institute and Spiritual Retreat Center
Complementing the sacred presence of the Stupa, the Monastic Institute is envisioned as a premier center for Buddhist excellence in Southern Bhutan. It will provide a comprehensive education in the Dharma and dedicated pastoral care for young monastics from across the Himalayan lineages, nurturing a new generation of practitioners grounded in wisdom and compassion.
The campus will further feature a spiritual retreat and visitor center—a welcoming space offering meditation, pilgrimage, and blessing services for seekers from around the world. As a vibrant platform for cross-cultural exchange and interfaith dialogue, the center will serve as a bridge between ancient tradition and the modern quest for inner peace.
International Participation and Shared Merit
This sacred endeavor is supported by a global community of devotees spanning Taiwan, the United States, Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore. In a notable gesture of spiritual friendship, the Beigang Chao-Tian Temple of Taiwan has invited "Chao-Tan Mazu" to Bhutan, where she will be enshrined within the Stupa as a symbol of unity and protection.
According to sacred scriptures, the construction of a Stupa yields eighteen sublime merits. These profound blessings include the gift of longevity, the clearing of karmic obstacles, the flourishing of wisdom, and the attainment of an auspicious rebirth. The virtues born of this project are truly boundless, offering a source of lasting peace for all who participate.
Vision: A Beacon of World Peace
As Southern Bhutan evolves into a global "Mindfulness City" and Special Administrative Region, the future international airport will serve as a gateway for pilgrims from every corner of the world.
The World Peace Stupa and Monastic Institute will serve as:
An International Center for Blessings and Prayer
A Premier Hub for Buddhist Education
A Global Landmark for Peace, Mindfulness, and Compassion
In these turbulent times, the establishment of a Stupa—a timeless symbol of peace—is the most profound blessing we can offer humanity.
The merit of constructing such a sacred monument extends far beyond the individual; through an infinite heart of aspiration, it generates a vast tide of benefit for others. In this way, the project becomes a beacon of hope, allowing the light of peace to illuminate the human realm and guide us toward a more harmonious future.