Bhutanese Using WeChat To Practice Buddhism

Lamas are using WeChat to send mantras and teachings, and Bhutanese living abroad resort to the chat app to appease local dieties.

Bhutanese Using WeChat To Practice Buddhism More than 50 percent of Bhutanese population use WeChat. (Source: Periphery Digital)

 

By Yangchen C Rinzin | Kuensel

Bhutanese have adapted technology to our culture and social practices, according to a PhD student of Macau University, Dorji Wangchuk.

He said that in the context of how Bhutanese use social media app, especially WeChat, to practice Buddhism.

Sharing a part of his study on ‘WeChat Spirituality: Buddhism and Social Media in Bhutan’ at the Vajrayana conference on March 30, Dorji Wangchuk said his study is an attempt to answer how the existing culture and spiritual practices are adapting and adopting the technology.

Blessings and Reciting Mantras Through WeChat

“We already have lots of lamas using WeChat to send mantras and teachings from other side of the globe and from different parts of Bhutan and India,” he said.

More than 50 percent of Bhutanese population use WeChat.

Dorji Wangchuk said there are people, who get Tara empowerment via WeChat from their Lama based in Sikkim, a WeChat group of about 200 members conduct a collective Jamyang Seldep prayer and report to the coordinator in the Wechat where they have recited over 13 million chants and there are Khenpos that bless people and recite mantras through WeChat.

“I myself had to resort to astrological services from an astrologer who is based in Trashiyangste from Macau after I saw a bad dream of me swept by the river,” he said. “Then he blessed me on the WeChat after conducting Barchay Lamsay and I sent the evidence of the service.”

Keeping Connected To Spiritual Traditions

Dorji Wangchuk said Bhutanese living abroad resort to WeChat while trying to appease the local deities like tsans and gyaps, who become wrathful if regular rituals are not performed.

“WeChat helps us to come to terms with our spiritual and tradition demand, besides keeping us connected with our family.”

He said WeChat is also used for social mobilisation in terms of promoting vegetarianism and animal rights, which are aligned with the practice of Mahayana compassion.

“The study also saw that there is a lot of pragmatism in the way we practice now and it is not like before where people accepted and practised Buddhism blindly,’ he said.

Strong Cultural Foundation Still Needed

Dorji Wangchuk also said technology is a reality and cannot neglect and if there is one thing that is the biggest threat that is technology, which is no more neutral.

“Our spiritual tradition is still alive but strong cultural needs to be instituted in our people. If we want technology to keep reappearing in the use of our spiritual practices, then these have to be supplemented with strong cultural foundation.”

He added Vajrayana teaching is timeless and they are not at all diluted in any form, but the medium has kept changing.

Dorji Wangchuk is currently pursuing PhD specialising in socio-linguistics and Buddhist communication.

 

This article first appeared in Kuensel and has been edited for the Daily Bhutan.


Tag Cloud

Related Posts

From Vision to Runway: Gelephu International Airport Breaks...

Bhutan has begun construction on its second international airport in Gelephu, marking a major milestone in the country’s...

Jul 09, 2025 10:49

First 2025 Gyalsung Cohort Completes National Service Training

Bhutan’s first 2025 Gyalsung cohort has completed their three-month National Service training with a grand Passing Out...

Jul 01, 2025 15:33

Gyalsung Skilling Programme Prepares 493 Gyalsups for National...

Bhutan’s Gyalsung Skilling Programme equips 493 Gyalsups with hands-on training in traditional arts and modern...

Jun 12, 2025 15:52

Unlock Bhutan’s Cultural Treasures with the Kingdom’s Debut NFT...

Discover Bhutan’s first-ever NFT collection on OpenSea—featuring a tribute to Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Unlock...

Jun 05, 2025 12:15

The Restoration of Wangduechhoeling Palace: A Cultural Revival in...

Discover the remarkable transformation of Wangduechhoeling Palace in Bumthang, Bhutan. After a decade-long restoration,...

May 02, 2025 16:05

A Historic Royal Visit: The First State Visit of the King of...

Bhutan welcomed Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand for a historic State Visit from 25–28 April 2025....

Apr 28, 2025 10:28

Latest

News

From Vision to Runway: Gelephu International Airport Breaks Ground

Bhutan has begun construction on its second international airport in Gelephu, marking a major milestone in the country’s development. Set to...

Jul 09, 2025 10:49

First 2025 Gyalsung Cohort Completes National Service Training

Bhutan’s first 2025 Gyalsung cohort has completed their three-month National Service training with a grand Passing Out Parade attended by...

Jul 01, 2025 15:33

Features

Where to Eat in Punakha: The Most Popular Restaurants and Local Eateries You Must Try

Discover the best places to eat in Punakha, from traditional Bhutanese restaurants to local bistro. Taste authentic flavours and enjoy...

Jul 07, 2025 11:34

Passion and Purpose: A Bhutanese Woman’s 14-Year Journey in Tourism

Meet Chencho Lham, a seasoned Bhutanese tour guide from Paro, as she shares her 14-year journey of leading travellers through sacred...

Jun 18, 2025 15:20

Business

High Altitude, Higher Ambitions: Bhutan Enters the Wine World

Bhutan has officially stepped onto the global wine stage with the debut of The Himalayan, a record-breaking 7.57-litre bottle auctioned by...

May 23, 2025 16:38

Most Popular Bars in Thimphu

Discover Thimphu’s vibrant nightlife, where traditional Bhutanese drinks meet modern cocktails in the city’s top bars and lounges. Unwind...

Feb 10, 2025 16:14

Sports

Zimbiri Makes History as First Bhutanese Woman Elected to SAFF Executive Committee

Zimbiri has made history as the first Bhutanese woman elected to the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Executive Committee, a landmark...

May 28, 2025 10:49

Bhutan Cricket's New Milestone: The Inaugural Indoor Cricket Academy

The Bhutan Cricket Council Board (BCCB) inaugurated its inaugural indoor cricket academy on 20th December, with the objective of ensuring...

Dec 21, 2023 14:57

Travel

Is Bhutan Ready for Crypto Tourism? What the GMC Talks Revealed

Discover how Bhutan is embracing Binance Pay to boost crypto tourism, making travel payments easier, faster, and more secure for...

Jul 02, 2025 17:38

Bhutan’s Bhutan Believe Film Wins Silver at 2025 US International Awards

Discover how Bhutan’s national brand film Bhutan Believe captured the silver award at the 2025 US International Awards, celebrating a fresh...

Jun 27, 2025 17:26

Lifestyle

Bhutan Celebrates World Music Day with a Soulful Gathering in Thimphu

Bhutan marked World Music Day with a vibrant concert in Thimphu, featuring over 90 artists despite the rain. Discover how music is shaping...

Jun 23, 2025 16:37

What's in a Name? Discover Bhutan's Unique Naming Tradition

In Bhutan, names are traditionally given by monks and not tied to family lineage. Visitors can experience a traditional naming ceremony at...

Jun 03, 2025 14:04

Subscribe to our newsletter

Never miss out on new happenings and news stories!

newsletter

Download Daily Bhutan Mobile App

Connecting with us just got easier!

android app
apple app