Groundbreaking Ceremonies of Two Spiritual Projects in Gelephu Mindfulness City
The Kangyur Labyrinth and Kesang Do Ngag Shedrupling held their groundbreaking ceremonies in Gelephu, marking major milestones in the Gelephu Mindfulness City’s spiritual development. These projects join 12 others endorsed to make GMC a global hub for mindfulness, learning, and compassion.
Two more spiritual projects — the Kangyur Labyrinth and Kesang Do Ngag Shedrupling — held their Salang Tendrel, or groundbreaking ceremony, on 8th Nov 2025 in Gelephu, marking another milestone in the development of the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC).
Kangyur Labyrinth: A Symbol of Mindful Journey
The Kangyur Labyrinth, initiated under the guidance of Drikung Kyabgon, will be constructed at Pemathang in Gelephu Gewog. The Salang Tendrel ceremony was presided over by Choeze Kuchen Rinpoche.
Unlike a maze, the labyrinth features a single, unbroken path leading to the center, symbolizing life’s journey, self-reflection, and enlightenment. At its core, it will enshrine the Kangyur, the Buddha’s most sacred text composed entirely of his own words.
The project, estimated to cost between 50 and 100 million USD, is set to begin next year and be completed by December 2029.
Khoo Peng Beng, the architect of Kangyur Labyrinth Project, said, “The labyrinth is based on the lotus flower, a powerful symbol in Buddhism and one that resonates deeply with Bhutan. This project aligns with the vision of the Gelephu Mindfulness City, creating a space for people from Bhutan and across the world to find peace and mindfulness within.”
Kesang Do Ngag Shedrupling: A Global Centre for Buddhist Learning
The second project, Kesang Do Ngag Shedrupling, initiated by Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche, will be located at Pelrithang in Gelephu Gewog. The groundbreaking ceremony was graced by Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche and Her Royal Highness Ashi Kesang Wangmo Wangchuck.
The institution is envisioned as a global centre for Buddhist learning and practice, welcoming students from Bhutan and around the world to study wisdom and compassion, teachings that remain deeply relevant in today’s world.
The academic curriculum will offer Buddhist studies leading to Master’s and, eventually, Doctoral degrees, covering Buddhist philosophy, epistemology, history, classical languages, and translation of Buddhist texts. The institute also plans to establish academic affiliations with reputed universities for accreditation.
Khenpo Ngawang Jamtsho, Executive Member of Kesang Do Ngag Shedrupling, said, “We are constructing this educational institute to provide an opportunity for students from Bhutan and around the world to study and practice the teachings of wisdom and compassion. With the groundbreaking ceremony held today, we have officially begun our work, and we aim to complete the project alongside the Gelephu International Airport.”
Expanding the Spiritual Landscape of GMC
With the groundbreaking ceremonies for these two new spiritual projects, the Gelephu Mindfulness City now hosts a total of 14 sacred projects. Together, they aim to establish GMC as a global hub for mindfulness, compassion, and holistic human development.
