- Je Khenpo
The Je Khenpo (bo|t=རྗེ་མཁན་པོ།|w=Rje Mkhan-po), formerly called the "Dharma Raj" by orientalists, is the title given to the senior religious hierarch of
Bhutan . His primary duty is to lead theCentral Monk Body , the mainmonastic body of the country, and to arbitrate on matters of doctrine. The Je Khenpo is also responsible for many important liturgical and religious duties across the country. The sitting Je Khenpo is also formally the leader of the southern branch of theDrukpa Kagyu sect, which is part of theKagyu tradition of Himalayan Buddhism.According to the
dual system of government established by theShabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in the 17th century, the powers of the government of Bhutan are ideally split between the religious branch, headed by the Je Khenpo, and the administrative branch, headed by theDruk Desi . Since the establishment of themonarchy in 1907, the relative influence of the Je Khenpo has diminished. Nonetheless, the position remains a powerful one and the Je Khenpo is typically viewed as the closest and most powerful advisor to theKing of Bhutan .The position of Je Khenpo is granted on merit, and typically is given to the most respected monk in the body. Thus, unlike reincarnation lineages such as the
Dalai Lama ,Shabdrung , orPanchen Lama , the position of Je Khenpo is never held by a child but always by a seasoned monk.The 67th Je Khenpo,
Ngawang Thinley Lhundup , died at the age of 84 onJune 10 ,2005 . He was noted as a strict disciplinarian who would not compromise any rules in managing the Central Monk Body. In addition to his position as Je Khenpo, he was recognized as thetrulku ofNyizergang , the seat of theterton Woogpa Lingpa , inWangdue Phodrang province.The 70th and present Je Khenpo is
Trulku Jigme Chhoeda . He is believed to be the reincarnation ofMaitreya , as well as themahasiddha Saraha ,Hungchen Kara ,Kheuchung Lotsawa , andPema Tsering .
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