The Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan on Friday announced the death of His Holiness the 68th Je Khenpo, Chabje Thrizur Tenzin Doendrup—known affectionately as Je Thrizur—at the age of 95.

The Bhutanese newspaper Kuensel reported on 10 April that His Holiness Je Thrizur had died peacefully at his home in the capital Thimphu on the auspicious 15th day of the second month of the Male Iron Rat Year (8 April). At the time of the announcement, His Holiness was reported to be the meditative state of thukdam, and disciples were requested to offer their prayers from home, in light of ongoing social restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Je khenpo is title given to the chief abbot of the Zhung Dratshang (the Central Monastic Body), the most senior Buddhist monastic in Bhutan and the nation’s spiritual head. The Je Khenpo is the chairman of the Dratshang Lhentshog (Council for Religious Affairs), which oversees the Zhung Dratshang, assisted by five Lopen Lhengyes (minister-ranking masters). His Holiness Je Thrizur was je khenpo from 1986–90. The office is currently held by the 70th Je Khenpo Trulku Jigme Choedra, who has occupied the position since 1996.

“With the news of the passing away of His Holiness the 68th Je Khenpo, Thrizur Ngawang Tenzin Doendrup, earlier today, I, together with people of Bhutan, put our palms together in prayers for the great Buddhist master we were blessed with during our times,” the prime minister of Bhutan Lotay Tshering said in a statement published on social media. “As you impart the teachings of impermanence with this manifestation, we pray for your swift return for the benefit of all sentient beings. We will always be guided by your wisdoms and blessings. His Holiness, who is in the state of thukdam, was 95 years old.

“Meanwhile, Dratshangs and religious institutions, including followers and disciples of Je Thrizur across the country are requested to conduct ritual ceremonies dedicated to the late Je Thrizur from respective institutions and refrain from visiting the place until the completion of thukdam is announced,” the statement said. (Instagram)