Buddhism is the major religion in
Bhutan.
Vajrayana Buddhism is the
state religion of
Bhutan, and Buddhists comprise two-thirds to three-quarters of its
population. Although the Buddhism practiced in Bhutan originated in
Tibetan Buddhism, it differs significantly in its
rituals,
liturgy, and
monastic organization. The state religion has long been supported financially by the government through annual subsidies to
Buddhist monastery,
shrines,
monks, and
nuns. In the modern era, support of the state religion during the reign of
Jigme Dorji Wangchuck includes the manufacture of 10,000 gilded bronze images of the
Buddha, publication of elegant calligraphied editions of the 108-volume
Kangyur (Collection of the Words of the Buddha) and the 225-volume
Tengyur (Collection of Commentaries), and the construction of numerous
chorten (
stupas) throughout the country. Guaranteed representation in the National Assembly and the Royal Advisory Council, Buddhists constitute the majority of society and are assured an influential voice in public policy.