A tradition of offering and prayer
Yoeja is an ancient Bhutanese tradition of making offerings to sustain the monastic community and ensure that sacred prayers continue across generations for the peace and wellbeing of all sentient beings.
Dating back to the 7th century, the tradition brings together three things- the offering, the prayers performed by the monastic community, and the merit that arises from this virtuous act. The offering sustains the prayers, while the prayers benefit all beings. This connection lies at the heart of Yoeja.
Yoeja is more than a material donation. It is a sacred practice of generosity, devotion and connection, rooted in the intention to benefit others.
From Bhutan to the world
On 22 October 2026, His Majesty The King offered the first prayer using the Yoeja digital rosary at an auspicious ceremony held at Simtokha Dzong, Bhutan’s oldest dzong. This marked the national launch of the Yoeja digital platform.
The international launch will take place on 1 November 2026, coinciding with the inauguration of the 108 Jangchub Chortens in Gelephu Mindfulness City.
Through this platform, people anywhere in the world will be able to participate in the Yoeja tradition by reciting prayers and making offerings. The aim is to bring people together through a shared intention for peace and wellbeing.
The meaning of Yoeja
Yoeja can be understood through the image of a butter lamp.
The vessel represents the Sangha, the monastic community that sustains the practice. The butter represents the offering that keeps the lamp burning. The flame represents the prayers and the merit that arises when generosity and spiritual practice come together.
Just as one flame can light many lamps, an act of generosity can benefit many beyond the person who gives.
In Yoeja, merit is not kept for oneself. It is dedicated to the peace and wellbeing of all sentient beings. When many people make offerings and monks pray with a shared intention, their efforts come together in a collective offering for the benefit of all.
How to participate
The Yoeja digital platform makes this ancient tradition accessible to people around the world.
Once registered on the official website, Yoeja.com, participants can:
- Use the digital rosary (chyem): Tap or swipe the screen to move the virtual prayer beads while reciting mantras such as Om Mani Padme Hung.
- Join the global prayer count: Personal recitations contribute to a collective counter, reflecting the prayers offered by participants around the world.
- Make Yoeja offerings: Use the platform to contribute financial or material offerings to support the monastic community and its prayers.
People of any faith, from anywhere in the world, can take part and dedicate their prayers to the wellbeing of others.
One prayer, shared by the world
The inauguration of the 108 Jangchub Chortens in Gelephu Mindfulness City marks a significant spiritual occasion for Bhutan. It is also an opportunity to share a longstanding Bhutanese tradition with the wider world.
Through Yoeja, an ancient practice of generosity and prayer can reach beyond geographical borders, bringing people together in a shared wish for peace, compassion and wellbeing.
Visit www.yoeja.com, take part in the prayers, and be part of this collective offering from Bhutan to the world.
(Photo and data source: yoeja.com and kuneselonline.com)