HOLY TEA | JA YONTEN DEM

Ja Yonten Dem

Though I did not see any written document to support this orally transmitted information on Ja Yönten Dem (wennlandia luzoniensis), folks in the central region of Bhutan believe that the formula for this tea was first introduced by the 62nd Je Khenpo, Yönten Tsündu (r. 1955-1956). Thus, the tea is named Yönten Dem with a feminine gender attached to it. Some elderly folks say Je Khenpo himself came up with the name. 

62nd Je Yonten Tsondru with the third King and Azhi Kesang Choden Wangchuck.

Ever since then, this tea has become popular all over, especially amongst the monks. For better colouration, folks usually add another leaves called chey-marm. 

Suja (Bhutanese butter tea).

As a kid, I used to accompany my mother to collect it from the wild. The processing of this tea requires expertise.

Remembering Je Yönten Tsündu:

Je Yönten Tsündu occupies a special place in my heart for offering the first name "Jigme" to our Great Fourth when the Prince was three days old. The full name offered was "Jigme Lhundrup". On consulting the birth horoscope, "Singye" was said to have been offered as the second name by Khenpo Kuenga Gyeltshen. (Source: The Dharma King, Zhung Dratshang)

Je Yönten Tsündu was from Jang-gongmo, Goenkha, Phangyul Gewog, Wangdue Phodrang. 

Photo courtesy: Her Majesty Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck.