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Kathrims as Public Laws

📑 5 slides 👁 2 views 📅 10/5/2026
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Law and Chosid Zungdrel

Laws enable a state to govern, enforce obedience, and set limits on the actions of officials.

Law and Chosid Zungdrel
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Two Codes of Law

  • In 1622, Zhabdrung Rinpoche issued the Chayig Chenmo, also known as Choethrim or dharma laws.
  • Around 1650, he issued Kathrim I, establishing provisions focused largely on public administration.
  • The Kathrims were public laws, though they also contained elements relevant to civil and criminal matters.
  • Kathrim I was brief; its author described the listed provisions as seeds rather than a complete account.
Two Codes of Law
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Protecting People Through Public Law

  • Public law was intended to keep central and local authorities, and their officials, within legal bounds.
  • Its purpose included protecting people from exploitation, harassment, and misuse of official power.
  • Kathrim I called for officials' duties to be read aloud each year to reinforce their powers and limits.
  • Its public display on black slates near Punakha Dzong may have helped people assess official conduct.
Protecting People Through Public Law
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Why Kathrim II Was Issued

  • Issued in 1729, Kathrim II came nearly eight decades after Kathrim I and expanded on similar principles.
  • It cited declining respect for Driglam Namzha and disregard for virtue and the Buddhist value of ley judrey.
  • Local officials, including chipons, were accused of serving the wealthy, deceiving others, and accepting bribes.
  • The code also criticized false allegations, selfish conduct, and monks who broke vows or committed serious offenses.
Why Kathrim II Was Issued
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A Shared Duty to Uphold the Law

  • Kathrim II portrayed lawlessness as a concern involving officials, local leaders, ordinary people, and monks.
  • Its expanded provisions responded to misconduct and sought to restore respect for lawful and ethical conduct.
  • Kathrim I stressed that everyone should follow the law in every situation, place, and time.
  • Together, the codes linked public accountability with fair treatment and Buddhist principles of governance.
A Shared Duty to Uphold the Law
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