This article deals with the founding of the religious state of Bhutan ('bras ljongs) by Zhapdrung Ngawang namgyel (zhabs drung ngag dbang rnam rgyal) in the 17th century. Internal power struggles within the Drukpa Kagyü ('brug pa bka' brgyud) leading up to the founding are discussed. The political system that emerged in Bhutan is compared with other models of government in Tibet and Sikkim. The article also discusses the biography of Zhapdrung written by Tsang Khenchen (gtsang mkhan chen), which justifies the Zhapdrung's state building enterprise through the use of common Buddhist archetypes of that time. This text is contrasted to a similar work by Desi Sanggyé Gyatso (sde srid sangs rgyas rgya mtsho) (1653-1705) justifying the activities of the 5th Dalai Lama. (Ben Deitle 2006-02-08)