Bhutan, the last Himalayan Kingdom, offers a unique blend of spiritual sanctuaries and a groundbreaking development philosophy centered around Gross National Happiness (GNH). My first reading of Bhutan’s GNH and public opinion survey about coexistence with life intertwined with ecology was when I offered a course on religion and politics of the Indian Subcontinent course. This set-up in Bhutan echoes ancient governance principles tied to spirituality, reminiscent of the purpose and outcome(s) of the King-Priest rule. This unique combination makes Bhutan a profound destination for political science enthusiasts and those seeking spiritual enrichment and insights into a holistic approach to national well-being.
Bhutan has formally adopted happiness as a state policy through its innovative Gross National Happiness (GNH) framework. This approach emphasizes a holistic view of development that encompasses spiritual, material, physical, and social well-being rather than focusing solely on economic growth. The GNH policy prioritizes ecological sustainability and equitable well-being among its citizens, reflecting a profound contrast to the material-centric happiness model in industrialized nations. Initiated in the 1970s, Bhutan’s focus on well-being has influenced global perspectives, particularly after the 2008 financial crisis, prompting shifts in how countries measure progress. The United Nations has even recognized Bhutan’s model, advocating for development that prioritizes well-being and happiness as key indicators of national success.
History of Bhutan
Bhutan has a rich history intertwined with its religious life, which is primarily centered around Buddhism, the state religion, and a fundamental part of its cultural identity. Bhutan’s history dates back to 747 AD, when Guru Padmasambhava, known as Guru Rinpoche, arrived from Tibet. Legend holds that he flew on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Paro Taktsang, or the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, now stands, marking the introduction of Buddhism to Bhutan.
In the 17th century, Ngawang Namgyal, the first Zhabdrung Rinpoche, unified the region through religious and administrative reforms, establishing a dual system of government integrating both secular and religious authorities. Bhutan was first unified in 1907 when Ugyen Wangchuck was elected as the hereditary king, establishing the Wangchuck dynasty.
Bhutan began to open up and modernize during the reign of the nation’s third king – Jigme Dorji Wangchuck – who introduced numerous reforms.
The Bhutanese government is currently structured into three main branches: the Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary. Each functions with a considerable degree of independence but is interlinked to ensure checks and balances within the system. This arrangement means that while the King of Bhutan is the head of state, the government is elected democratically. In 2008, the country transitioned from a monarchy to a constitutional monarchy; the first democratic elections were held, and the Constitution of Bhutan was adopted.
Religion and Spirituality
Buddhism influences Bhutanese culture, promoting peace, compassion, and respect for all life forms. Hinduism is the second-most practiced religion, primarily in the southern regions. Bhutan’s commitment to its spiritual traditions is evident in its policy of preserving and promoting its cultural heritage, a vital aspect of the Gross National Happiness philosophy.
Bhutan’s landscape is dotted with numerous spiritual sites deeply embedded in Buddhist culture, including Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery); this monastery symbolizes Bhutan’s spiritual essence. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche flew here on a tigress’s back to subdue a demon, making it a sacred pilgrimage site. Punakha Dzong is situated at the Pho and Mo Chhu Rivers’ confluence. This structure is a stunning example of Bhutanese architecture and a center of religion and administration, adorned with intricate Buddhist paintings.
The Bumthang Valley, known as Bhutan’s spiritual heart, houses ancient temples like Jambay Lhakhang, linked by legend to two other simultaneous temple constructions in Tibet and India. Kurje Lhakhang is a revered complex in Bumthang containing a rock with Guru Rinpoche’s body imprint, marking his meditation site. Rinpung Dzong hosts fifteen temples; this ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’ in Paro is integral during the Paro Tshechu festival, a vital spiritual and social event. Chimi Lhakhang is celebrated as the Fertility Temple, built by the eccentric Lama Drukpa Kunley; it draws global couples seeking fertility blessings. Tashichho Dzong in Thimphu is a fortress and a governmental and religious hub, reflecting the blend of civic and spiritual governance.
Local deities and spirits are revered in many communities, and several rituals exist to honor these entities. These include offerings, rituals to appease local spirits, and shamanistic practices performed by community spiritual leaders. Bhutanese traditional medicine, Sowa Rigpa, is integral to Bhutan’s healthcare alongside modern medical services. It combines elements from Tibetan, Indian, and Chinese medical traditions.
The practice of environmental conservation is deeply rooted in Bhutanese ethos. This practice is linked to Buddhist beliefs respecting all living creatures and the natural world, resulting in policies that promote environmental health and sustainability.
Gross National Happiness (GNH)
Bhutan is pioneering in promoting holistic development through its GNH philosophy. The Gross National Happiness Index measures happiness across nine key domains: living standards, health, education, use of time, cultural diversity and resilience, good governance, community vitality, ecological diversity and resilience, and finally, psychological well-being. Each of these domains contains several indicators, totaling 33 indicators. Bhutan measures GNH by periodically surveying approximately 10% of the population and compiling statistics on these 33 indicators.
GNH surveys, conducted periodically, show a gradual improvement in the national well-being index from 0.73 in 2008 to 0.76 in 2015. The GNH framework offers a model for global sustainable development, prioritizing long-term happiness over mere economic growth. Recently, the Bhutanese people celebrated the birth of their prince by planting thousands of trees; living in harmony with nature is imbedded in this culture and worth witnessing with one’s own eyes.
Visiting Bhutan provides a deep dive into a society where spiritual well-being and holistic development are intertwined. Each spiritual site offers a unique glimpse into the Bhutanese way of life, enriched by the profound philosophy of GNH. Bhutan is a beacon of spiritual and developmental harmony, balancing cultural heritage and progressive governance.
Further Reading:
Balasubramanian, S., & Cashin, M. P. (2019). Gross national happiness and macroeconomic indicators in the kingdom of Bhutan. International Monetary Fund.
Braun, A. A. (2009). Gross national happiness in Bhutan: A living example of an alternative approach to progress. Social Impact Research Experience Journal, 9(1), 33–38.
Brooks, J. S. (2013). Avoiding the limits to growth: Gross National Happiness in Bhutan as a model for sustainable development. Sustainability, 5(9), 3640-3664.
Santos, M. E. (2013). Tracking poverty reduction in Bhutan: Income deprivation alongside deprivation in other sources of happiness. Social Indicators Research, 112(2), 259-290.
Sithey, G., Thow, A. M., & Li, M. (2015). Gross national happiness and health: lessons from Bhutan. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 93, 514–514.
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