The Kingdom of Bhutan, a land of untouched natural beauty, is surrounded by almost impassable mountain ranges, some of which reach heights of over seven thousand meters. It is located on a plateau between China to the north and India to the south. Due to its geographical location, Bhutan has been a difficult-to-reach, isolated, and unconquered country for centuries, providing its inhabitants with a peaceful life.
The name Bhutan originates from the Sanskrit word Botanta, which means “the end of Tibet” or “a land that borders Tibet.” The local inhabitants refer to their country as Druk Yul or “the Land of the Thunder Dragon.” As recently as the 1960s, Bhutan had no electricity, hospitals, public schools, postal service, currency, paved roads, or cars. Recognizing the consequences of the country’s isolation, the Government of the Kingdom of Bhutan decides to open up to the outside world and gradually introduces necessary changes to improve the quality of life.
The Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) from 1692. Bhutan, Himalayas.
Although the concept of “gross national The idea of prioritizing happiness over material possessions and excessive consumption in the Kingdom of Bhutan can be traced back to as early as 1729, when the country was unified. In its constitution, it was stipulated that “if the Government cannot ensure happiness to the people, then its existence has no purpose.” This notion was further popularized by the fourth king of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, who reigned from 1974 to 2006. The government’s main task is the implementation of the core principles of “gross national happiness.” By continuously monitoring key indicators of gross national happiness, the government makes and enforces decisions in nine main areas: standard of living, education, healthcare, environmental awareness, leisure activities, cultural and traditional events, social activities involving family and aid to others, and mental well-being. An individual is considered happy if they have satisfactory results in six out of the nine areas. The Kingdom of Bhutan serves as an example of a country that encourages the pursuit of happiness for its citizens over the desire for material possessions and excessive consumption. on a change in the value system within society.
Happiness, as the main motivator and eternal pursuit of mankind, is not easily attainable. The tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, which is still alive in Bhutan, suggests that the cause of this is human ignorance. Ignorance of one’s true nature causes us to find happiness in short-term and fleeting things, forgetting that human essence is connected to much more enduring values. Happiness has little in common with the everyday use of the word to describe a temporary mood. Happiness refers to a deep, lasting feeling that arises from living in harmony with nature, living beings, and the culture and spiritual heritage. In short, it is a feeling that arises from connection and alignment with the world that surrounds us.