Way of Life – Gross National Happiness.
![Writer: Rigzin Tharchen (BSc Env Mgt) [Cohort2022 RTC]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocLJpHqXeI2NaAtWWDk19SuNdIJOny02VN-VlsXYnLz7KFCuxYQ%3Ds96-c)
I remember I had to memorize up the concepts and pillars of Gross National Happiness when I was first introduced to it in my middle school. And now after studying GNH for years, I know what it is about and its significance for Bhutan. But then, there is still a lot more to learn about GNH. Everything is about GNH today. To me, it is development with values of kindness, equality and humanity. It is rooted in the principles of the country’s religion with its focus on the values of compassion, contentment and calmness.
The term “Gross National Happiness” was first used by His Majesty the Fourth King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck in 1979. His Majesty was on his way back from 6th NAM Summit in Havana where he was questioned about the Gross National Product of our country by a reporter. There His Majesty answered saying that Bhutan does not believe in Gross National Product because Gross National Happiness is more important.
The concept of GNH is based on its four pillars:
Sustainable and equitable socio-economic development
Conservation of environment
Preservation and promotion of culture
Good governance
It acts as a guide and helps the government frame policies which goes in line with the cultural and historical values. By its constitution, Bhutan preserves 60% of its land under forest cover, aims to have 100% organic agriculture by 2025 and has also developed a policy of high value, low impact to prevent over-tourism in the country. Furthermore, growth is strictly constrained to traditional styles.
GNH is simple yet brilliant concept. It is based on the notion that money doesn’t equal happiness which includes political stability, social harmony and the Bhutanese culture and way of life. Hence, we can say that a country’s wellbeing cannot be measured by wealth alone, but by the well being of its citizens.
Similarly, religion is all about destroying greed, hatred and delusion. Religion influences the way one thinks, feels, and acts. From a small age we are taught how to act, what to believe, and what is right way to live according to our religion. Because our family and community believe one way, we will inherently believe the same belief system.
I had to go to monasteries and also do dishes and servings during the annual ritual which was very tiring. Sometimes I would think of it as a punishment and waste of resources to have to walk for hours to visit monasteries. My parents had to force me and my sister to go with them. However, with time, I started to learn more about Buddhism and our religious beliefs.
Another role of the Buddhism is in achieving Gross National Happiness. GNH cannot be achieved unless Buddhist philosophy is fully incorporated and practiced by each and every citizen of Bhutan. The concept of enlightenment is so deep that people don’t do any sinful activities, believe in returning help, maintaining harmony and obtaining inner peace and self-realization.
Buddhism is closely related to Bhutanese form of life, where the Buddhist values guide every aspects of life. In Bhutan, Buddhism starts from religious transformation of the people, historic evolution of the country, and as a path to enlightenment and inner peace. It is also reflected in the monuments, architecture and the prayer flags that are seen throughout the country.
To conclude, Bhutan is what Buddhism is and Bhutanese are the product of it. Not only in the transformation of the country but also played a significant role in protecting our national identity. Another role is in achieving gross nation happiness, where it helps in maintaining inner peace and social harmony. Buddhism strives to bless and purify all the sentient beings, with the goal of enlightenment. The role played by Buddhism is very dynamic, vast as the sky and deep as the ocean.
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