The D Spot

Bhutan is a land in the Himalayas, about 25,000 feet above sea level, its mountains hiding it from the rest of the world, shrouded in legend and myth—its supernatural beings, ancient monasteries and fortresses amidst a breathless sight.

In a land where Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is not the primary indicator to gauge the health of the country’s economy nor is Gross National Product (GNP) measured to gauge the income per person, we can only see smiles and feel the peace emanating from the people in Bhutan—where Gross National Happiness (GNH) is the main index for defining the quality of life in a more holistic and psychological term.

While all other countries focused on economic growth as the ultimate objective, Bhutan’s King, in response to criticisms that the country was economically poor, made a commitment to build its economy that would serve Bhutan’s unique culture based on Buddhist spiritual values. GNH is based on the premise that human society’s true development would take place when material and spiritual development occur side by side in complementing and reinforcing each other.

The four pillars of GNH are (1) promotion of equitable and sustainable socio-economic development, (2) preservation and promotion of cultural values, (3) conservation of the natural environment, and (4) establishment of good governance.

For some years I have been witness to their growth and development—lucky to have visited Bhutan frequently. I have interacted with a lot of Bhutanese in a personal and professional level.

Peace and serenity have been evident in their faces. I have seen their smiles, their spirituality, their generosity. Their lives may be laid back, it is not stressful at all. Sometimes I wondered if they every knew what stress was. Their environment—almost pure, pristine forests, unpolluted air and rivers that I almost call “alive” must have something to do with their genteel character—though winter may be harsh at times.

I have met Desi Tenzin Rabgye, a young boy, now 16 years old, believed to be the reincarnation of the 16th century monk who built the Tango monastery, and had the rare opportunity to witness the monks’ prayers and rituals in the private confines of the monastery—at that very moment, I experienced what mystic and Buddhist spirituality meant.

This is one of my favorite pictures, symbolic that the Bhutanese have nothing to hide, no dirty linen to hide, everything is in the open.

Now, who would not want to live a life like theirs, stress-free, peaceful, tranquil and full of smiles?

More pictures here:  Bhutan, Land of the Thunder Dragon, Bhutan—Window in the Sky, and Cooking, the Bhutanese Way—simple but delicious.

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