In a Land Far Far Away

Peace on Earth Achieved in the Kingdom of Bhutan

Image courtesy of Wikipedia The Bhutanese call their country Druk Yul which means "Land of the Thunder Dragon" in the language known as Dzongkha. The Bhutanese flag (shown right) symbolizes the balance between the secular power of the king (yellow) and the Buddhist religion (red).

The following is a particularly moving excerpt taken directly from the website of the Bhutan Tourism Corp. Ltd. View

From The Heart of the People
by Tshering Tashi

THE YEAR 2008 WAS A SPECIAL YEAR FOR BHUTAN. It is this year, that the Bhutanese celebrated the coronation of her Fifth King and the achievements of the Fourth. It was also the year where the Bhutanese celebrated the centenary year of the monarchy and humbly paid tribute to all her rulers for the unprecedented peace, justice and happiness that the country has enjoyed.

Bhutan is predominantly a Buddhist kingdom. Buddhism is a way of life. The people practice impermanence, detachment and change. The rulers have always been the inspiration of her people. Unlike many kings, the Kings of Bhutan are not considered descendants of Gods. They are just human, their ancestors can be easily traced, yet they have proven themselves beyond any human souls and have been revered as Gods.

Bhutan is aware that she is a landlocked country. In the true spirit of Buddhism and in the humility of our rulers; the trademark of our Kings, we will not see grand parades or fireworks or long holidays, and instead, the people will work harder and laugh heartily and propagate peace. The Kings of Bhutan have never or will ever be known for building huge architectural marvels or as creators or inventors. They are better known as the Kings of the hearts of people. As in the past, the kings continue to touch the hearts and minds of many ordinary people.

The gift of the King to his people is democracy. In an unprecedented trend, violating most royal norms, the Fourth King voluntarily surrendered his power to his people. He shocked the country and the world when he stepped down as 'King Father' to allow his young son to guide the Kingdom into a parliamentary democracy.

A weeks worth of food for a Bhutanese family. Photo courtesy of Photobucket

The world has rightly applauded Bhutan's bold philosophy of Gross National Happiness. According to the philosophy, the happiness of the people precedes even the Gross National Product. GNH is the gift of Bhutan to the world. Bhutan will celebrate the year 2008 with humility, compassion and greater vigor to promote peace and happiness.

"We in Bhutan view ourselves not as citizens of Bhutan but as Bhutanese citizens of the world and small as we may be, we feel that one day we might be the conscience of the modern world."
~ His Majesty the Fifth King, Jigme Khesar Nangyel Wangchuck