Aligning Spirituality and Development: The Role of Buddhism in Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.12671463

Aligning Spirituality and Development: The Role of Buddhism in Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.12671463

Author(s): Dhanapati Sharma

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.12671463

PDF: Download Full Text

Volume 15 | Issue 3 | June 2024

Pages: 270-277

 
AboutUs: https://www.the-criterion.com/about/
 
Archive: https://www.the-criterion.com/archive/
 
ContactUs: https://www.the-criterion.com/contact/
 
EditorialBoard: https://www.the-criterion.com/editorial-board/
 
Submission: https://www.the-criterion.com/submission/
 
FAQ: https://www.the-criterion.com/fa/
 
 
 
 
ISSN 2278‐9529
Galaxy: International Multidisciplinary Research Journal
www.galaxyimrj.com

The Criterion: An International Journal in English Vol. 15, Issue-III, June 2024 ISSN: 0976-8165
www.the-criterion.com
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10448030
Aligning Spirituality and Development: The Role of Buddhism in Bhutan’s
Gross National Happiness
Dhanapati Sharma
Gedu College of Business Studies,
RUB, Bhutan.
Article History: Submitted-15/05/2024, Revised-19/06/2024, Accepted-25/06/2024, Published-30/06/2024.
Abstract:
The Gross National Happiness (GNH) framework, originating from Bhutan,
emphasize holistic development over mere economic growth, drawing inspiration from
Buddhist philosophy. This paper explores the intrinsic relationship between Buddhism and
GNH, revealing how Buddhist principles shape Bhutan’s unique development paradigm. The
Four Noble Truths of Buddhism, focusing on suffering, its causes, cessation, and the path to
cessation, closely align with GNH’s pillars and principles. Buddhist teachings emphasizes
interconnectedness, compassion, and mindfulness, guiding policies aimed at fostering
genuine happiness and collective well-being. The study uses secondary data. Through an
analysis of Buddhist ethics and values, this paper highlights the profound influence of
spirituality on Bhutan’s development model and the relevance of GNH as a pathway to
sustainable progress. The impermanence philosophy of Buddhism resonates within GNH,
promoting mindfulness, environmental conservation, and societal harmony. By adopting
practices like meditation and ethical living, individuals can move towards inner peace and
enlightenment, aligning with both Buddhist teachings and GNH goals. This fusion of ancient
wisdom with contemporary well-being frameworks underscores the timeless relevance of
Lord Buddha’s teachings and their resonance with Bhutan’s GNH philosophy.
Keywords: Gross National Happiness (GNH), Buddhism, Four Noble Truths, Noble
Eightfold Path, Spirituality, Well-being, Mindfulness, Impermanence, Bhutan.
Introduction
The Gross National Happiness (GNH) framework that originated from the Himalayan
Kingdom of Bhutan, has garnered international attention as a holistic approach to
development, standing in contrast to conventional economic indicators such as Gross
270
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.12671463

Aligning Spirituality and Development: The Role of Buddhism in Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness
www.the-criterion.com
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10448030
Domestic Product (GDP). Bhutan has always prioritized the well-being and happiness of its
people over economic growth since the dawn of its modern civilization. Bhutan has adopted
GNH as its developmental philosophy as the nation feels that GNH is a powerful tool with a
holistic approach to development and progress but, at the heart of GNH lies a deep-seated
connection with Buddhist philosophy, reflecting Bhutan’s cultural and spiritual heritage. As
Ura, Alkire, Zangmo, and Wangdi (2012) assert, GNH was first introduced by the fourth King
of Bhutan in the 1970s as a means to prioritize well-being and sustainable development over
mere economic growth.
This chapter attempts to explore the intrinsic relationship between Buddhism and
GNH, elucidating how Buddhist principles shape Bhutan’s unique development paradigm by
aligning themselves very closely with the teachings of Buddha. Buddhist teachings, grounded
in concepts of interconnectedness, compassion, and mindfulness, serve as the cornerstone of
GNH, guiding policies and practices aimed at fostering genuine happiness and collective
well-being (Thinley, 2011). Through an exploration of Buddhist ethics and values, this paper
aims to shed light on the profound influence of spirituality on Bhutan’s development model,
highlighting the relevance of GNH as a pathway to sustainable progress and human
flourishing.
Four Nobel Truths and GNH
The cornerstone of Buddhist teachings, the Four Noble Truths, outline the nature of
suffering, its causes, and the path to liberation. Lord Buddha during his first teaching shared
the four ideas on life and living which nurtures the mindset of Bhutanese populace and
throws a spotlight on the concept of GNH.
1. Suffering – Life is marked by suffering, encompassing physical and mental pain,
dissatisfaction, and impermanence.
The first concept of the Four Nobel Truths creates a strong base on life itself. It may
sound a bit pessimistic to say that life is full of suffering, both mentally and physically, with
so much dissatisfaction. However, it is important to remind oneself of the impermanence of
these experiences. However, this concept is firstly practical, and has a very close link with
happiness. Thich Nhat Hanh (1998) in his book, The Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching:
Transforming Suffering into Peace, Joy, and Liberation states that,
271

The Criterion: An International Journal in English Vol. 15, Issue-III, June 2024 ISSN: 0976-8165

www.the-criterion.com
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10448030
The Four Noble Truths are not just a philosophical concept but a practical guide to living
a meaningful and fulfilling life. By understanding and practising these truths, one can free
oneself from the cycle of suffering and find true happiness. (p.43)
Gross National Happiness (GNH) has a strong foundation in the concept of suffering.
Only through a proper understanding of suffering, which is seen as the ultimate reality of life,
can one move towards the path of happiness and a fulfilling life. From the four pillars of
Gross National Happiness (GNH), the Preservation and Promotion of Culture teaches people
to live a balanced life and practice mindfulness at all times. This approach aligns closely with
looking at life more deeply and understanding its essence for happy and peaceful living. This
pillar also recognizes the importance of preserving and promoting cultural values, traditions,
and heritage, and most importantly it includes efforts to protect and nurture indigenous
knowledge, arts, and crafts. The cessation of suffering is the outcome of a balanced life that is
led by being mindful at all times.
Cause of Suffering – The origin of suffering is craving and attachment, rooted in ignorance of
the true nature of reality.
The second concept examines the causes of suffering. By understanding these causes, one
can refrain from certain actions and protect oneself from suffering. The end of suffering is the
beginning of happiness. By preserving and practicing the unique culture and traditions of
Bhutan, as stated by one pillar of GNH, the people learn to set limits on their expectations
and stay detached from materialistic possessions, leading to a conscious and meaningful life.
The cause of suffering, as elucidated by Buddha and the Gross National Happiness (GNH)
philosophy, lies in their shared emphasis on addressing the underlying mental and emotional
factors that contribute to human discontentment and suffering. Both philosophies recognize
that material wealth alone does not guarantee happiness and that true well-being comes from
cultivating inner peace, compassion, and a sense of interconnectedness with others and the
world. Both Buddha’s teachings and the GNH philosophy recognize that material possessions
and external conditions are insufficient for lasting happiness. Instead, they emphasize inner
transformation and psychological well-being as key factors in achieving genuine happiness
and fulfilment. Additionally, the cravings for sensual pleasure and material wealth and power
represented by the Wheel of Life, are not permanent fixtures of human existence and doing
good karmic acts will increase happiness and wellbeing (French 2002). Happiness exists in
the absence of suffering, which has its roots in cravings, attachment, and ignorance. Hence,
272

Aligning Spirituality and Development: The Role of Buddhism in Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness
www.the-criterion.com
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10448030
the GNH philosophy keeps people grounded in religious beliefs, cultural values, and societal
norms, ultimately leading to the attainment of happiness.
2. Cessation of Suffering – Liberation from suffering is attainable by extinguishing
craving and ignorance, leading to the state of Nirvana.
Lord Buddha’s teachings on the cessation of suffering through the extinguishing of
craving and ignorance align very well with the GNH philosophy. As per Lord Buddha,
Nirvana is a state of ultimate liberation from suffering, achieved through the elimination of
desires and delusions. On the same note, the principles of GNH prioritize spiritual well-being
and inner peace over material wealth and external success through one of its pillars: the
Preservation and Promotion of Culture.
Lord Buddha, in his teaching stressed the importance of overcoming attachment to
worldly desires and illusions because they are sources of all human suffering. To achieve
inner peace and ultimately attain enlightenment, humans can reach this state by ceasing to
crave materialistic things and by avoiding ignorance. Similarly, the GNH philosophy
emphasizes the need for holistic well-being, including spiritual fulfilment and mental
harmony, as essential components of happiness. According to Ura (2015) the GNH
philosophy is based on the belief that true happiness comes from within oneself through self-
awareness and inner transformation. This concept aligns closely with Lord Buddha’s
teachings on the path to Nirvana, which emphasize self-reflection, mindfulness, and the
cultivation of wisdom to transcend suffering.
Furthermore, research and studies have shown that consistent mindfulness practice and
meditation, as advocated by Lord Buddha and the Gross National Happiness (GNH)
philosophy, can reduce levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. By focusing on inner peace
and spiritual growth, individuals can experience a more profound sense of fulfilment and
contentment, which aligns with the principles of GNH. The idea of liberation from suffering
by extinguishing craving and ignorance, aligns with the GNH philosophy of Bhutan, which
emphasizes spiritual well-being and inner peace as essential components of happiness. The
path to Nirvana, achieved through self-awareness, mindfulness, and wisdom, can bring
individuals a state of lasting contentment and fulfillment, in harmony with themselves and the
world around them.
3. Path to the Cessation of Suffering – The Noble Eightfold Path, consisting of right
understanding, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and
273

The Criterion: An International Journal in English Vol. 15, Issue-III, June 2024 ISSN: 0976-8165

www.the-criterion.com
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10448030
concentration, serves as a practical guide for overcoming suffering and attaining
enlightenment.
The concept of the Noble Eightfold Path, as discussed by Lord Buddha, offers a
structured approach to navigating the challenges of life and achieving inner peace and
enlightenment. This path, comprising elements such as right understanding, intention, speech,
action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration, is designed to lead individuals
towards the cessation of suffering. The Eightfold Path is the ongoing condition of obtaining
increasing bliss and happiness (Gethin 2004; Snelling 1998). Through rigorous practice of
Eightfold Path, human can achieve happiness. In the context of GNH philosophy, which
prioritizes holistic well-being and societal harmony, the principles of the Noble Eightfold
Path align closely with the values espoused by GNH. President of the Centre for Bhutan
Studies & GNH Research from Bhutan pointed out that the GNH framework stresses
psychological well-being, community vitality, and cultural diversity as essential components
of happiness. Similarly, these principles align with the teachings of the Noble Eightfold Path
of Lord Buddha, emphasizing mental clarity, ethical conduct, and mindfulness in our daily
activities. It was found that mindfulness-based interventions, such as those focused on
cultivating mindfulness and concentration, were effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety
and depression (Journal of Clinical Psychology, 2017). Similarly, Dalai Lama (1998) in one
of his books shares how human transform its inner self by practicing mindfulness and
compassion and finally achieve happiness and well-being. It also aligns with the teaching of
Lord Buddha and is very much a concept of GNH.
Impermanence

Impermanence is one of the basic truths that reinforces the idea and understanding of
existence which is the core principle of Lord Buddha’s teaching. Impermanence stresses the
fleeting and dynamic nature of everything that exists including human life. The philosophy of
impermanence in Buddhism aligns well with the GNH philosophy because both recognize the
temporary nature of material existence and emphasize the importance of cultivating the right
attitudes to promote the well-being of the masses. Buddhists believe that suffering also occurs
through the selfish and mindless craving for sensual pleasure and material wealth and power
by individual egos, which may cause evil deeds (Armstrong 2004; Batchelor 2010; Keown
2013; Leighton 2012; Mitchell 2008; Smith & Novak 2003). When people understand that all
phenomena in life are subject to change and eventual extinction, they develop a sense of
274

Aligning Spirituality and Development: The Role of Buddhism in Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness
www.the-criterion.com
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10448030
detachment, acceptance, and mindfulness. This understanding ultimately reduces human
suffering and promotes peace and happiness in life.
If we try and figure out the presence of impermanence in the GNH framework, we
find it echoing in the domain of psychological well-being. This domain discusses the aspect
of mindful practices, inculcating the sense of resilience and overall mental well-being. With a
proper understanding of the impermanent nature of the world around them, people are
motivated to prioritize values such as inner peace, satisfaction, and spiritual growth, leaving
behind the pursuit of material possessions. When this change in people’s outlook permeates
their practical lives, it fosters genuine happiness, peace, and fulfillment. This essentially helps
achieve the goal of GNH, which aims to foster the overall well-being of both people and
society. Besides, Bhutan’s focus on environmental conservation and sustainable development
aligns closely with impermanence, it represents the fragile interdependence of the entire
environmental ecosystem. Bhutan’s emphasis on protecting and promoting natural vegetation
in harmony reflects its unique relationship and reverence for all forms of life and the well-
being of the entire planet. Similar perspective has been shared by Mahayana Buddhism, the
Ultimate Truth of the universe is based on the non-duality of reality (Gethin 1998; Keown
2013; Leighton 2012; Williams, 2008), meaning that all in the universe is interconnected.
Bhutan cultivates awareness of impermanence, follows the philosophies of interdependence
and interconnectivity, and practices non-attachment. With this, Bhutan fosters communities
filled with happiness rooted in country’s spiritual values and a strong appreciation and
acceptance of the transient nature of the material world around, and psychological wellbeing
(as per the GNH philosophy) is defined as a citizen’s spiritual level and employment of good
karma (Centre for Bhutan Studies, 201b).
Conclusion
By adopting and practicing the ideas shared by Lord Buddha through the Four Noble
Truths and the Eightfold Path, people across the globe can achieve inner peace and ethical
conduct, aligning well with the goals of GNH. In essence, Mahayana Buddhist states that
happiness and compassion arise from awareness of suffering in the self and in others
(achieved by removing the distraction of immediate suffering and through education) (Givil
2015).
In essence, Buddhism relates to impermanence, signifying that everything in the
universe is subject to change and decay. Next, clinging to impermanent possessions of the
275

The Criterion: An International Journal in English Vol. 15, Issue-III, June 2024 ISSN: 0976-8165

www.the-criterion.com
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10448030
world as one’s own ignorance is the source of suffering. Therefore, understanding
impermanence frees one from worldly desires. GNH promotes a balanced life and educates
people on the importance of a mindful approach to both the materialistic and spiritual realms
of life.
Through daily practices such as meditation, ethical living, and mindfulness, people
can progress toward the cessation of suffering and achieve enlightenment. The integration of
ancient Buddhist wisdom with contemporary well-being frameworks highlights the timeless
relevance of Lord Buddha’s teachings and their alignment with Bhutan’s GNH philosophy.
This integration fosters a more harmonious and fulfilling existence for individuals and
societies alike.
Works Cited:
Armstrong, K. (2004). Buddha. New York: Penguin Books.
Batchelor, M. (2010). The Spirit of the Buddha. New Haven: Yale University Press.
Centre for Bhutan Studies. (2011b). Explanation of GNH Index.

http://www.grossnationalhappiness.com/gnhIndex/intruductionGNH.aspx
Gethin, R. (2004). Cosmology Encylopedia of Buddhism (Vol. A-L, Volume 1, pp. 183-187).

New York: Macmillan Reference USA/Thomson/Gale
Journal of Clinical Psychology. (2017). Mindfulness-based interventions for anxiety and

depression. Wiley Online Library.
Keown, D. (2013). Buddhism: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford, UK: Oxford University

Press. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/actrade/9780199663835.001.0001
Leighton, T. D. (2012). Faces of Compassion: Classic Bodhisattva Archetypes and Their

Modern Expression. Somerville, Massachusetts: Wisdom Publications.
Mitchell, D. (2008). Buddhism: Introducing the Buddhist Experience. New York: Oxford

University Press.
Lama, D. & Cutler.H.C (1998) The Art of Happiness. Riverhead Books, Penguin Random
276

Aligning Spirituality and Development: The Role of Buddhism in Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness
www.the-criterion.com
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10448030

House.
Smith, H., & Novak, P. (2003). Buddhism. San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco.
Snelling, J. (1998). The Buddhist Handbook: The Complete Guide to Buddhist Schools,

Teaching, Practice, and History. Rochester, Vermont: InnerTraditions.
Thich Nhat Hanh (1998). The Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching: Transforming Suffering into

Peace, Joy, and Liberation. New York : Harmony Books
Thinley, J. (2011). A short guide to Gross National Happiness Index. Centre for Bhutan

Studies.
Ura, K., Alkire, S., Zangmo, T., & Wangdi, K. (2012). An extensive analysis of GNH index.

Centre for Bhutan Studies.
Ura, K. (2012). Gross National Happiness: A set of discussion papers. Thimphu: Centre for

Bhutan Studies.
277