Bhutan
- Karen Darnell
- May 8, 2020
- 2 min read
The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner introduced me to Bhutan. Weiner traveled to happy countries around the world to see how they achieve happiness. He reports that every Bhutanese government decision considers Gross National Happiness. I recommend the book (available in hard copy, Kindle, Audible, and Overdrive). If you only want the summary, listen to Eric Weiner’s Ted Talk at https://ericweinerbooks.com/books/the-geography-of-bliss/#videos.
How do they do it? Here’s the short version: Happiness lies within your mind. The quality of the society is more important than your place in it. Practice tantric (also known as Vajrayana) Buddhism. Take the middle path. Respect. Kindness. Balance between four pillars in policy decisions: conservation of the environment, preservation of culture, good governance, and socioeconomic development.
The longer version of how Vajrayana Buddhists achieve happiness can be found in The Art of Happiness by the Dalai Lama and Howard Cutler. It is available in several versions: paperback, hardcover, Audible, Kindle, Overdrive and free online in several places including http://www.e4thai.com/e4e/images/pdf/The%20Art%20of%20Happiness.pdf and http://zasxa.duckdns.org/B005ZTC194-The-Art-of-Happiness-10th-Anniversary-Edition.pdf
I went looking for more information on Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism and found plenty, but most of it was deep, with big words and sounding like college courses. A friend of mine who practices mindfulness recommended https://www.mindful.org/ as possibly more accessible. I particularly appreciated the suggestions at https://www.mindful.org/7-ways-to-ease-your-anxious-mind/. However, if you want to be authentic to Bhutan and learn more about how they practice Buddhism, Khyentse Norbu has several long talks on YouTube. I also found some of Khyentse Norbu’s movies on Vimeo but haven’t streamed them yet.
Movies and documentaries that I watched on Amazon that allowed me to experience Bhutan virtually include:
· Arrows of the Thunder Dragon
· Asia's Monarchies: Bhutan: Land of the Thunder Dragon
· Bhutan: The Height of Happiness?
· The Refugees of Shangri La
· Must See Places of the World: Mystic Lands: Bhutan
· Parts Unknown: Season 11, Episode 8
I also enjoyed the opening video at https://www.bhutan.travel/ and the arts page https://www.bhutan.travel/page/arts-crafts. I’m hoping that the Bhutanese Community of California will be able to have their cultural night in Oakland in October because I would love to attend.
As always, https://www.thecrazytourist.com/15-best-places-visit-bhutan/ has great pictures and ideas of where to visit. When this pandemic is over, you might get the chance to plan travel to Bhutan using your local travel advisor. Shout out to my favorite travel advisor, Kaitlin Darnell at Laura's Travel in Redlands. May the travel industry survive and thrive - may we all survive, thrive, recognize our mutual humanity, learn to deal with our conflicts, and allow peace and health to flourish in Bhutan and throughout the world.
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