The Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan may not register immediately on the geo-political map but it's place in the world, wedged as it is between the powerhouses of China and India, may be increasingly significant given China's continues its occupation of Tibet.
Bhutan's observance of Gross National Happiness, a policy instituted by the Fourth King in 1972, is a measurement of happiness just as important as economic prosperity or gross national product.
“It’s derived from one of Buddhism’s teachings, and it’s a philosophy that creates an environment where our people’s happiness and contentment is of utmost importance,” explained Princess Kesang Choden. “It’s hard to quantify and measure happiness, but we do have the four pillars of Gross National Happiness, such as sustainable and equitable socio-economic development, good governance, and also more holistic views such as preservation and promotion of our cultural heritage as well as the preservation of our natural environment. It’s a well-rounded approach in taking care of the needs of Bhutan’s people in the area that counts – their happiness.” - The Buddhist Channel
The Dalai Lama continues, even after the long struggle to provide freedom and justice for his people, to portray an image of Happiness, indeed his book The Art of Happiness was a best seller which explained how it is possible to find happiness in spite of perceived difficulties, by learning to understand the mind.
Perhaps, if the world's leaders could embrace concepts such as Gross National Happiness, then the world would conceivably be a more joyful place as people sought to find a communal happiness rather than individual material prosperity.
After stumbling out of another festive season where the promise of joy is ever-present, could it be time to turn on the people who would have us believe that receiving is as important as giving, if people voted to give more of themselves, their wisdom and compassion, then the price of joy could be lowered considerably.
Because we have not, should we necessarily be happy not?
Having recently married, I can espouse the idea that occasions where the gift is love, can bring about a shared level of Joy that has the potential to change lives and relationships.
But it is the willingness of people to think primarily of others' happiness that is the bringer of Joy.
To invest in oneself is the key to changing our society. His Holiness says that, " Material progress alone is not sufficient to achieve an ideal society ... mental development, in harmony with material development, is very important. "
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