Gyonpo Tshering - The Road to Happiness: Words of Wisdom from the Worlds Happiest Nation

Copyright 2012 Gyonpo Tshering
Photographs 2012 Margaret Gee All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner without the express written consent of the publisher, except in the case of brief excerpts in critical reviews or articles. ALL inquiries should be addressed to Skyhorse Publishing, 307 West 36th Street, 11th floor, New York, NY 10018. Skyhorse publishing books may be purchased in bulk at special discounts for sales promotion, corporate gifts, fund-raising, or educational purposes. Special editions can also be created to specifications. for details, contact the Special Sales Department, Skyhorse Publishing, 307 West 36th Street, 11th floor, New York, NY 10018 or info@skyhorsepublishing.com.

Skyhorse and Skyhorse Publishing are registered trademarks of Skyhorse Publishing, Inc., a Delaware Corporation.
Visit our website at www.skyhorsepublishing.com. 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available on file. ISBN: 978-1-61608-872-9 eISBN: 978-1-62087-744-9 Printed in China The Road to Happiness is dedicated to the 4th coronation anniversary of His Majesty
the King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, for
bringing unprecedented economic prosperity, social
harmony, and happiness under his glorious reign. INTRODUCTION Bhutan is flanked by India, China and Tibeta tiny jewel of a country nestled in the Eastern Himalayas between two immense superpowers. This position may make it seem vulnerable, but its valuesa devotion to the highest principles of human existencegive it strength. Bhutan is the first and only country in the world to have a government edict that Gross National Happiness (GNH) is more important than Gross National Product.

The principal of GNH (emphasizing a selfless service to others and the search for enlightenment) is a core value of this unique Buddhist kingdom. They have a designated Gross National Happiness Center which is a magnet for scholars and experts studying this innovative philosophy, which will spread this message to a wider, troubled world. The concept of GNH has received international media coverage and happiness conferences seem to be springing up worldwide like the vibrant crimson and pink rhododendrons that cascade down the hillsides in the Bhutanese spring. The current Prime Minister of Bhutan, Jingme Y. Thinley, recently addressed the United Nations in New York on the concept of Gross National Happiness. Bhutan has a lot it can teach us.

Bhutan is entirely original. It appears on first visit to be a simple country with a village-based subsistence lifestyle. Yet beneath the surface, it is a rich, diverse community ranging from yak herders and the nomadic Laya people to a complex royal and government hierarchy, overseen by scholars, gurus, rimpoches, high lamas, abbots, senior monks, and some of the most environmentally devout practitioners in the world. (Bhutan is the only country in the world to have banned cigarette smoking and was the first to ban plastic bags in 1999.) The landscape is dotted with buildings decorated with flowers and Buddhist art called dzongs, chortens, and innumerable monasteries. The most famous of these is the stunning Tigers Nest or Taktshang monastery which clings to the steep hillsides in the Upper Paro Valley surrounded by blue pine and spruce forests. The revered Guru Padmasambhava who is credited with introducing Buddhism to Bhutan, is said to have meditated here for three months in the 8th Century.

Even if you have a very secular or agnostic view of religion, it is hard not to be moved by the intense and highly visible Buddhist practices, ceremonies, monuments, stories, festivals, fables, chants, incantations and offerings to their gods, goddesses, and other deities which are an everyday part of Bhutanese life. Ultimately, it is the Bhutanese themselves who are so engaging, and they really do seem to live the way of loving kindness and compassionthe major tenets of the Mahayana Buddhism to which they subscribe. They should also be much better known for their great capacity for jokes and laughter. They seem to live in the moment, and have as their highest priorities community, family, and faith. From the time I arrive there until I leave, I just feel happier in Bhutan than anywhere else on the planet, and cant seem to wipe the smile off my face! Perhaps it will be the wisdom from one of the smallest and happiest nations on earth, Bhutan, which will ultimately provide the necessary guidance for stability and peace so longed for throughout the world, when so many nations appear to be afflicted and deeply disturbed by war, poverty, and palpable misery. But, like every great journey, the first step begins with us.

Gyonpo Tshering and I sincerely hope that The Road to Happiness will illuminate your own path to enhanced happiness, tranquility and well-being. Tashi Delek. Margaret Gee, April 2012 FOREWORD This collection of original proverbs by Gyonpo Tshering perfectly captures the essence of Bhutans unique policy of Gross National Happiness. The intriguing aspect of these wise, witty and enlightening proverbs is that these remarkable sayings have come from deep within Bhutan. They truly reflect the Bhutanese peoples dedication to following the Buddhas path and treating others with respect, kindness, and compassion. And, last but not least they embody the nations wonderful sense of humor! The Road to Happiness is an ideal companion for either ordinary folks or scholars who are seeking to discover the true nature of Bhutans philosophy and Government edict that Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross National Product. These beautiful and endearing proverbs are truly a mirror to the heart and soul of the proud and innovative Bhutanese people.

Our message to the world is very simple: be kind, compassionate, and affectionate and see the bigger picture. Be connected to your faith, your family and your community. And enjoy life too! This engaging collection of proverbs researched and collected by the renowned Bhutanese scholar Gyonpo Tshering is a treasure trove of wise counsel, enlightening reflections, and some funny sayings too. It will put a smile on your face, and deepen your knowledge and understanding about the unique and caring nature of our compassionate monarch of the Bhutanese people in our beautiful little Eastern Himalayan Kingdom. His Excellency Lyonpo Minjur Dorji Honourable Minister for Home and Cultural Affairs Royal Government of Bhutan Human life is like a butter lamp
flickering in the wind. Proverbs are a garland of precious ancient
jewels to wear around the mind and heart.

If you search for happiness you will
not find it. If happiness searches for
you it will always find you. The sunshine of a Lamas mandala
is necessary to remove the darkness
of spiritual unawareness. A flea springs up from a cozy blanket
A hero springs up from a rocky ledge. A yak herder takes the credit but it is the
poor yak which carries the heavy load. The doctor's son can get ill and even
the astrologer's horse can get lost. The doctor's son can get ill and even