The Road to Happiness Words of Wisdom from the World's

Happiest Nation

Visit the link below to download the full version of this book:

https://medidownload.com/product/the-road-to-happiness-words-of-wisdom-from-the-
worlds-happiest-nation/

Click Download Now

 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 [email protected].

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 Tibet—a tiny jewel of a country
nestled in the Eastern Himalayas between two immense superpowers. This
position may make it seem vulnerable, but its values—a devotion to the
highest principles of human existence—give 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 Tiger’s 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 compassion—the
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 can’t 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 Bhutan’s 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 people’s dedication to following
the Buddha’s path and treating others with respect, kindness, and
compassion. And, last but not least they embody the nation’s 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 Bhutan’s 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.
 Like there is no beam without
a supporting pillar.
There can be no education without a
strong teacher.

The seedlings of spiritual devotion are

hit hard by the hailstorm of laziness.
If you search for happiness you will
not find it. If happiness searches for
you it will always find you.

The sunshine of a Lama’s 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.
 Cold weather doesn’t care if
your coat is old or new.

The milk of the snow leopard is nectar

from the gods of the Himalayas.
A king can only do so much to protect
a lawbreaker, as a Lama can only do
so much to protect a sinner.

The doctor's son can get ill and even

the astrologer's horse can get lost.
When you have climbed hard to the
mountain pass you will be rewarded
with the sight of a flowery meadow.

If the company you keep encourages

you to steal, your moral compass
has already been stolen.
 Without a blessed life, even gold
or silver have no value.

A person who cannot keep their promises

is like a tree with a rotting trunk.