Happiness and Spirituality

In: Towards Global Transformation: Proceedings of the Third International Conference on Gross National Happiness. Thimphu, The Centre for Bhutan Studies 2008, pp. 26-30 . ISBN 99936-14-42-4

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Abstract

Buddhism defines happiness as the state of mind that enjoys inner peace and is contented. The concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH) has been widely promoted and discussed in recent years in Bhutan and has even caught the interest of intellectuals, social scientists, and politicians throughout the world. Seminars and conferences on GNH over the years have served to highlight the importance of catering to the social development of the nation, including the spiritual health of its citizens as well as the promotion and preservation of its unique culture. While conventional development models stress economic growth, the concept of GNH is based upon the premise that the true and sustainable development of human society takes place when material and spiritual development occur side by side, serving to complement and reinforce one another. The authors emphasises the role of the monastic body of Bhutan to achieve Gross National Happiness.