Article By – Manish Behl and Published by The Firstpost
What is the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of your country? Does it accurately reflect the progress your nation is making? How can we truly measure the happiness of its people? Is economic growth the sole factor that determines people’s well-being?
If material progress and economic growth were the key drivers of happiness, then the wealthiest nations should also be the happiest. However, this is not always the case. Contemporary economists often examine the link between GDP and happiness. Since happiness is a fleeting emotion, it is difficult to quantify in numerical terms. Additionally, any measurement of happiness requires a point of comparison or baseline.
Adam Smith, the Scottish philosopher and Father of Modern Economics, posed a critical question that remains highly relevant today: “How can human values and the demands of business work together to foster prosperous and civilized societies?”
Happiness as ancient wisdom defines it
In ancient Hindu texts, happiness is described as “ananda” or “sukh,” which translates to joy, a state of bliss, and contentment. This happiness can be experienced in three forms:
Bhautik (material): Derived from physical and material accomplishments and comforts in life.
Mansik (mental or emotional): Rooted in freedom from stress, anxiety, fear, and afflictions. This form of happiness also arises from achieving success, power, fame, recognition, respect, and love.
Social scientists have explored various ways to measure this sense of happiness, including individual and collective well-being, life satisfaction, freedom, belonging, self-esteem, and security. However, it’s important to note that the pursuit of happiness, as understood today, has deep roots in ancient wisdom and is not a modern concept.
Bhutan and its “pursuit of happiness”:
At a young age, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck of Bhutan, ruler of the Himalayan kingdom, recognized the limitations of traditional economic growth measures. He questioned the belief that GDP alone could ensure the happiness and well-being of society.
In 1970, as the fourth king of Bhutan, the teenager demonstrated remarkable wisdom, understanding that true happiness comes from the growth and overall progress of his people. During a visit to India in 1972, he was interviewed by a journalist at Bombay airport, where he introduced the concept of “Gross National Happiness” (GNH). This concept offered a more holistic and sustainable approach to development, going beyond mere economic indicators.
King Wangchuck famously declared, “Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross Domestic Product.”
This phrase emphasizes the value of sustainable development, focusing on a well-rounded approach to growth that gives equal weight to both economic and non-economic elements of well-being.
The idea of prioritizing happiness is not a modern innovation for Bhutan. In fact, Bhutan’s legal code from 1629 already conveyed this principle, stating, “If the government cannot create happiness for its people, then there is no purpose for government to exist.”
The Code emphasized laws aimed at fostering happiness for all living beings, not through Bhutan’s economic advancement, but by cultivating a thriving society that exists in balance with nature.
Bhutan – A living example of a mindful nation
Imagine living in a country where 78 percent of the land is covered by forests, and it is consistently ranked as one of the happiest places on Earth.
Bhutan, where 92 percent of the population reports being happy, is recognized as one of the most peaceful nations globally—free from terrorism, riots, religious or communal hatred, racial prejudice, and any form of discrimination or oppression. With its pristine nature, rivers so clean you can drink directly from them, and the distinction of being the world’s only carbon-negative country, Bhutan stands out. Here, the government genuinely cares for its citizens, focusing on practical development. Healthcare, education, and public services are all free, human life and values are protected, and people live in harmony with both nature and culture.
In Bhutan, wisdom and the environment seem to remain untouched by time.
This is likely due to the fact that the measure of progress and development in Bhutan is Gross National Happiness (GNH), rather than the GDP that dominates other nations.
How Bhutan measures Gross National Happiness
For years, global leaders and economists have fixated on GDP as the ultimate measure of progress. National policies have largely focused on boosting GDP, while insufficient attention has been paid to genuine environmental, social, and economic well-being or quality of life. Research now shows that wealth alone does not equate to happiness or life satisfaction.
Economists and researchers have long been trying to identify and quantify the factors that contribute to human happiness and satisfaction. In any economy, understanding these aspects is crucial to shaping policies that lead to more realistic and comprehensive measures of development. Bhutan, with its introduction of Gross National Happiness (GNH), has sparked a global debate about what true human development means. The country stands as a living example, with GNH reflecting its unique approach to measuring human progress and happiness. Today, Bhutan serves as a model, demonstrating the importance of an equal and harmonious society. According to its constitution, Bhutan’s government is committed to fostering conditions that promote Gross National Happiness. The foundation of GNH is built upon four key pillars:
- Good governance
- Sustainable socio-economic development
- Cultural preservation
- Environmental conservation
To offer a more inclusive perspective, Bhutan expanded these pillars into nine domains:
- Psychological well-being
- Health
- Education
- Time use
- Cultural diversity and resilience
- Good governance
- Community vitality
- Ecological diversity and resilience
- Living standards
With this expanded framework, Bhutan’s GNH Index now encompasses both socio-economic factors such as health, education, and living standards, as well as non-material aspects like cultural and psychological well-being. It has evolved into a comprehensive measure of the overall well-being of the Bhutanese population, moving beyond a subjective assessment of happiness.
One of the main insights from the GNH Index is that it doesn’t solely focus on material progress. It also emphasizes a thriving society, with a balanced approach to the well-being of both individuals and the nation.
Conscious leaders bring mindful change:
In a recent interview with former Cabinet Minister Lyonpo Norbu Wangchuk, who served as Minister of Economic Affairs and later as Minister of Education from 2013 to 2018, he commented, “While the GDP-based progress model was beneficial to world economies for a period, it is now clear, through Bhutan’s GNH initiative, that the traditional GDP model is no longer effective.”
He highlighted Bhutan’s approach over the past few decades, which focuses not on relentless materialism but on fostering holistic development. This model emphasizes the importance of respecting nature and ecosystems while also promoting inclusive human development in areas such as family, community, and social well-being.
Small nation, big heart:
Bhutan’s approach to Gross National Happiness (GNH) stands in stark contrast to the global standard for measuring a country’s progress based on the happiness of its citizens.
Ban Ki-Moon, the former UN Secretary-General, commended Bhutan’s initiative for sparking a global conversation about the connection between happiness, well-being, and prosperity. The UN’s sustainable growth panel also emphasized that while material wealth plays a role in well-being, it is far from the only factor that determines it.
In Bhutan, all major policies are designed with GNH in mind, carefully considering their impact on the country’s overall happiness. These policies address factors such as equality, family cohesion, health, gender equity, and job satisfaction, among others. As a result, the nation has fostered a supportive and secure community where trust is high, and the fear of victimization is virtually nonexistent.
Mindfulness and Happiness from Bhutan
Thich Nhat Hanh, a renowned global spiritual leader, poet, peace activist, Vietnamese monk, scholar, and master, beautifully expressed: “Mindfulness as a source of Happiness.”
Mindfulness, coupled with focus and flexibility, nurtures qualities such as kindness, compassion, joy, equanimity, peace, wisdom, and contentment—all of which are vital for human happiness and progress.
Taking Gross National Happiness (GNH) a step further, Bhutan is now integrating Mindfulness and Emotional Intelligence Meditation into schools and government institutions. This initiative aims to unlock human potential and cultivate genuine happiness.
The Honourable Minister Lyonpo Norbu Wangchuk recognizes the transformative power of mindfulness in achieving the happiness of Bhutan’s citizens. Through mindfulness meditation practices, Bhutan is training teachers, government officials, and fostering a culture of compassion and empathy. Minister Wangchuk believes that by transforming educators and public servants, Bhutan can strengthen a national culture of happiness and well-being.
Minister Wangchuk will be visiting India to share his experiences and insights at the Mindfulness India Summit 2019, where he will discuss how to bring happiness and well-being into daily life, education, communities, and nations. He will also explore ways to tackle environmental, political, educational, and organizational challenges.
I urge all governments and individuals to consider using GNH as a foundation for human happiness, and to adopt a mindful approach that nurtures compassion, appreciation for human diversity, and shared humanity, while also working towards social and economic goals.
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About the Author
Manish Behl, Global Leading Mindfulness Expert and founder of Mindfulness India Summit and Mindful Science Centre
Manish Behl is a world renowned Mindfulness, Emotional intelligence, meditation and Leadership expert, who helps leaders and organizations foster wisdom and well-being through Mindfulness, Emotional Intelligence and Neuroscience. He is the visionary founder of Mindfulness India Summit, Asia’s largest mindfulness and emotional intelligence summit, and Mindful Science Centre a mindfulness research, development and training institute.
He is ICF PCC coach with his 25 years of successful leadership experience as CEO of various leading multinational companies, he brings a unique blend of practical and experiential knowledge to his mindfulness workshops and leadership coaching.
He offers practical strategies for leadership transformation, which enhances leadership skills, increase performance, transform anxiety and negativity into calm and focus. He is also a TEDx speaker, a neuroscience enthusiast and a conscious thinker who inspires and empowers people to live their best lives. His workshops, talks and coaching facilitate physical and mental wellbeing, cultivate inner peace and fuels purpose and motivation.
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