【Secret of Happiness: Buddhism in Bhutan and Gross National Happiness】

Venerable Sonam Wangmo and Venerable Dr. Karma Tashi Choedron of Vajrayana Buddhism tradition were invited to Zheng Xin Buddhist Association to deliver a talk on "Secret of Happiness: Buddhism in Bhutan and Gross National Happiness"

The nite started with a welcoming speech by ZX President Ong Yen Lee followed by Introduction of the speaker by ZX Chan Tye Kooi.

Venerable Sonam Wangmo started by giving an overview of Bhutan; a country sandwiched between India and China and having 22 states. Bhutan has a country King and a Head of monastic Body. The country officially practice one single school of Buddhism but in reality there are 4 school of buddhism being practice.

Their country gross national happiness were based on 4 pillars:
Sustainable and equitable socio economic development.
Good governance.
Preservation and promotion of cultural heritage.
Environment (love and respect for nature)

Bhutan tradition is different from the Tibetan style, like the nun may use a cloth to receive food, their stupa shape and deities may be different. the Bhutanese wear unique costumes and lives a simple life style; they live resolve around the temple and stupa. Archery is their national games!

Bhutanese people are contented and happy! There is not so much of materialistic enjoyment! Buddhism plays a great role bringing and incorporating practices in the Bhutanese daily life!

There are 2 types of happiness: the Ultimate happiness and the relative Happiness! The relative happiness is further split into mental and physical happiness! The mental happiness will transform inner contentment to have more happiness!

Despite being a happy national, Venerable highlighted the "Not so happy" side of Bhutan whereby Nun were being discriminated! There are no proper place for nuns to practice! The lack of government assistance for the nun monastery making them hard to sustain!

Venerable Dr Karma later briefed thru a small monastery design by UNSW architect, Ar. Mel Soong and assisted by Architect turned speaker Tye Kooi, where they have bought a 0.4 acre land at the southern part of Bhutan to build a Retreat cum Practice Centre for Nun called "Samten Ngedon Gatsel Ling" at Phuentsholing, Chukha District, Southern Bhutan.