Arts Commentary & Writing, No. ❶❷
April 13, 2023
Bhutan’s Pillars of Happiness
Edited by Malini Narayan and Pradyumna Sapre
The kingdom of Bhutan is enshrined in the Western imagination as one of the happiest countries in the world. Many attribute this to Bhutan’s unique approach to national development. With little regard for economic metrics, Bhutan chooses to focus instead on overall wellbeing as measured by the Gross National Happiness Index—an alternative paradigm that considers sustainable and equitable socio-economic development, environmental conservation, preservation and promotion of culture, and good governance.
However, Gross National Happiness is not simply another economic abstraction. It is a reflection of the spiritual modalities that are steeped in Bhutan’s landscape, and the holistic approach to compassion that permeates all aspects of art, culture, and life in Bhutan. Such compassion is intricately tied to its Buddhist practices and philosophy — eloquently summarized into the ‘four pillars of happiness’ by Rinpoche: The Fifth Reincarnate and head of the Sangchen Ogyen Tsuklag Monastery in Bhutan.
Gorina Monastery situated in the Paro valley, 1970. Image Credit: Bonhams/BNPS
The brahmavihāras (‘immeasurable’ or ‘divine abode’), commonly refered to as the ‘Four Pillars of Happiness,’ are integral tenets from Buddhist teachings. In the context of daily life, they teach one how to react less frequently to external disturbances—whether they cause happiness or sorrow—and maintain an inner stillness, which is seen as the ultimate secret to leading a happy life.
Omnipresent reminders of these pillars of happiness are carved into various aspects of life in Bhutan. Art is an essential part of the kingdom’s cultural identity, and it retains the purity of handcrafting techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation. As seen in the thangka paintings—of divine beings, mandalas, and more—the relationship between an individual and their craft is the constant reminder of the four pillars of happiness, namely: jampā (loving kindness), karuṇā (compassion), muditā (joy for another’s success), and upekkhā (non-attachment). These four tenets of life remind one to cease their search for happiness in experiences outside of themselves, and to rather find joy in the everyday workings of life.
Sculpture of Buddha attended by Bodhisattvas Avalokiteshvara and Maitreya, second half of the 8th century, Sumatra or southern Thailand, copper alloy. Image Credit: Metropolitan Museum of Art
Avalokitesvara, known as Chenrezig in Bhutan, symbolizes the compassion of all Buddhas. He commonly takes the form of a 1000 armed, 1000 eyed, and 11 headed figure to aid everyone in their journey to salvation.
Jampā, or loving kindness, is the first brahmavihāra in Buddhist thought. Known as maitrī in Sanskrit, and mettā in Pali, jampā is the wish that all sentient beings be happy. Jampā counters malice and ill-will; it wishes that all sentient beings enjoy good health, company, wealth, intelligence, success, and peace. The Bhutanese normally cultivate loving kindness by chanting a prayer:
“May all mother sentient beings, as vast as space, attain happiness, and the causes of happiness.”
Jampā leads to karuṇā, or compassion — the second brahmavihāra. Along with the other brahmavihāras, jampā and karuṇā are represented in the Kalāchakrā Mandalā: the eternal mandala of life. Compassion is the empathy that manifests in each being, tied to the concept of aniccā: non-attachment or impermanence.
The ancient Tiger’s Nest Monastery sitting on a steep mountainside, thousands of feet above sea level, 1970. Image Credit: Bonhams/BNPSThe Tiger’s Nest Monastery, 21st century. Image Credit: Getty Images
Impermanence is the Buddhist concept that is at the root of Bhutanese culture. With any misfortune, there is a remembrance of the impermanence of each situation—such that change is seen as a beacon of future hope for a larger good. This also works in the converse manner, with a commitment towards maintaining non-attachment towards success, wealth, and fortune. The third brahmavihāra is muditā, empathetic joy for the success of others, and the fourth brahmavihāra is upekkhā, that is equanimity. Together, they encapsulate the multidimensional aspects of being.
“Always remember that the most important thing is to live life in the present moment and that happiness is not a by-product of external factors, but the result of positively conditioning your mind. Happiness is at the grasp of everyone.”
This spiritual approach to happiness confers the ability to reconcile the past and present upon Bhutan’s people. They are able to embrace progressive values while remaining rooted in their traditions and spiritual beliefs. Their culture and religion is not prescriptive, but rather focuses on enabling each individual to follow the middle path in everyday living. Bhutan is a living paragon of the philosophies of happiness, mindfulness, and holistic wellness that have enraptured the world through recent interest in mindfulness and meditation practices.
A Thangka Painting representing the Kalāchakrā Mandalā, mid 15th century, Central Tibet, Ngor Monastery, paint on fabric. Image and Text Credit: Sotheby’s
The Kalāchakrā tantrā was devised in the 11th or 12th century by the scholar, Abhayakaragupta, at the Vikramashila monastery, and is one of the most intricate and aesthetically appealing of all mandala painting in Vajrayana Buddhism . It depicts the six-hundred and thirty-four deity mandala of Kalāchakrā within a circle depicting the charnel grounds.
“In the Buddhist arts, there is a common thread that runs through each discipline: compassionate aspiration for the enlightenment of sentient beings. Whether it is an artist who is a Buddha emanation, a sacred ringsel from the cremated body of a high lama, or a thangka painting of an enlightened being, the Buddhist principle of liberation for all is the prominent theme.
The art both represents and embodies Buddha nature. These embodiments offer all beings a chance to recognize their own inner Buddha. These arts help point the way toward the true essence and process of revealing this Buddha nature—the real blessing of Buddhist art.”