Day 14 – Where happiness lies

This morning, the gates of Bhutan are closed behind us for good, leaving Druk Yul, the land of the thundering dragon, behind. What a privilege it was to travel through this country for two weeks. Protected by the gods living in the Himalayas, these were top days. We went from one surprise to another. Bhutan is a poor country by our standards and a country that is considered to be far behind in its development, but it has much to teach us. That much is clear. Even if it is only the respect for nature and fellow man. In everything they undertake, respect for the essence of being and their ancient, almost endearing, culture is themost important thing. And that alone is nice to see. For us everything has to go faster and faster, one technology is immediately replaced by another, to the point where we are sometimes lived. In an ever-changing chaotic world, Bhutan is an exceptional haven. On the downside, Bhutan still has many challenges ahead to balance the necessary progress with tradition and ultimately become a developed country with respect to nature and values.

The question at the end of this journey: have we now found great happiness?

At least it's not hanging on the trees. But from their Buddhist background, the Bhutanese try to go for the golden mean, far away from all extremes in both positive and negative sense.

Buddha taught them that a person's suffering lies in wanting what another has or worse, in the elusive. We really shouldn't need the latest smartphone, our house shouldn't be bigger than our neighbor's and we shouldn't drive a more fancy car than our friends.

Money certainly doesn't make you happier here. Because what good is all that money if you don't have an eye for the beauty around you. When you can't enjoy funny, unexpected, endearing moments in your lives. If the Buthanese can teach us anything, it is to be satisfied with what you have. Happiness lies simply in small things.