Bhutan’s culture, shaped by the Buddhist way of life, is possibly the major attraction. The country has always put culture and tradition at the heart of its existence.
So, what is in there, really?
Ancient Buddhist folk culture, epics, mythology, history, and the legends of strongmen—all make for a rich and distinctive culture. Bhutan’s thriving cultural heritage evokes a deep sense of its rich past.
Bhutanese refer to their homeland as ‘Druk-yul’, meaning the Dragon Country. People themselves are known as ‘Drukpa’, the Dragon People. Bhutan’s king is, therefore, the Dragon King.
The country’s national identity is anchored on its religious identity as a Buddhist nation. In fact, the Mahayana form of Buddhism influences people’s daily lives. For Bhutanese people, the act of living is a fulfillment of a preordained destination dictated by the karmic cycle of cause and effect. The aim, therefore, is ultimately one—to be good human beings.
As a society, the Bhutanese follow a highly refined system of traditional code of conduct called ‘Driglam Namzha’. This is another distinct aspect of Bhutan’s national identity.
Today, with its distinct cultural heritage and a modernist interpretation of development and human wellbeing through the ideals of Gross National Happiness, Bhutan has presented a wonderful juxtaposition to what’s happening elsewhere, especially in the developed nations.
