The Bhutanese Leading the way.
The Global Peace Prayer Festival has drawn to a close and it can be said that it was a grand success.
Bhutan has always called itself the last Vajrayana Buddhist country and rightly so, but there was always a sense of insecurity about the term, almost like a last man standing.
However, the Bhutan at the GPPF was a different one which demonstrated confidence by not only hosting the different sects within Vajrayana Buddhism, but also hosting other Buddhist traditions from all over the world. Every one, was represented and given due respect.
The Zhung Dratshang represents the Drukpa Kagyu sect in Bhutan and the institution has essentially helped build the Bhutan of today playing an important foundational role in the political, religious, cultural and even social spheres over the centuries.
The Zhung Dratshang must be appreciated for having the confidence and the large heartedness to help organize and take part in such a varied gathering.
His Majesty The King’s leadership in organizing the GPPF is very strategic and important for Bhutan as it enhances Bhutan’s weight and importance in not only the spiritual Buddhist world but also on the international stage.
It adds to the positive reputation, image and even brand value of Bhutan.
The GPPF will not only bring a lot of spiritual blessings on Bhutan, but it will also enhance the harmony within the country where there are followers of different sects of Vajrayana Buddhism.
The GPPF festival showed that Bhutanese are very devout and so the festival will have quenched a lot of the spiritual thirst of many Bhutanese.
The festival also places Bhutan at an important position in the Buddhist world and beyond going into the realm of spirituality, mindfulness etc. All of these are very important for a small country.
This is also natural as it plays to the strengths of Bhutan as a pristine country where the Buddhist traditions and cultures are not only preserved but also thrive.
There are of course lessons to be learned from the GPPF in terms of crowd management, sanitation etc, but the event overall is a resounding domestic and international success.
Wisdom begins in wonder.
Socrates