The Bhutanese Leading the way.
Actor says he is willing to volunteer for GMC
During the Asia Visionary Summit, held at Dungkar Dzong in Paro under the theme Asia’s Brightest Minds Meet to Co-Create the Future, international actor and philanthropist Jet Li Lianjie shared why he chose to volunteer for the mission of Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC).
For Jet Li, GMC is not simply about building a city or creating more economic and business opportunities. He said the vision represents a bigger idea of improving human lives, particularly for the younger generation and generations to come.
Speaking about his interest in GMC, he expressed his appreciation for the initiative’s focus on balancing economic development with happiness and mental well-being. He said he was drawn to the idea of contributing to a city that places human happiness and well-being at the center of its development. He added that he would gladly volunteer and give his best if his contribution could help more people find happiness.
For Jet Li, the significance of GMC lies not only in what it can build physically, but also in the positive impact it could have on people’s lives and the future of humanity.
Jet Li’s daughter, Jada Li, added that Gelephu could become a stepping stone for people to look beyond business and economic opportunities and reflect on what gives their lives meaning and happiness. She emphasized the importance of finding balance in a rapidly changing world while staying connected to and preserving the values that matter.
Jet Li said his decision to support GMC was also driven by his belief that even small individual contributions can make a significant difference when brought together. He described this commitment as the second part of his life, where he wants to focus less on personal achievements and more on contributing to society. “When you have two cents, one cent, put them together, you can change a lot. That is the second part of my life. I thought it was big. I want to do something not for myself, but for society,” he said.
Jet Li first visited Bhutan in 2017 for a seven-day retreat. He said his latest visit offered a different experience as he learned about GMC and its vision. He described the visit as another kind of journey, saying it allowed him to see and learn about many things.
He said millions of people around the world aspire to live more mindful lives, giving Bhutan an opportunity to attract those who share similar values. He noted that GMC should bring together people who believe in positive energy and want to work and live among like-minded individuals. He added that some business founders may even prefer building their companies in Bhutan rather than Silicon Valley if they can work with people who understand and practice mindful business principles.
However, he stressed that protecting the city’s culture and values would be equally important. He cautioned that one person with the wrong mindset could create a toxic work environment, particularly if they went on to recruit others who shared the same attitude. He said GMC would need to protect its culture by bringing together people who share its vision and values.
Jada Li said the vision behind GMC could serve as an example for other parts of the world, even as the project remains a work in progress. She said having a clear guiding vision and principles was important to ensure that the city remains true to its purpose as it develops and grows. She cautioned against treating progress as an end in itself, saying that development without a clear sense of purpose could leave the future uncertain. She said GMC’s guiding principles could help ensure that growth does not come at the cost of its core values.
Speaking about the concept of mindfulness, Jada said the term is sometimes understood in the West mainly as being present in the moment, relaxing and finding peace. However, she explained that its original term, sati, carries a deeper meaning associated with memory and remembrance. She said this understanding of mindfulness also involves remembering one’s ethics, morals and what truly matters in life.
Jada expressed hope that these values would guide GMC as it develops, ensuring that its traditions, principles and pursuit of happiness remain central to the city’s identity rather than reducing mindfulness to simply feeling relaxed or at ease in the present moment.
