In the serene landscapes of Bhutan, where the lofty Himalayas touch the sky and Vajrayana Buddhism permeates daily life, a new wave of hope is unfolding. Led by the revered Korean Dharma master, Venerable Pomnyun Sunim, and his team from the Join Together Society (JTS) Korea, Bhutanese communities are experiencing a transformative journey towards sustainable development.
Over recent months, Ven. Pomnyun Sunim has spearheaded a series of initiatives aimed at uplifting rural Bhutan. These efforts, undertaken in collaboration with Bhutan’s royal family and government, seek not only to improve living conditions but also to establish models of sustainable development that could inspire similar projects globally.
Bhutan, known for its unique Gross National Happiness (GNH) approach to development, faces challenges despite its high happiness index. With a focus on good governance, socio-economic sustainability, cultural preservation, and environmental conservation, the GNH philosophy provides a fertile ground for Ven. Pomnyun Sunim’s initiatives.
During extensive surveys of remote communities, Ven. Pomnyun Sunim and his team identified critical areas for intervention. Issues such as housing quality, kitchen safety, and basic household tools emerged as priorities. Ven. Pomnyun Sunim emphasized the need for practical improvements like better insulation against smoke in kitchens and providing essential amenities like mattresses and blankets for those sleeping on floors.
Moreover, economic empowerment through agriculture has been a cornerstone of their strategy. Crops such as oranges, green tea, ginger, and coffee show promise for generating sustainable income, alongside initiatives in dairy and poultry farming. Ven. Pomnyun Sunim’s holistic approach aims not only to enhance economic opportunities but also to foster community self-reliance.
“We must ensure that our efforts are rooted in the needs and aspirations of the people,” Ven. Pomnyun Sunim stated during discussions with Bhutanese officials in Thimphu. These conversations have paved the way for collaborative projects where JTS Korea provides materials, local authorities contribute specialist labor, and villagers actively participate in project implementation.
The challenges faced by Bhutan, including access to clean water, education, and healthcare, have also been central to Ven. Pomnyun Sunim’s agenda. Recognizing the need for sustainable solutions, he has advocated for improved infrastructure and support systems, particularly for the elderly and youth.
Reflecting on his extensive experience in humanitarian work across Asia, Ven. Pomnyun Sunim emphasized the interconnectedness of social progress and spiritual well-being. “Money isn’t everything in life,” he remarked, urging communities to prioritize human connections and collective prosperity over material gains.
As Ven. Pomnyun Sunim continues his work in Bhutan, the focus remains on building a sustainable future grounded in compassion and practical solutions. His efforts not only aim to alleviate immediate challenges but also to inspire a global dialogue on holistic development models rooted in cultural values and environmental stewardship.
In the coming months, as projects take shape and communities thrive, Ven. Pomnyun Sunim’s vision for a harmonious balance between tradition and progress promises to leave an indelible mark on Bhutan and beyond. As the world watches, Bhutan’s journey under his guidance may well offer a beacon of hope and inspiration for a more sustainable future.
