In a world increasingly consumed by material pursuits and individualism, Bhutan’s monastic communities offer a fascinating counter-narrative, one steeped in mindfulness, simplicity, and a shared sense of purpose. According to the recent Gross National Happiness (GNH) survey, these communities display markedly higher levels of well-being compared to the general population. This invites us to reflect on what constitutes a fulfilling life and how the monastic experience might hold lessons for a society grappling with mental health crises, social inequality, and a growing sense of disconnection.
The survey, conducted by the Centre for Bhutan and GNH Studies (CBS), reveals an overall happiness index of 0.856 within these communities, supported by impressive scores in flourishing, life satisfaction, and subjective well-being. With a happiness score of 7.6 and a life satisfaction rating of 7.23 on a 10-point scale, it is clear that members of these communities enjoy a level of contentment that many outside these walls struggle to achieve. In fact, over 92% of the respondents in monastic settings reported satisfaction levels above 5.
What accounts for such high levels of well-being among Bhutan’s monks, nuns, and gomchens? The answer lies partly in the communal, purpose-driven lifestyle inherent in monasticism. Living within a structured spiritual framework seems to provide these individuals with a strong sense of identity, connection, and meaning—factors crucial to human flourishing. Furthermore, the contemplative practices of meditation and prayer, central to monastic life, have been scientifically shown to enhance mental health and emotional resilience, as reflected in the survey’s finding that 91% of the monastic population enjoys “normal mental wellbeing.”
However, this elevated sense of well-being is not without nuance. The survey raises important questions about the role of education and its impact on human flourishing. Monastic communities scored their lowest in areas linked to wisdom—traits such as creativity, curiosity, and love of learning—which are typically nurtured through modern education. With globalization and modernization seeping into even remote corners of Bhutan, this presents a dilemma: How can monastic education evolve to integrate these vital aspects of flourishing without compromising its spiritual foundations?
Another fascinating aspect of the survey is the high prevalence of social media use within monastic communities. Contrary to the popular belief that monks and nuns are entirely disconnected from the digital world, the data shows that platforms like Facebook and YouTube are commonly used, with more than half of the respondents spending over an hour a day on social media. This raises the question of whether technology is compatible with monastic values, or if it presents a potential threat to the quiet contemplation that defines these communities.
Health, too, emerges as a critical area for reflection. While the majority of respondents reported good health, there are worrying signs of lifestyle-related diseases, such as gastritis and hypertension, particularly among nuns. Additionally, physical inactivity is prevalent, with over 50% of nuns reporting a sedentary lifestyle. These findings suggest that even within a setting devoted to mindfulness, there is a need for greater attention to physical health and well-being.
One of the most striking revelations from the survey is the monastic community’s social attitudes, particularly their levels of tolerance. While monks and nuns may lead lives committed to spiritual growth, their views on issues such as homosexuality, immigration, and other religions reveal significant conservatism. Nearly 43% of respondents expressed discomfort with living next to people of different faiths, and a similar percentage voiced reluctance to have homosexual neighbors. While these attitudes may be reflective of broader societal norms in Bhutan, they stand in contrast to the universal compassion that is a cornerstone of Buddhist philosophy.
Despite these complexities, there is no denying the profound sense of well-being that permeates Bhutan’s monastic communities. In an era when countries around the world are searching for alternatives to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as a measure of success, Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness index offers a compelling model. The monastic experience, characterized by simplicity, purpose, and a focus on mental well-being, challenges the dominant narrative that material wealth and economic growth are the primary pathways to happiness.
As the world faces escalating mental health crises, climate anxiety, and a growing divide between the haves and have-nots, perhaps it is time to look to Bhutan’s monastic communities for inspiration. While not everyone may choose to live the ascetic life of a monk or nun, the principles that underpin their high levels of well-being—community, purpose, and mindfulness—can be adapted to modern life.
In the West, there is a burgeoning interest in mindfulness and meditation, and with good reason. Practices long championed by monastic traditions are now being recognized for their profound impact on mental health and emotional resilience. Perhaps the next step is to take a more holistic view, one that integrates these practices into everyday life while reimagining the role of community and shared purpose in fostering well-being.
As Bhutan continues to modernize, the challenge will be to preserve the unique cultural and spiritual traditions that have made its monastic communities paragons of happiness and flourishing. For the rest of the world, the challenge is to learn from their example—to redefine success not by what we accumulate, but by how we live, connect, and find meaning in an increasingly complex and fragmented world.
