The secret behind the happiness index is high in Bhutan

This Himalayan kingdom is famous for the highest National Happiness index in the world for many years. Death or suffering, seemingly no longer a concern for the people here.

Bhutanese people have to think about death more . five times a day!

On one visit to Thimphu, the Bhutanese capital, Eric Weiner, a journalist who often collaborated with the New York Times, met Karma Ura, who is currently the director of the Bhutan Research Center for some advice. my condition.

Thimphu - the capital of Bhutan.

Lately, Eric often experiences some unpleasant symptoms such as difficulty breathing, dizziness, stiff hands and feet.

Eric feared he was having a heart attack. However, when testing, the doctor concluded that there were no worrisome problems. Perhaps, he is having some psychological problems.

"What can I do to change this situation?" - Eric brought his problem to ask Ura.

"I need to think about death five minutes a day" - Ura replied. "This will help you."

"Why do I need to think about such a sad thing?" - Eric panicked.

"Rich people like you, most have never touched dead bodies, wounds or rotten things. That's the problem."

"Death and illness are part of human life. We need to get used to it. Thus, you will live more calmly and peacefully."

In fact, when giving suggestions, thinking about death once a day, Ura is somewhat "easy" to Eric. In Bhutanese culture, people have to think about death five times a day.

In Bhutanese culture, people have to think about death five times a day.

Understanding death to live better

Some studies show that by thinking about death so often, Bhutanese people will achieve . happiness.

In a study in 2007, two psychologists Nathan DeWall and Roy Baumesiter of the University of Kentucky divided several dozen students into two groups. One group was asked to think about the most painful dental visit in the world, and one group was asked to contemplate their own death.

Both groups then write down their feelings. What is special here is that the group that thinks about death writes more positive feelings than the group thinking about the dental examination story.

This makes researchers come to the conclusion that death is psychologically scary, but when we deeply contemplate it, we will live more fully.

For Bhutanese people too, they are aware that death is part of life, and so they are happy.

Linda Leaming, author of the book "A Guide to Happiness: What I learned in Bhutan about Life, Love and Awakening" , wrote:

"I find that constantly thinking about death doesn't make me sad. On the contrary, it motivates me to live more fully in every moment and look at life in a way I don't usually recognize."

Why do Bhutanese people have a calm attitude towards death?

The reason why Bhutanese people think about death often is because it is everywhere around them.

Unlike many Western countries, Bhutanese do not like to escape the image of death.

So, you will see death images everywhere, from paintings to ritual dances.

One reason Bhutanese people think about death often is because it is everywhere around them . For such a remote and remote country, people easily face death. They can lose their lives on the zigzag roads, dangerous or being attacked by bears, eating poisonous mushrooms .

One more important thing is that the Buddhist faith has penetrated deep into this country, especially the concept of afterlife. If you believe that you have an afterlife, you will be less likely to fear the end of your present life.

Belief in Buddhism has penetrated deep into Bhutan.

That said, it does not mean that Bhutanese people are completely unhappy with death.

Of course they are still afraid and sad.

But, as Leaming says, they don't run away from these feelings.

"In the West, we hate it, we are horrified by suffering and death. We are always looking for ways to protest it."

"In Bhutan, they don't hate it. On the other hand, they accept it. Calm and peace as a part of life."

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