The Spiritual Nation

Perhaps the most dynamic era in Bhutanese history came in the 17th century with the arrival, in 1616, of Ngawang Namgyal, the great leader of the Drukpa School of Mahayana Buddhism.

Just as the kingdom's history is characterized by religious landmarks, the influence of religion is highly visible in every day life of the population. Bhutan is a spiritual nation. Hundreds of sacred monasteries, stupas, religious institution, prayer flags and prayer wheels, which dot the countryside, provide a strong infrastructure and atmosphere for the teachings of their living faith.

Both urban and rural Bhutan, religious ceremonies and rituals are performed regularly and with reverence. On auspicious days Bhutanese families make pilgrimages to monasteries to offer prayers and butter lamps. The horoscope of Bhutanese life is drawn from the scriptures. National and regional festivities, coinciding with the seasons, are major events for the entire population the year round. The Buddhist world, thus, regards the kingdom with special importance as the last bastion of Mahayana Buddhism. Earlier this century, an ethic Nepalese minority, settled in the southern regions of the country, brought Hinduism, which is regarded, in Bhutan as being closely related to Buddhism.


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*KINGDOM OF BHUTAN - LAND OF THE THUNDER DRAGON*
Searching for a reason \| An Unconquered Land \| The Spiritual Nation \| A Rich Culture \| Natural Paradise \| National Pride \| The Journey \| Trek Days \| Finale \| Last Words
	The Spiritual Nation Perhaps the most dynamic era in Bhutanese history came in the 17th century with the arrival, in 1616, of Ngawang Namgyal, the great leader of the Drukpa School of Mahayana Buddhism. Just as the kingdom's history is characterized by religious landmarks, the influence of religion is highly visible in every day life of the population. Bhutan is a spiritual nation. Hundreds of sacred monasteries, stupas, religious institution, prayer flags and prayer wheels, which dot the countryside, provide a strong infrastructure and atmosphere for the teachings of their living faith. Both urban and rural Bhutan, religious ceremonies and rituals are performed regularly and with reverence. On auspicious days Bhutanese families make pilgrimages to monasteries to offer prayers and butter lamps. The horoscope of Bhutanese life is drawn from the scriptures. National and regional festivities, coinciding with the seasons, are major events for the entire population the year round. The Buddhist world, thus, regards the kingdom with special importance as the last bastion of Mahayana Buddhism. Earlier this century, an ethic Nepalese minority, settled in the southern regions of the country, brought Hinduism, which is regarded, in Bhutan as being closely related to Buddhism.