Conventionally, a country’s progress and economic status is measured by how much a country is able to produce. More the quantity of goods it is able to produce, richer is the country and it is true conversely. All the nations around the globe are busy competing amongst each other in this field.
Bhutan reminded the world that there is something more important than the economic commodities which we are craving for; and that is the happiness of the people. In the words of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, “Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross National Product”. We believe that happiness of the people is more significant than the produce of the country. Since then, Bhutan under the dynamic leadership of our beloved kings has been looked upon as an exemplary nation in the world.
Four Pillars of Gross National Happiness (GNH):
Bhutan believes that GNH can be attained by upholding the four main practices which we called Four Pillars of
GNH, namely;
1. Equitable and sustainable socio economic development – This refers to equal distribution of wealth and developments in various rungs of the society and regions around the country.
2. Preservation and promotion of culture – This means that we have to ensure that our unique culture and traditions progress and exist for many years to come.
3. Conservation of our pristine environment – Environmental conservation plays a vital role in making earth a safer place to live for all animals. Therefore, it is of huge importance for everybody to utilize the environmental in a way that is sustainable and we leave a share for future generations too.
4. Good governance – Good management and administration is the key to success and play a major role in upholding the essence of other pillars of GNH.
Alternately, it can also be divided into nine domains as
i. Standard of living,
ii. Education
iii. Health
iv. Time use
v. Psychological well-being
vi. Community vitality
vii. Cultural diversity
viii. Ecological literacy
ix. Good governance.
Educating for Gross National Happiness:
Schools are right places to initiate noble venture and we feel that it is wise to start Educating for GNH here. Everybody in schools should know the values of GNH and leave the system as “a GNH Graduate”.
What are the qualities of a GNH Graduate?
A GNH Graduate should possess the following qualities and skills:
A. At a work place
Choosing right livelihood
Practising right attitude
Practising right conduct in relation with others
Being an inspirational role model, a change agent and a leader
Having joy in work
Being competent and productive
Being mindful
B. As a family member
Pure or Unconditional love
Responsibility within the family
Respect and appreciation for the indigenous value system
Offer intelligence with decision making
High sense of gratitude
Alternately, it can also be divided into nine domains as
As an individual
Resourceful / creative
Confidence
Reflective
Upright
Compassionate and sensitive
C. As a community member
Participate in community activities and services
Participate in cultural events
Mutual respect and care for each other
Take care of community property and its environment
Promote equality and justice
Nurture and care
D. As a citizen
Well informed, aware and actively engaged in democratic activities
Resourceful and creative
Honest, resistant to corruption with a strong sense of justice
Practising right livelihood based on ecological consciousness
Values go beyond the borders of Bhutan
To develop you into a GNH graduate, we at Dashiding have many programs in place. Therefore, you are expected to participate consciously in all activities in school. Some avenues through which
we try to build these qualities in you are:
Practising mindfulness in all activities.
Making the values explicit in teaching of various subjects.
Participating in co-curricular activities with love, empathy, team spirit and perseverance.
Maintaining our school campus including the classroom, laboratories, staff room, library and other areas throughout.
Building a positive state of mind in everybody through transparency, accountability, fairness, kindness, compassion, being approachable and contented all the time.
Respecting your views and concerns when expressed.
Involving you actively in your own learning.
Preparing all assessment process and acquainting you with criteria well in advance.
Try and make you critical thinkers and media literate through various activities.
What makes Dashiding a GNH School?
Aspects of Dashiding that makes it a GNH School are:
We Groom, Nurture and Help (GNH) All to attain that perfect state of Wholesome person, which benefits Self, Parents, Community, Nation and World.
What is Meditation?
It is the art of calming down our minds. “Meditation is effortless awareness in all our actions”.
Benefits of Meditation:
Meditation and mind training is an important element in preparing ourselves into GNH graduate.
Meditation has proven its benefits in learning through enhancement of concentration, memory and self-discipline.
We will benefit from meditation practices by improvement in academics, stress relief and nurturing positive emotions.
Learning the Meditation Posture:
Keep your spine straight (Imagine pulling up the hair at the crown of your head and correct alignment of chin and spine). Ensure that your body is not tilting to one side.
Place hands on lap in meditation pose or rest palms on the knees, elbows extended slightly outwards. Hands should be at equal heights.
Lower your chin slightly so that the neck becomes straight.
Lower the eye lids and keep the eyes focused on a point where the gaze naturally falls. Keep eyes still, gaze relaxed and not forced.
Raise the tongue to rest against the palate and upper row of teeth. Lips rest naturally without strain.
Maintain a slight gap between the rows of teeth to prevent tension development
Sit in full or half lotus posture.
As a GNH student of Dashiding, I shall:
1. Be present in all the school activities like assembly, evening prayers, social works, inter-house competitions, clubs and others.
2. Prepare with paraphernalia and complete all class assignments, home works and tests on time to the best of my ability.
3. Come to school in the appropriate attires as per the joint consensus of parents and school.
4. Take care of all school/classroom property like furniture, windowpanes and electric fittings to benefit more number of children for a longer duration. However, in case of accidental damage, I shall replace or repair, which shall be duly acknowledged by the school.
5. Seek prior written permission authenticated by parents/guardians to stay on leave. Similarly, I may leave during the school hours by duly filling up the “Out Pass Form” provided in this guide book.
6. Refrain from forbidden substances like betel nuts, tobacco, alcohol and other harmful substances.
7. Always remember to turn the lights, fans, and water taps off after use.
8. Be mindful of all my actions and maintain decorum all the time and not make unnecessary noise.
9. Remember that our school is ‘graffiti free’, and commit to remain the same throughout.
10. Respect and love all members as a family.
11. Write examinations in a free and fair manner.
12. Leave behind any gadgets such as iPods, iPads and mobile phones that may intervene in my activities in the school.
13. Carry this guide everyday to school.
14. Write examinations in a free and fair manner.
By following these, I will:
1. Learn the value of punctuality, spiritual wellbeing, faith, dignity of work, participation, team work and cooperation, sportsmanship and life skills.
2. Develop self confidence, respect, readiness, time management, self esteem, punctuality, responsibility, sincerity, accountability and integrity.
3. Respect culture, norms, traditions and decisions.
4. Cultivate civic sense.
5. Take care of your health by discriminating healthy food from unhealthy ones.
6. Be mindful in all your actions throughout the life.
7. Grow with love, affection and compassion for all around you including environment.
8. Become a critical thinker and media literate.