Don’t ask the Bhutanese to explain GNH — watch how they live it instead.
GNH isn’t a theory on a whiteboard; it’s a way of being, quietly embedded in Bhutanese daily life, shaped by Buddhist values, rituals, and an enduring connection to nature and community.
Ask about the Four Auspicious Animals, though, and you’ll touch something deeper. The Tiger, Snow Lion, Garuda and Dragon — three mythical, one real — represent inner qualities that guide personal evolution.
Together, they mirror the Four Pillars of GNH, but also offer a path for reconnecting with ourselves, others, and the world.
1. Reconnecting with Self — The Mindful TIGER
The TIGER walks confidently, aware of every step. No need to anticipate. Just notice. Just breathe.
In Bhutan, I learned that mindfulness isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. I remember walking through quiet villages, where everything invites presence.
“The best way to capture moments is to pay attention. This is how we cultivate mindfulness.”
– Jon Kabat-Zinn
This stage invites us to:
- Shift from autopilot to conscious action
- Respond instead of react
- Calm the noise, refocus the mind
- Anchor awareness in the present moment
2. Reconnecting with Others & the Environment — The Curious Snow Lion
The SNOW LION leaps across Himalayan peaks—playful, open, curious.
In Bhutan, curiosity is a form of reverence. I found myself listening more deeply, observing nature more attentively.
“ The real voyage of discovery… is looking with new eyes.”
– Pico Iyer
This stage is about:
- Moving from intention to exploration
- Awakening all senses to the world
- Building meaningful connections
- Staying open to new ways and ideas
3. Reconnecting with Empathy & Creativity — The Expansive Garuda
The GARUDA soars above, with clarity and courage.
From village artisans to national policy, creativity in Bhutan often arises from deep understanding. I saw this reflected in the art, the people, and even the silence.
“In any art form we seek the experience of going beyond what we already know.”
– Viola Spolin
This stage encourages us to:
- See the whole before acting
- Embrace trial and error
- Adapt with flexibility
- Let insight spark innovation
4. Reconnecting with Inner Wisdom — The Authentic Dragon
The DRAGON leads with truth. In Bhutan, leadership is not domination—it’s alignment, coherence, responsibility.
The Dragon is everywhere: on the flag, in the King’s title (Druk Gyalpo), in the people’s identity as Drukpa.
“The art of communication is the language of leadership.”
– James Hunt
This final stage calls us to:
- Lead with authenticity and example
- Communicate with clarity and courage
- Navigate uncertainty with purpose
- Inspire others through presence and trust
Each stage reflects a GNH pillar:
- Tiger – Environmental Conservation
- Snow Lion – Cultural Preservation
- Garuda – Equitable Socio-Economic Development
- Dragon – Good Governance
In a distracted world, this model invites us back to the essentials: presence, connection, courage, and wisdom.
* Jon Kabat-Zinn, American founder of the stress reduction program MBSR (mindfulness-based stress reduction)
* Pico Iyer, British-born American travel writer, “The Art of Stillness : Adventures in Going Nowhere”
* Viola Spolin (1906 — 1994), American theatre academic, educator and acting coach
* James (Jerry) G. Hunt (1932 — 2008), American professor of Management
On this four-step journey, where do you find yourself right now?
Which quality — awareness, connection, courage or wisdom — is calling you forward today?
