Bhutanese spirituality, deeply rooted in the Vajrayana form of Mahayana Buddhism, is the very core of the nation’s identity and life, extending far beyond monasteries to permeate all aspects of daily existence and governance. Introduced by Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) in the 8th century, this spiritual tradition emphasizes compassion, mindfulness, ethical living, and the pursuit of enlightenment, visibly manifest in the landscape by prayer flags, spinning prayer wheels, chortens, and the towering dzongs (fortress-monasteries). This national reverence for the sacred guides the country’s unique philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH), which prioritizes spiritual, cultural, and environmental well-being over purely material progress, ensuring that a profound sense of faith and tranquility shapes the rhythm of Bhutanese society.