The “mindfulness” of Gelephu Mindfulness City is a concept that matured with the growth of Bhutan as a Nation State. And while history is inevitably marked by dramatic transition into new eras, Bhutan’s unique strength has been the intuitive inclination and ability to keep evolution and change firmly in the Bhutanese context.
In the 17th century, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal constructed the Bhutanese polity with a governance structure based on a Kathrim (Charter), now entrenched and appreciated as the foundation of the Bhutanese legal system. Promulgated in 1652, this legal code was drawn from the precepts of Dharma Kings and legal codes of Tibetan Emperors who ruled in the seventh to ninth centuries. British Tibetologist Michael Aris also argued that Bhutanese law originates in the semi-theocratic Tsa Yig legal code, and was heavily influenced through the 20th century by English common law.
The Machhen Lhakhang in Punakha Dzong holds profound historical and symbolic significance. It houses Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel’s relics in a sacred chamber and, for Bhutanese, it is a sanctified venue for important milestones in Bhutanese history.
Over the centuries, generations of Bhutanese celebrated moments when Je Khenpos were ordained, Desis appointed, and Monarchs enthroned in the presence of the Zhabdrung’s sacred relics and the protecting deities of Bhutan. This was the vision that moved the past into the present with clear purpose and it is the same foresight that is shifting gears from the present into the future.
The Zhabdrung’s Kathrim was codified by the 10th Je Khenpo of Bhutan, Tenzing Chhoegyal, as the Legal Code of 1729. Over the centuries, rule of law was firmly established with laws enacted and updated by the Wangchuck dynasty. Among the prominent legal landmarks, the Thrimzhung Chenmo (The Supreme Law) was enacted in 1957 with the symbolic blessings of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel at the Machhen Lhakhang. In 2008, His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck received the Constitution of the Kingdom of Bhutan at the Machhen Lhakhang.
In July, 2013, His Majesty explained to the second elected government: “When my Father and I introduced democracy in Bhutan 2008, the most important objective we had in mind was to establish the rule of law, which would lead to good governance, which would further lead to transparency, fairness and impartiality in the working of the government and the realisation of all our short-term and long-term national goals.”
His Royal Highness Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck received the Royal Charter for the establishment of Gelephu Mindfulness City Special Administrative Region at the Machhen Lhakhang on February 10, 2024; it was a sacred gesture of continuity. With this Charter, Bhutan’s fifth Monarch set sights on a prosperous future and the era of transformation. The Royal Charter elevates Royal vision above and beyond the code of law, with the blessings of the kingdom’s protective deities and the aura of the Raven Crown.
So it is deeply significant that representatives of the GMC board and team members of the Gelephu Mindfulness City were at the granting of what is called “GMC Law No. 1 of 2024, also known as the “Application of Laws Act 2024”, in Punakha Dzong. Intended to position Bhutan as a global leader in mindfulness, sustainability, and innovation, GMC is adopting Singapore common law and Abu Dhabi’s Global Market regulations, drawing from two innovative economic hubs of the 21st century.
This does not mean that Bhutan wants to become versions of Singapore or Abu Dhabi. In fact, the differences between Singapore, Abu Dhabi, and Bhutan are as marked as the sea, sand, and sky. Singapore and Abu Dhabi are amazingly successful 21st century cities. The GMC’s ambitious aspiration is to redefine the concept of a city just as Bhutan has redefined the concept of development, Gross National Happiness being an intended pun on Gross National Product.
So how does it work? Why Singapore? Why Abu Dhabi? If we look at Bhutan’s plans for governance, they are as clear as they need to be. Some of our planners and bureaucrats have brought back the best concepts and terminology from the world’s best universities; they echo the advice of experts from around the world: ease of doing business with one-stop windows; predictable and stable business environment; private sector driving the economy; modern and flexible corporate laws…
The difference is that the Bhutanese governments have proved to be good planners but poor implementers. Singapore implements plans with a famous efficiency that the world of business knows and trusts. Common law and the tough implementation of anti-corruption laws helps rank Singapore high as a credible place for business. Abu Dhabi (ADGM) is known for a unified approach with a central administration implementing regulations efficiently based on a comprehensive legal framework and clear financial regulations.
Does such an intense focus on economic growth contradict or compromise the values of Gross National Happiness? Not if we look beyond the misinterpretation that GNH undermines economic growth. While the ultimate goal of GNH is happiness, sustainable economic growth is an important pillar of GNH. Laws, in this context, are a means to an end. The GMC is about the need to create an environment that is socially stable and economically strong, nurturing values that that time has embedded into the nation’s governance over the centuries.
For the GMC team, the Royal vision is about creating a strong economically vibrant centre within Bhutan as a springboard for economic growth in the country and beyond. The law is hardware. More important, the software is a society that functions mindfully with integrity, efficiency, and corruption-free work ethics.
A city that prioritises mindfulness and sustainability, GMC is an extension of Bhutan’s commitment to values such as interdependence of all life forms. The emphasis on harmony, justice, and the integration of spiritual values into everyday life is a tradition that continues to influence Bhutan today. The GMC will be a just and harmonious society of the 21st century.
The landmark Application of Laws Act 2024 provides the governance framework for the Special Administrative Region (GMC SAR). It reinforces its autonomy and capacity to drive economic development and marks a major step in establishing GMC as a global hub for mindfulness, sustainability, and innovation.
With the GMC Royal Charter granted in February, 2024, the new law integrates Singapore’s common law and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) regulations to govern company incorporation, employment, taxation, and financial services. This framework ensures efficient legal processes for businesses and individuals seeking to operate in the region. Bhutan’s pristine energy and rich culture ensures that GMC not only creates a sustainable and innovative environment for economic growth, but it does so Bhutanese style.
The enactment of GMC Law No. 1 of 2024 marks a new era of economic growth and innovation in Bhutan’s transformation. The wisdom of our forefathers, from Bhutan’s sacred past, is a living guide for posterity. Therefore the ceremony in Punakha Dzong, on December 26, 2004, reflects Bhutan’s unique identity – a harmonious blend of history, spirituality, and innovation – under the enlightened leadership of His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.
Contributed by
Dasho Kinley Dorji