The following is a recent speech by HE Sangay Dorji, Karma Acharya of the Central Monastic Body of Bhutan, in which he outlines his vision for the upcoming Special Administrative Region of Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC).
It is a great honor for me, Sangay Dorji Rinpoche (Karma Acharya), to speak today about the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC)—a vision that embodies hope and reflects the unique identity of Bhutan. During the 2025 National Day, His Majesty the King gave every Bhutanese the important responsibility to represent our country and support the GMC project. Although Bhutan has twenty Dzongkhags, Gelephu is planned to become a very important place, not just a city but a major spiritual center. Gelephu Mindfulness City is not only a religious place; it is a Special Administrative Region and a modern economic hub. At the same time, it is deeply connected to Bhutan’s spiritual values and the principles of Gross National Happiness.
Every nation in the world possesses its own core strength that drives growth and secures its sovereignty. While Bhutan may be a small nation that does not seek to compete on the basis of population, technological mass, or military might, we possess a “most precious jewel” that is unparalleled globally. To the world, Bhutan is the land of GNH—a name that immediately evokes peace and goodwill. The ultimate foundation of our security, our development, and our enduring prosperity is the pure, unbroken lineage of the Buddha Dharma that has been preserved within our borders for centuries. This spiritual purity is the true source of our national resilience and our unique standing in the global community.
Historically, Bhutan has flourished under the Choesi Nyidhen, or the dual system of governance where the secular and the spiritual—led by the Druk Gyalpo and the Je Khenpo—work in perfect harmony to maintain our cultural identity and national unity. We are exceptionally blessed to be guided by a Dharma King, a leader whose authority is defined by compassion, wisdom, and a deep moral responsibility to his people. The Gelephu Mindfulness City is the manifestation of His Majesty’s vision: a sophisticated, world-class gateway that invites the future while remaining unshakably rooted in the spiritual wisdom of our ancestors. Through this project, we prove to the world that economic prosperity and spiritual well-being are not only compatible but are the essential pillars of a meaningful future.
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