One of the most well-known symbols of Bhutan is Druk (the thunder dragon) which is mentioned in both Bhutanese and Tibetan mythology. In Dzongkha, the local Bhutanese language, their country is called Druk Yul; translated it means ‘the land of Druk’ and an image of the dragon is present on the national flag and the leader of the country is called Druk Gyalpo ‘Thunder Dragon King’. It is clearly a vital symbol to Bhutanese identity but what does it stand for in modern-day Bhutan?
The symbol was used to represent Bhutan from approximately the 17th century but it was introduced much earlier. The dragon was the emblem to the Drukpa Lineage in Tibet, a Buddhist sect, whose leader, Tsangpa Gyare the 1st Gyalwang Drukpa, came to Bhutan in the 10th century to build a monastery. Supposedly as he was travelling over he saw nine dragons and as they flew away there was a clap of thunder and it began to rain flowers. He interpreted this as an omen and thus named the monastery after Druk as a sign of respect. Some versions of the story say it was violent storm instead of the more whimsical raining flowers and flying dragons.
What does the national symbol being so steeped in religious and spiritual notions mean for modern-day Bhutan? And how can we understand that from a western perspective? Even today Bhutan is an incredibly traditional place, everyone must wear traditional dress and all the houses must be built in the traditional manner. The continuation of such a myth as a national symbol can be seen as a testament to the country’s effort to maintain a traditional lifestyle focused on the collective instead of the individual. Furthermore, Buddhism is pervasive in everyday Bhutanese life so a symbol originating from that tradition seems fitting. It is a symbol of resistance by Bhutan against the trudge of modernity.
From a western secular perspective, it seems odd to avoid modernity but when you begin to look at what the country takes to be important you see the logic behind it. Its less about capital and more about nature and the people. It is somewhat a simpler way of life with more of a focus on community and everyone looking out for one another. We may have modern gadgets and technology but Bhutan has a community spirit that we have lost in our quest for profit.
Going Places - Bhutan 