Development with sparks: Placing the hamburger in the mandala

Over the past few decades, Bhutan has seen tremendous developments, stemming in part from modern education. At the same time the country has endeavoured to preserve its culture and identity. However, whereas modern education makes the younger generation think in new terms and concepts, the essence of culture is still presented in essentially the same way as in the past. As a result the bulk of policy makers cannot consider Buddhist and Hindu wisdom in their decision making. Buddhism, once the ordering principle of society, now becomes no more than icing on the cake. Buddhist topping on an..