Introduction
The Druk Journal contributes to Bhutan’s growth as a democracy and as a modern nation. It is a vibrant public space in which we encourage our contributors to expand our national discourse by introducing new ideas and concepts into the Bhutanese conversation. Through regular publications, an interactive website, and open discussions after each edition, we engage Bhutanese society in conversation so that all citizens can exchange open and frank views on national policies and issues relevant to Bhutan. The Druk Journal hopes, not only to inform citizens, but to build a community of people who will take an active role, as individuals and as a community, in the development of analytical attitudes toward national policies. It is our hope that participation in such a community will encourage individuals to engage in policy research that can be made available to the government and larger Bhutanese society. The Druk Journal thus serves as a vehicle for the development of a society which is concerned about national issues and wants to participate in the development of policy by thinking publicly and through conversation. Such a community of thinkers will also draw on the experience of other countries in those areas of political, social, economic and cultural experimentation that are relevant to our own concerns. The Druk Journal is a nonpartisan publication. Our purpose is to serve the national interest through the development of serious conversation on issues from every possible constructive point of view. We have no editorial position of our own. We believe that our stated objectives and the means we will use to achieve them are the best way in which we can serve our country and His Majesty The King. We invite all interested citizens and friends of Bhutan to join us. We wish you Good Reading, Good Thinking, and Good Conversation.
Mindful Governance, Mindful Society
Autumn 2025 Volume 11, Issue 2
Table of Contents
Mindfulness
Designing for a Mindfulness Future
Giulia Frittoli
Mindfulness: Timeless Inner Technology for a Full-fledged Life
Lungtaen Gyatso
On Mindful AI
Stephen Torrence
Embodying Authentic Mindfulness at the Level of Governance, Leadership, and Social Well-Being: Bhutan’s Courageous Vision and Unique Opportunity for the Gelephu Mindfulness City
Dr. Joel and Michelle Levey
Mindfulness in Bhutanese Society and Governance- People’s Perceptions
Siok Sian Pek-Dorji
Gelephu as a Model for Mindful Mental Wellbeing and Longevity: Building Cities that Heal
Elzbieta Jablonska
Governance
Bhutan and its “Lost Generation”
Tshering Tenzin Choden
Mindful Policies in Bhutan: Reclaiming Meaning in the 21st Century
Tshering Gyeltshen
Consolidating Mindful Governance in the Kingdom of Bhutan
Kinchho Tshering
Nangkha Nangdrik, Foundation of Mindful and Sustainable Civil Justice System
Tenzin
Mindfulness and Modern Nationhood: The Bhutanese Approach to Governance and Social Harmony
Gautam Makwana and Prof. H. Elizabeth
Society
Contemplative Literacy: Buddhist-Informed Mindfulness for the Digital Era
Katsu Masaki
Toward a Framework for Operationalising Mindfulness Label in Gelephu Mindfulness City
Phub Dem and Ratan Gurung
From Classroom to Nation-Building: How Mindful Teacher Education Can Shape Bhutan’s Governance Future
Kezang Sherab, Chimi Dema, Deki C. Gyamtso, Kinzang Lhendup, and research team
Impact of Mindfulness and Academic Performance on Governance
Ugyen Lhendup
Mindfulness in Education: Re-imagining Schools for Gross National Happiness in Practice
Deki Choden and Tim Huang
