His Majesty The King shared some of the timeless advice his father The Fourth King gave him throughout his growing years, which continue to serve as His Majestyโs compass. His Majesty said the words are from a father to a son, and an insight into the kind of person His Majesty The Fourth King is.
1. Serve the Nation and People with Loyalty and Dedication
There is no greater purpose or higher calling than serving our country and people. You must be willing to make every sacrifice and to uphold duty even above your own life.
2. Safeguard and Strengthen Our Sovereignty and Security
We must do everything to protect, enhance, and strengthen our security and sovereignty. Donโt even let a tiny crack appear; leaving small problems neglected can become dangerous one day. Always be vigilant.
3. Uphold the Dharma
The wisdom and teachings of the Buddha, Guru Padmasambhava, and Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal are our most precious guides for the nationโs journey forward. Always serve the Je Khenpo, our Zhung Dratshang, and all our different religious traditions. Our spiritual heritage forms the very fabric of who we are. It is what holds us together and gives us the identity we value. It makes up the soul of our nation.
4. Preserve and Promote National Identity
As a small nation landlocked between two great powers, our strength lies in what makes us distinct; our language, values, etiquette, and culture. Our people, and particularly our youth, are the ultimate custodians of our national identity and must nurture it for future generations.
5. Protect Our Cultural and Natural Heritage
Our dzongs, temples, sacred sites, and landscapes are our treasures. They must be cherished, protected, and passed down with pride. His Majesty always emphasized the preservation of our architecture, biodiversity, and traditions.
6. Foster National Unity
Our greatest strength is unity – in purpose, in values, and in spirit. United as one family, Bhutanese will always triumph over any adversity.
7. Reject Complacency
We must never grow complacent. The comfort of today must not blind us to the challenges of tomorrow. Complacency sets in very quickly. We fall victim to distractions, lose focus, and take things for granted. That is when we neglect our fundamental responsibilities.
8. Strong People Build Strong Nation
For a strong Bhutan, you must have strong people. Education, knowledge, and reading are powerful means to strengthen our people – to expand minds, deepen wisdom, and prepare for the future. My father would always encourage me to read. He said that no matter what problems we may face, someone has already gone through the same and has the experience to share. Someone has already solved the challenges, and all that wisdom is contained in the pages of a book.
9. Nurture the Young with the Right Values
Our children are the future of Bhutan. Never spoil your children. Teach them good values and discipline. Above all, young children must never take anything for granted. Appreciation is a very good virtue to possess.
10. Uphold Our National Reputation
The reputation of our country is sacrosanct. It must be built, earned, nurtured, and reinforced. Never rely on legacy. During your time, make sure Bhutan is always seen, understood, and respected as a dependable, righteous, truthful, and honest country โ one that is, above all, trustworthy.
11. Establish Good System and Laws
For a just and harmonious society, we must have a good system โ and, even more importantly, very good laws.
12. Always be Adaptive
Finally, one of the most profound pieces of advice I received from His Majesty was that different times require different solutions. Humans have been competent and resilient because they have evolved and adapted. Take this lesson from nature: if our country is to remain strong, dynamic, and well protected, if our collective vision is to build an even more prosperous Bhutan, we must constantly evolve, adapt, and reinvent ourselves. We must be agile.
His Majesty said these are the enduring words of wisdom from his father that he carries with him every day.
