Bhutan - Punakha Dzong

A dzong is a fortress like structure in Bhutan that houses the monk body and, usually, administrative offices as well.

The Punakha Dzong above is significant for many reasons and it magnificence sitting alongside the river in the beautiful Punakha Valley is only one.

Located in the warmer southern region of Bhutan, it is the winter home of the major monk body. As such, it is the headquarters, during those months, of the Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of Bhutan.

The Je Khempo shares power equally in Bhutan with the King, thus making Buddhism an extremely important facet of the Bhutanese point of view. Gross National Happiness with its pillars of respect for the enviroment, respect for Bhutanese culture, intention for good governance and detirmination for a sustainable ecomony seems to be, to me, Buddhism in action.