en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paro_Taktsang
1 correction found
the formal State Religion of Bhutan
Bhutan’s constitution describes Buddhism as the country’s “spiritual heritage,” not as a formal state religion.
Full reasoning
The article’s wording is too strong. Bhutan’s 2008 Constitution does not say Buddhism is the formal state religion. Instead, Article 3 says: “Buddhism is the spiritual heritage of Bhutan” and also says the King is “the protector of all religions in Bhutan.” The same article requires that religion remain separate from politics.
A Bhutan Law Review article discussing the Constitution addresses this exact point, stating that the idea that Buddhism is a state religion is a misconception and that the Constitution makes Buddhism the “Spiritual Heritage of Bhutan; not a State religion.” So describing Vajrayana Buddhism as the country’s formal state religion misstates the constitutional language.
2 sources
- Bhutan 2008 Constitution - Constitute
Official religion Article 3. Spiritual Heritage: Buddhism is the spiritual heritage of Bhutan... The Druk Gyalpo is the protector of all religions in Bhutan... religion remains separate from politics in Bhutan.
- Bhutan Law Review, Vol. 9
The misconception that Bhutan is a non-secular country and that Buddhism is a State religion is totally unfounded. The Constitution clearly states that Buddhism is a Spiritual Heritage of Bhutan; not a State religion.